Student Division

Academy & Academy B

Ages 8+

The Academy program is T.U.P.A.C.'s pre-professional training program.

In Academy, Ballet students are immersed in Balanchine inspired Technique and Aesthetic. This program furthers student's technique and discipline in a rigorous, highly focused, yet nurturing environment. Dancers being training for pointe work, and are required to take supplemental classes in Progressing Ballet Technique, a cross training method developed specifically for ballet dancers. Students will be placed in the appropriate class, based on their skill level. Academy students take between 5 - 7 classes per week.

***Enrollment in Academy requires approval from T.U.P.A.C.'s School Director.

Please email dmorton@tacomaupac.org to schedule a placement class.

Academy students are eligible to audition for the T.U.P.A.C.'s Performing Ensemble. T.U.P.A.C.'s Performing Ensemble performs in two large productions per year. TUPAC's annual holiday production, and a Spring production. TPE also participates in various community performances, dance workshops, and masterclasses experiences with professional dance artist throughout the year.

Sep. 2024 - Jun. 2025

Academy B

Tues/Weds/Thurs 4:30 - 6:00

Academy

Tues/Weds/Thurs/Fri 6:00 - 7:30

Pointe

Tues & Thurs 7:30 - 8:30

with permission of Instructor only

Dress Code

Students may choose to follow the dress code for the gender with which they identify.

Gentlemen/Boys Ballet Class Attire:

Black men’s tights or black dance shorts (must be form fitting), dance belt,

white fitted tee shirt, thin white ankle socks, white ballet shoes (canvas or leather).

Ladies/Girls Ballet Class Attire:

Long sleeve, tank, cap sleeve cotton blend leotards - no shinny, fancy back, skirts or tutus - see front desk reception for class leotard color
Convertible tights colored or dyed to match skin color (no ballet pink)
Canvas or Leather Split Sole colored or dyed to match skin color (no ballet pink)

Tip: To Color shoes, use liquid foundation make-up, paint pens or floral spray paint (Michaels).

Not Permitted: Leotards with ruffles, bows, skirts, bedazzling, flowers or puffy sleeves.

Jewelry should be left at home. Small, stud-style earrings only are allowed,

facial jewelry must be flush with skin.

Where to Buy Apparel and Shoes:

Nudebarre.com

Discountdance.com

Dancewearsolutions.com

Target

T.U.P.A.C.

Hair

Ladies: Hair must be in high secured bun or puff and off of the neck.
Loose hair must be pinned back; hair gel or spray as needed.
Pixie cuts or Afro styles must also be off of the face and neck. We love Afro Puffs!
Men: Hair should not be a distraction. Longer hair must be pulled back or pinned away from the eyes.

Bye-bye Ballet Pink

T.U.P.A.C. is leading the way in embracing and creating racial parity in the ballet community. All of our students wear tights and ballet slippers to match their unique skin tones; we also find that having the legs and feet match the skin on the face and arms, extends the line of the dancer.

Student Division