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JOFFREY WEST

ORIENTATION MANUAL

Josie Walsh and our entire world class faculty are beyond thrilled to connect together to share our passion and expertise with you this summer. It’s been a challenging time in the world, but as humans and artists we are resilient and stronger than ever. You’ve chosen to embark on a journey to expand your knowledge, refine your technique and reach new heights and our world class faculty will not only push you daily but inspire and empower you on your path as emerging artists. Be ready to work hard, embrace the unknown as we are off to a transformative summer!

Sincerely,

JOSIE WALSH

Artistic Director of the Joffrey West Long Beach Intensive

Program Orientation will take place on Mondays prior to your first class on ZOOM. Please check your schedule for the exact time.

Dancers will receive a ZOOM Meeting Link, ID and Password for the student Orientation via their team assignment email that is sent by 6pm est on the Thursday prior to your start date each week. The ZOOM Meeting LOGIN information for Orientation will be different than the login information used for classes. If you haven’t received your team assignment with schedule and orientation information by 6pm est on Thursday please CLICK HERE to request this information.

Program Orientation is mandatory for all students.

Team’s and their corresponding schedules are posted on the dancer portal. The schedules will also be posted on the Band Groups each week. You will be emailed this information weekly by 6pm, est the Thursday prior.

Team Assignment Link

https://summer.joffreyballetschool.com/dancer-portal/team-assignments/ 

Schedule Link

Your schedules are posted on the dancer portal.

Click to view schedule:

https://summer.joffreyballetschool.com/dancer-portal/schedules/ 

If you haven’t received your team assignment with schedule and orientation information by 6:00PM EST on the Thursday prior please CLICK HERE to request this information.

Team Assignment Changes

IMPORTANT: Pre-determined team assignments are based on the dancer's age and the audition score received during the audition tour. The same applies to those who were scored using a digital audition. Instructors are evaluating students at all times to ensure proper team placement so that each student can reach their maximum potential.

To request Team Assignment changes, please contact the Artistic Director or fill out a request to change below using the Team Assignment Request Form. Do not discuss Team Assignment changes with instructors or interns.

Team Assignment Request Form: https://summer.joffreyballetschool.com/dancer-portal/forms/team-assignment-change-request/ 

Joffrey Ballet School will conduct all online classes, orientations and events using the ZOOM application. Each Team Assignment will receive a ZOOM Meeting Link, ID and Password that will be the same for all classes during each week.

Students can access their class by clicking on the ZOOM Meeting link and following the prompts or by logging into the ZOOM application and manually entering the ZOOM Meeting ID and password.

Technical Support Reference Guide

Recommendations for optimal viewing

• It is recommended that all dancers download ZOOM as an application on their computer or phone, instead of using a web browser. In the application, your video will be optimized, ensuring that you are using the settings recommended for your internet connection.
• Light your space to be bright, avoiding a singular, dim light or sources that can shift. Back-lighting, especially from natural sources, makes it difficult for students and instructors to see each other. Try to use light that covers your face and brightens your space, avoiding shadows and glares.
• All viewers are automatically muted when they enter a class. Students must re-mute themselves after speaking. The background noise severely impacts everyone’s ability to hear the instructor and also adjusts the recording to only follow the noise source. It is important, for future viewing, that the video remains on the instructor.

Video/Camera is not working

• If you enter the meeting and your profile picture is displaying instead of your camera, you need to turn your camera on. Click the “Start Video” button on the toolbar at the bottom of your screen.
• If your camera is still not working, test your video to confirm that the correct camera is selected.        

1. Log into the ZOOM application on your computer.
2. Click your profile picture, then “Settings.”
3. Click the video tab.
4. You will see a preview of your camera and you can choose a different camera.
5. If this is successful, but your camera is still not working, close out of all other programs that utilize the camera, such as Photo Booth, Facetime, and other conference software. Then restart your computer.

• The last and final step would be to uninstall the ZOOM client and reinstall the latest version at http://zoom.us/download

Video/Camera keeps freezing/cutting out

If you are experiencing any issues with latency, frozen screen, poor quality audio, or meetings getting disconnected, watch the video below for tips on where to place your router and how to extend the reach of your WiFi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UygPcBCFRrA

Investigate if other users on the same WiFi network are participating in bandwidth-intensive activities. For the device running ZOOM and other devices that share the internet connection, avoid the following during an online classes:

• Large Downloads                                                                                 
• Large Uploads
• Streaming Video (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc)
• Cloud Backups or File Synchronization (OneDrive, Dropbox)
• Other High-Bandwidth Activities

Unable to join the meeting

Band message/email the intern and confirm that you are using the correct link, ZOOM meeting ID and ZOOM meeting password.

JBS understands that this learning environment is completely reliant on technology. Sometimes technical issues make it impossible for students to participate, especially if the video keeps freezing or cutting in/out. Please communicate if you are experiencing technical difficulties.

Each student will receive an invitation to join a Band Group. Band is a communication application that Joffrey Ballet School will use to post information, schedules, updates and events. Students and interns can also use the messaging feature to communicate with each other. This will change weekly.

Band groups will be arranged according to Team Assignments.

If you haven’t received your team assignment with BAND information by 6pm est on the Thursday prior please CLICK HERE to request this information.

Female
Ballet: Black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers and pink pointe shoes. Short ballet skirt for pointe and variations is optional. For Contemporary classes socks,lyrical half sole or jazz slip on shoes.

Other Classes: Dance shorts or pants with a fitted T-Shirt

Male
Ballet: Fitted Shorts and/or Black Tights, T-Shirt (white or black) black and flesh colored ballet slippers

Other Classes: Fitted Shorts and/or Black Tights, T-Shirt (white or black)

• Please ensure a secure dance space free of hazards to avoid slips, trips, falls, or other issues (i.e. move or account for furniture, throw  rugs, pets, siblings, etc.). Instructors have created classwork with a 3x3 space in mind. If dancing in a space that is less than 3x3, you must modify movement as needed for safety.

• Please attempt to mitigate noise and distraction while class is in session. Come prepared for each class and treat your designated space as if it were your personal dance studio.

• Upon entering each ZOOM Meeting, your device will be muted. Please ensure your device is muted for the duration of the class unless asked to respond or discuss.

• Please choose a sturdy barre alternative for any class requiring a barre. i.e.: tabletop, countertop, or chair that cannot easily tip.

• No food, gum, or other choking hazards during class time.

• Please monitor your pace and alert the teacher if there is any trouble completing your work in the space allotted.

• Please follow the Dress Code to the best of your ability. Ballet slippers may not be the best option for everyone. Use your best judgement to determine whether the floor surface is appropriate for socks, barefeet, ballet slippers, or the respective shoe for each class. Dancers may not have all apparel depending on the circumstance; contact the Interns if you would like to discuss the best attire for your space.

• As always, please follow all doctor-ordered restrictions and continue communicating this information by submitting detailed doctor notes.

• For the confidentiality and safety of all of our dancers and faculty, recording of our classes is strictly prohibited. Recordings will be conducted internally and posted for view on our private educational platforms only.

• Please have a guardian monitor your dancer while they are taking class to help ensure safety within your space. Minors must be supervised by their guardian while class is in session.

The performance project will be announced by the Artistic Director via Band and an email shortly. Rehearsal dates and times will be announced by the Artistic Directors and interns via Band.

Joffrey Ballet School will be hosting social events online for students. These events will include activities such as online games, movie nights, dance parties, etc and will be hosted in the evenings on ZOOM.

Information about events will be shared with students on Band.

Contact Information

Summer Staff

Artistic Staff

Faculty

Musicians

Executive Staff

Administrative Staff