Happy New Year! We hope your family had a happy holiday break, and we cannot wait to share 2021 with you. As we jump into our second semester, we have a lot to look forward to as well as some important program updates. Read below for details and upcoming events.

Virtual Week: All classes will transition to virtual delivery for the week of January 4 - 10, 2021. Our virtual week is designed to provide a buffer between holiday travel and engagements so we can continue delivering in-person instruction for the remainder of the season. Additional details were shared via email on January 2nd. 

New Zoom Links: With the start of our second semester, all virtual classes will be set up with fresh Zoom login links. As always, virtual class information will be sent to families via Remind each week. If you’ve saved any previous links from fall semester, please discard these, as they will no longer provide access to class.

Main Division Evaluations: Main Division students were sent mid-year evaluations via email in late December. If you have not received yours or have questions, please contact the Academy Administrative Office.

Parent Observation: The Academy will host a virtual Parent Observation week from February 15 - 21, 2021. Details will be shared in the February newsletter, but please mark your calendar! 

Now that we’ve turned the corner into 2021, summer programs are in sight and will be here before we know it! Academy students receive specialized placement opportunities and priority access to Cincinnati Ballet summer programs.

Summer & Collegiate Intensive
June 21 - July 30, 2021

Cincinnati Ballet’s Summer and Collegiate Intensives partner with professionally aspiring students through an immersive dance experience designed to cultivate their individual potential. Because audition space is limited this season, all PTD and Main Division students eligible for these programs were sent a letter in late December with details about their placement and how to access priority registration. Auditions for new students are now underway, so if Cincinnati Ballet is your program of choice, we encourage you to register early. If you believe you should have received a letter and did not, or if you have questions about registering, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Youth Summer Intensive
June 28 - July 23, 2021

Youth Summer Intensive is a fun and approachable entrée into intensive summer training for experienced young dancers ages 9 & up. Current Academy students eligible to attend do not need to audition and will be sent recommended Division placement in February. New students must audition through one of our virtual audition classes or by submitting an audition video. Further program and audition details will be posted to our website later this month.

General Meeting
January 25 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Topic: Pointe Readiness  

Progressing to pointe work is one of the most exciting goals for female dancers. This month, the Parents Association along with Academy staff and our partners at Mercy Health Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine will discuss criteria for transitioning to pointe, pointe shoe 101, foot care and more! We strongly encourage Main Division Level 2 families to attend, but all are welcome to join us.

Virtual Book Club 
January 11 from 7 – 8 pm
Book selection: Nutcracker Nation  

Join the Parents Association for their first book club event! The virtual book club is designed to be a fun and engaging opportunity to connect with other parents while expanding your knowledge of dance. A Zoom link will be sent to families later this week.

As we return to classes for the second semester, the Academy's focus shifts towards our annual Spring Production. The staff and faculty are committed to providing a year-end performance opportunity this season knowing it may take one of several different forms in order to execute it safely. Performance is an integral part of our students' dance education, and we look forward to sharing much more detail in the weeks ahead about the options we’re pursuing to make Spring Production a reality for our students. 

Children's Division Costume Measurements: Children's Division families who are currently engaged in in-person classes were sent an email last week with details about submitting costume measurements for their student. Measurements must be submitted via this form by January 15. 

Class Enrollment: It’s not too late for new students to join the Academy this year, but close of enrollment is right around the corner! Do you know someone looking to begin ballet classes or expand their training? If so, please invite them to visit our website for registration information or contact the Academy staff at 513.562.1111 or cbacademy@cballet.org with questions.

Schedule Changes: January 15 is the final day for currently enrolled students to submit schedule change requests. We know a new year can bring new family commitments or a change in school schedules. If you need to adjust your class schedule, you can do that now by submitting a Schedule Change Form to us at cbacademy@cballet.org.

Trial Classes: Our series of FREE trial classes for prospective students ages 2 through 7 continues into the early part of this month, and a few spaces remain for interested students. Thank you for helping to spread the word about this opportunity and helping us reach new dancers!

Spring Session Enrollment: After a fantastic fall semester, we’re excited to return in February for our second session of Ballet Moves this spring. Registration is open now! Links and instructions were sent via email to all returning students in December. With questions about spring classes, placement, or how to register, please email education@cballet.org or call 513.562.1124. 

Ballet Moves Trial Classes: We are thrilled to announce that Ballet Moves will be offering two free virtual trial classes! Ballet Moves is designed to foster a love of dance and creative expression for individuals with specific needs. Cincinnati Ballet partners with Cincinnati Children’s Department of Physical Therapy to offer classes for children ages 4 and up with Down syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. Know anyone who might be interested in Ballet Moves? A virtual trial class is a great opportunity for new dancers to sample the class from the comfort of home. More details below:

January 16 @ 10 am
January 21 @ 4:30 pm

January 4 - 10: Virtual Week

January 11: Parents Association Virtual Book Club 

January 15: Tuition Payment Due (4 & 8 Installment Plans)
Schedule Change Deadline
CD Costume Measurements Due

January 16 & 21: Ballet Moves Virtual Trial Classes

January 18: NO CLASSES - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 25: Parents Association General Meeting

February 15 - 21: Virtual Parent Observation

OTTO M. BUDIG ACADEMY  |  1555 Central Parkway  | cbacademy@cballet.org  |  513.562.1111