FAQ

What is The Schlachte Method™?
The Schlachte Method™ was developed to help all children (regardless of their abilities, disabilities, strengths and weaknesses) learn and reap the benefits of a classical ballet education. Every child has natural abilities that can be used as a springboard to acquire new skills and enhance their personal sense of accomplishment. To this end our methodology synergizes a wide variety of approaches that accommodate different learning styles (visual, auditory, vestibular) and different levels of emotional intelligence. Please see The Schlachte Method.pdf for more details.

What are the possible benefits of The Schlachte
Method™ for children with special needs?
• Social Skills development
o Eye contact
o Reciprocity
o Interaction with peers and adults
o Improvements to self-confidence and self-esteem
• Proprioceptive/vestibular/tactile development and stimulation
• Motor planning, balance, sense of center, and hand-eye coordination
• Self-Discipline: extended visual, physical, and mental attention/focus
• Abstract information processing, sequential memory, and recall
• Indirect music therapy-like benefits resulting from both the auditory discrimination and
internalization of rhythmic cues, and, in turn, expression of gestures and motion in response to the music.
Please see Benefits.pdf for more details.

Are you able to accommodate any child regardless of their diagnosis?
We’ve been very successful with individuals on the Autism Spectrum; with the Learning and Developmental Disabled; with individuals with anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, ADHD, and with neuro-typical children as well. Please contact our Director, Bonnie Schlachte at bonnie@balletforallkids.com, if you have any questions regarding accommodations for your child.

Why is it important to have my child to class on   time?
In order to gain the full benefits of instruction children must arrive to class on   time. Latecomers (aside from being disruptive to others) miss out on important
lessons that are often cumulative. Being timely for personal commitments is an
important social skill. It teaches responsibility, and a respect for others and
one’s self.

What kind of time commitment is needed?
As with any art form, results are not always immediate. Benefits such as self
discipline and focus emerge over an extended period of time (and often require
committing to the process when it is no longer easy or ‘entertaining’). As an
example, a popular maxim recommends a commitment of twelve consecutive
weeks to develop new, positive habits. If your child needs to take time off,
please let your instructor know as soon as possible. We cannot hold spots
without prior approval.

What is the dress code and why is it important?
Girls:
Pink cap short-sleeved leotard, pink skirt, pink cotton scrunchie, pink ballet socks or tights, and pink full-soled ballet shoes (Bloch or Capezio).  
Boys:
Black tight shorts, white form-fitting shirt, white ballet socks, and white ballet shoes Bloch or Capezio).

Hair must be neat and off the face at all times. Girls with long hair should wear it in a bun if possible. No jewelry should be worn during ballet class.
It is important to be in the proper attire so that the instructors can see the body and therefore know how to correct technique. Dress codes also offer an opportunity to teach grooming and self care skills.
Does my child have to watch the DVD?
The DVD assists with sequencing, transitions, and basic ballet technique instruction. Students will get the most from classes if they practice the DVD at least twice a week. If the DVD becomes an aversive, please inform your child’s instructor.

Will my child have the opportunity to participate in
recitals?
Ballet For All Kids has been invited to participate in several recitals given by local
studios. It is our belief that the process of preparing for these productions, not
simply the outcome of the dance numbers,is beneficial to the children. Recitals
give children the opportunity to participate in a full theatrical production and
receive the recognition of the community while building confidence and
self-esteem. 
What is your class schedule?
All classes are currently held on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Contact us
at info@balletforallkids.com if you are interested in trying out a class or being put
on a wait list. Please see our Facebook page for current schedules and pricing.

Do you offer scholarships?
Ballet For All Kids offers limited scholarships based on financial need. Please
contact us if you would like to apply.

How do I volunteer for Ballet For All Kids?
We are always looking for committed volunteers. If you are interested, please
e-mail us at info@balletforallkids.com. Volunteers under the age of 18 will need
a signed parental consent form prior to assisting in the classroom.

Can I become a certified instructor in The Schlachte Method™? Individual certifications in The Schlachte Method™ are available on a case by case basis. Successful applicants will need to be proficient in both ballet instruction and working with children. The certification process focuses on Developmental Disabilities awareness, Positive Behavioral Supports, classroom management, prompt levels to teaching ballet technique, and visual alternative ballet technique. Certifications will require both classroom/curriculum work and observation of teaching children with special needs. See The Schlachte Method tab of this website for more details. If you are interested please contact Bonnie Schlachte at 805-524-5503 or at bonnie@balletforallkids.com.

How can I assist with further with Ballet For All Kids?
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we are accepting donations to assist with our scholarship fund and on-going operations.

Where can I get supplemental material on the method and its benefits?
See our piece in for more information.

Visit us on

See PDFs below:

Therapeutic Benefits

The Schlachte Method™

Frequently Asked Questions