Vaganova
International Program
Please note: This handbook may be subject to changes. Families will be notified of any updates through the Parent Portal and by email. We ask that you remain open-minded — any changes made are always in the best interest and benefit of the students and the program.
Handbook Rules commitment
All students and parents, by signing up to Vaganova International Program 2026, agree to abide to all rules described in this VIP Handbook. By registering to VIP Las Vegas 2026 Program, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted all polices, rules, and expectations set out in this document.
Welcome to VIP
Download the "Rebel Safe UNLV" app. All students MUST download this app — it connects to UNLV Police and sends emergency campus alerts.
For health emergencies, call 911. Use Blue Light pole stations around campus.
Our Mission
The mission of Vaganova International Program (VIP) is to provide exceptional training in a fun and nurturing environment.
Our Intensive Program will include classes in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Contemporary, Contemporary Repertoire and One on One sessions where each student will have the opportunity to be coached by VIP's exceptional artistic faculty — who have trained and coached some of the top dancers around the world.
At VIP, we live our commitment that dance is for everyone and we value people of all ages, abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, socio-economic levels, and languages.
This handbook is intended to guide you through VIP policies, rules, and regulations. Each registered student and/or parent/caregiver must read the handbook carefully and thoroughly. By registering to VIP Las Vegas 2026, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted all policies, rules, and expectations set out in this document.
Artistic Directors
Alexei Moskalenko — VIP Founder and Artistic Director
Natalia Bashkatova — VIP Founder and Artistic Director
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is the official communication channel between VIP and families. It is the recommended way to access fast, reliable, and up-to-date information about your child's program.
A Portal invitation will be sent to each parent by email. You will be required to use the same email address used during registration to access your account.
What the Parent Portal provides
- Your child's personalized schedule — classes, One on One sessions, and all activities
- Real-time status of submitted forms and registration documents
- Lunch program registration and payment link
- Roommate request (for students staying on campus who have paid for housing)
- Program updates, announcements, and important communications
- Detailed information about the program specific to your child's level and enrollment
Please watch for your Portal invitation email and set up your account as soon as it arrives. If you do not receive an invitation, contact us at admin@vaganovainternationalprogram.com.
Important Forms
All participants (or their parents/guardians if under 18) are required to complete the VIP program forms before the start of the program. A thorough review of all registration records will be conducted, and each family will receive a personalized link via email to sign any forms that are not yet on file. Please watch for this email and complete your outstanding documents promptly.
The following forms are part of the VIP registration process:
| # | Form / Waiver |
|---|---|
| 1 | VIP Summer School Liability Waiver |
| 2 | VIP Communicable Disease Acknowledgement (COVID-19) |
| 3 | Authorization to Leave Lodging (Underage Students) |
| 4 | Field Trip Transportation Release |
| 5 | Emergency Transportation Authorization |
Key Resources for Dorm Students
For Chaperones & Onsite Staff
- Protecting Children is What We Do
- UNLV Non-Student Minors on Campus Guidelines
- Each chaperone must read and sign: Protection of Minors on Campus Code of Conduct
Health & Insurance
No participant can attend the course if carrying an injury or illness that will prevent them from fully participating, or if participating poses a risk to their health or the health of others. The judgment of the administration is final. No fees will be returned in case of injury/illness. We recommend personal insurance that covers these situations.
Medical Insurance
All participants should take adequate medical insurance to cover any possible medical expense during the whole duration of their travel and stay. VIP program cannot pay or facilitate financially in any way medical treatment for participants.
Weather in Las Vegas
The weather in Las Vegas can be extremely hot and dry in late June/early July.
- Wear appropriate clothing and high SPF sunscreen
- MUST bring a refillable water bottle — UNLV has hydration stations throughout campus
- MUST bring a sun umbrella for shade while walking to classes
Level Placement by Age
Level Adjustments
Our faculty will evaluate each level and may move a student to a different level prior to the start of the program. Students may also be moved after the first two days based on teacher recommendations. Any adjustment is made with the student's best interests in mind.
Schedules & Locations
Each student's detailed schedule — including class assignments, One on One sessions, and other activities — will be published directly on the Parent Portal, specific to your child. Please note that some studio locations may change for the period of June 24–27.
Schedules will also be posted on the VIP website once the Portal invitation has been sent. Check the website, Parent Portal, and social media regularly for any updates.
One on One Sessions
Students will be divided into four groups for One on One sessions. Each student will be assigned to one specific group upon arrival.
Groups will be named by level and group number (e.g., "L1 OoO – Group 1"). Each group consists of approximately 8–9 students and will have a one-hour session each day, with the time rotating every other day.
Please note that one group each day will have their session during the Contemporary class time (rotating). Check your group schedule carefully to confirm your assigned times.
Campus & Parking
Key Buildings
| Building | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MPE Building | Studios 302, 506 |
| HFA Building | Studios 111, 124, 126, 206. (Day 1 Orientation + Final Performance take place in 111) |
| Tonopah Residence Complex | Student dormitory (dorm students only) |
| Dayton Residence Complex | Student dormitory (dorm students only) |
| Hazel M. Wilson Dining Commons | Lunch (all); Breakfast & Dinner (dorm students) |
| SRWC | Recreation Center — June 21 Meet & Greet venue |
| Eugene R. Warner Building | Dorm key pick-up |
Walking distance between MPE, HFA, and the Dorm/Dining Commons is approximately 7–10 minutes. Choose shaded paths and bring a sun umbrella.
Parking
Parking is very limited throughout campus. Plan ahead.
- All campus parking lots
- Parking near HFA: unlv.edu/maps/hfa (can also walk to MPE from here)
- Parking near MPE: unlv.edu/maps/mpe
- Some free street parking available across from HFA building
June 21 parking (5–8 PM Meet & Greet at SRWC): Details pending — park near HFA and walk to SRWC. Update coming a few days before June 21.
General Conduct
Keep spaces clean, label belongings. VIP is not responsible for lost items.
Stay disciplined and open to instructor feedback.
Kind and courteous behavior. Mindful of different viewpoints and cultures.
Walk only in groups of 3 minimum at all times on campus.
We ask that families accept the following responsibilities
- Ensure punctual transportation (if student is not staying in dorm), maintain regular attendance and respect the relationship between your child and VIP Staff.
- Check daily www.vaganovainternationalprogram.com for any last-minute updates.
- Understand that teachers may need to physically help your child with body placement/position. This is always done in a caring and professional manner. If a student is not comfortable with physical contact from an instructor, they should make it known to the teacher or VIP Staff.
- Respect the professional judgement of the VIP faculty regarding your child's placement in one age group or another. Every child develops differently both physically and cognitively. The decision to retain or advance a student to a different level can be done in the first 1–2 days and is made with careful consideration keeping the child's best interest in mind.
- Bring any problems or potential issues to VIP's attention in a timely fashion to ensure all students' needs are being met and addressed. Please email admin@vaganovainternationalprogram.com or talk to VIP's staff or teacher/s to set up an appointment.
- Be sure your child is aware of all VIP policies and the behavior that is expected of them while creating a supportive environment in the school and classroom. Help ensure that your child follows the correct dress code and participates in scheduled events.
Student Responsibility:
It is the student’s responsibility to confirm their level and class location. You can verify this information at any time by checking the schedule on our website or the campus map. Students must check VIP website and Social Media regularly for any possible updates!
Parents Responsibility:
Please ensure students are dropped off and picked up on time. We recommend allowing extra time for campus parking and walking. Due to the high volume of activities, parents may not enter the MPE building at all during the day from 9-5. HFA buildings you may briefly enter the foyer to drop off in the mornings; and for pick up you may arrive up to 30 minutes before pickup. Finally, please ensure all necessary forms are completed and that your child has their medical information available for emergencies. Ensure your child is aware of all VIP policies and the behavior expected of them.
For questions not covered in this document, please contact directly admin@vaganovainternationalprogram.com
Dress Code & Dancewear
Ballet — Women
- Pink tights, pink soft ballet shoes, pointe shoes
- Age 11: minimum 1 year on pointe experience
- 10 years and younger: pointe not recommended
- Class: any black leotard
- July 3 Performance: black spaghetti strap leotard
- Optional: white practice tutu or long dress tutu (One on One sessions)
Ballet — Men
- Black tights, black shoes
- Class: white or black t-shirt
- July 3 Performance: white t-shirt
Contemporary — Women
- Class: pink rolled-up tights, pink soft shoes, any color leotard, black shorts (optional), tan socks
- July 3 Performance: black spaghetti strap leotard
Contemporary — Men
- Class: black tights, black soft shoes, any color t-shirt
- July 3 Performance: white t-shirt
Name Tags: All students receive a name tag on arrival day. It must be worn at all times in the studios. Report any lost name tag to your chaperone or VIP staff immediately.
Local Dancewear Shops
- The Dance Shoppe — 6070 S Rainbow Blvd #9, Las Vegas, NV 89118
- Dolce Dancewear — 8200 S Maryland Pkwy Suite 120, Las Vegas, NV 89123
- Capezio Las Vegas — 4960 S Fort Apache Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89148
Arrival & First Day
Please note that there is some free parking available directly across the street area from HFA building, with a very safe crosswalk. Please note that we cannot be held responsible if you cannot find parking space, so we suggest you arrange other possible means of transportation to the orientation that do not require parking, like a taxi or Uber.
Arrival on June 21 (Recommended for Dorm Students)
All students receive a VIP Name Tag at the welcome meeting — wear it at all times in studios.
Arrival on June 22
If you arrived on the 22nd, proceed to Building HFA (📍 Alta Ham Fine Arts) for a Welcome Meeting at 8:15 AM for all parents and students. Classes begin at approximately 9:15–9:30 AM (detailed schedule will be available on the parent's portal).
Last Day — July 3
Special schedule applies. Parents and guests should arrive at HFA Studio 111 (📍 View on map) at approximately 3:00 PM. Full July 3 schedule will be announced at the end of the first week.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
For non-dorm students: parents drop dancers off at the building where their first class begins -this info will be available on the parent's portal under schedule- and pick them up at the building where their last class ends.
HFA Building
Parents and visitors may enter the HFA Building entry foyer for drop-off and pick-up only. Do not remain in the foyer. Parents are not permitted to observe classes — exceptions are Day One Orientation and the Final Day Performance (both in HFA Studio 111).
Very limited visitor parking next to HFA. Street parking available across the street. View parking map →
MPE Building
Parents and visitors are NOT permitted inside the MPE Building during program hours. You are welcome to walk your dancer to the entrance doors.
Limited visitor parking in Lot L, 896 E. Harmon Ave. Use only clearly marked visitor spaces. MPE Building map →
Lunch
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Please make sure that you check all meal options offered at the catering facilities to ensure that the option you choose meets your specific dietary requirements. Students who need to carry an Epipen due to a severe food allergy must report this in the healthcare waiver form and let VIP staff know, including supervisors and teachers, of their condition, as well as make them aware where they store their Epipen. Students and their guardians must be aware that VIP does not take any responsibility for emergency use of these devices by VIP staff.
Non-Dorm Students
Please send lunch with the student in a lunch box (add ice if needed). Optional: meet your child during lunch break and walk together to any food places on campus. Please have a sun umbrella for outdoor walking.
Lunch Program Option for Non-Dorm Students
Non-dorm students may join the residential lunch program at the Hazel M. Wilson Dining Commons.
| Cost per meal | $20.00 |
| Days available | All 11 days of the intensive |
| Total program cost | $22.00 |
| Credit card payment (4% fee) | $228.8 |
How to register & pay: The lunch program must be requested through the Parent Portal. Once requested, a payment link will be sent to you. Registration and full payment must be completed by June 5, 2026.
Students must not walk alone. Bring a sun umbrella.
Dorm Students
Students can walk without chaperone ONLY after confirming with your chaperone and ONLY with minimum 3 per group.
After last class before lunch break finishes, students will have a few minutes to get together, then the chaperone checks if all present and all together walk to the Dorm lunch place. Students can purchase lunch in the Commons (even if they not staying in dorms) – only IN ADVANCE! ONLY pre-paid lunch students may enter the Dining Commons. Please have a sun umbrella handy for outdoor walking during the lunch period.
Payments & Refunds
All fees must be paid in full before June 5, 2026. No student will be allowed to participate if there are any outstanding payments. For questions: admin@vaganovainternationalprogram.com
Withdrawal must be communicated in writing (email to admin). The percentage refunded depends on when withdrawal is communicated:
| Deadline | Refund |
|---|---|
| Before May 15, 2026 | 50% tuition fee, 0% lodging fee |
| After May 15, 2026 | No refund |
Participants are advised to take personal insurance covering withdrawal due to injury, illness, or other circumstances preventing attendance.
Private Lessons
Ballet Private Lessons
- Teacher Selection: You must select at least two teachers for each request, indicating a first and second choice. While we will make every effort to accommodate your preferences, the availability of specific teachers is not guaranteed.
- Day selection: You will have the opportunity to choose up to 3 private lessons. If we have too many requests, we cannot guarantee that all 3 privates will be scheduled. If you prefer to have more than 3, please email us at least one week before June 22, and we will check on time availability.
- To make sure that we can match each private with the requested teacher, we will assign time for each lesson.
- Lesson Structure: To accommodate more students, lessons will be structured in one-hour sessions for groups of three students per each 1 hour session. We will do our best to assign each group to one of your preferred teachers.
- Faculty (June 22–June 26): Alexei, Misha, Maria
- Faculty (June 27–July 2): Natalia, Alexei, Nadezhda
- Fee: $100 per dancer per lesson/session, payable directly to the teacher in cash. Please place payment in an envelope marked with the dancer’s name.
- Requirements: Dancers must arrive warmed up, prepared with a solo, and provide their own music on a personal device.
Contemporary Private Lessons & New Solo Choreography
- Faculty (June 22–June 26): Maxwell
- Faculty (June 27–July 2): Andrea
- Contemporary Technique (30 min): $100 per dancer per lesson.
- New Contemporary Solo Choreography: Includes four 1-hour sessions. Only five spots are available per teacher on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon registration, we will provide the teacher’s contact information so you can discuss costs and details directly.
Registration for Privates: Link to register will be posted on our website a few weeks before the program starts.
Please note that due to limited time and faculty availability, we cannot guarantee that all requests will be processed.
Private Lessons After Hours Procedures
For boarding students:
Upon arrival, please notify your assigned chaperone of all scheduled private lesson times and studio locations. If any lessons are added or changed during the intensive, you must inform your chaperone immediately.
Please plan your dinner schedule carefully around your private lesson times. Be sure to allow enough time to walk back to the appropriate studio before your lesson begins. Students should arrive at their private lesson location at least 10 minutes early.
If you plan to eat dinner at the Dining Commons, you must leave the Commons no later than 20 minutes before your scheduled lesson time in order to return to the studio on time.
For example, if your private lesson begins at 6:00 PM, there may not be enough time to walk to the Commons, eat dinner, and return to the studio before your lesson. In this case, students should remain at the studio after class, wait for their lesson, and go to dinner afterward.
Please also keep in mind that the Dining Commons closes at 8:00 PM each evening, so plan accordingly.
For NON- boarding students:
Non-boarding students with scheduled private lessons must plan their dinner and break times carefully around their lesson schedule.
Students may either:
Be picked up by a parent/guardian during their dinner break
Remain on campus in the studios until their lesson is over. Parents will need to provide additional snacks or a packed dinner meal for their dancer on private lesson days.
Dancers can go to the Student Union Building with a buddy to wait and purchase food ONLY IF a parent/guardian has completed and signed the required waiver permitting their dancer to go to the Student Union Building with a buddy
Students without a signed waiver on file will not be permitted to leave the studio area where VIP Staff are present. Please also remember to allow enough time for students to return to their assigned studio 10 minutes before their scheduled lesson time.
Airport Transfers
Vaganova International Program understands that some parents may not be able to travel with their minor dancers. For your convenience, below is information for a licensed transportation company that we have spoken with directly regarding student airport transportation.
LV All In Shuttle is conveniently located inside baggage claim at Harry Reid International Airport and is familiar with transportation to the UNLV campus. Parents are welcome to contact them directly and mention Vaganova International Program when arranging transportation for their dancer.
VIP negotiated rate: $196.06 (one way) — please mention VIP when booking.
LV All In Shuttle
4047 Ponderosa Way, Las Vegas, NV 89118
Phone: (725) 204-9144
Email: help@lvallinshuttle.com
If you arrange transportation for your child through this company, please also notify us through the Parent Portal. VIP staff will remain in communication with the shuttle service throughout the arrival process so we are aware of your dancer's arrival time and expected arrival at UNLV.
Code of Conduct
- All students must abide by VIP rules at all times
- Arrive on time for all classes, rehearsals, and activities
- Act respectfully toward students, staff, UNLV employees, and all people on campus
- Report any damage to installations immediately
- Notify VIP in writing of any absence (call chaperone + email admin)
- Keep valuable items in your lodging room
- Mobile phones must be switched off during class time
- No smoking or vaping in or around studios, dorms, or the cafeteria
- Students may NOT use rental scooters on campus
- NO Alcohol permitted anywhere on campus
Minor Offences
Serious Offences
Three minor offences and/or any serious offence will result in a discussion with VIP founders. Parents will be informed. Students may be suspended or expelled.
Field Trip — Cirque du Soleil: Mystère
Registration and a signed release form are required to allow a VIP staff member to drive dancers to the venue (approximately 1.5 miles). Registration link and form will be shared via the VIP website and email.
All times are approximate and subject to change. Updates will be communicated via the VIP website and email.
In-Boarding & Keys
Curfew: 8:45 PM every night. Students staying in the dorm are NOT ALLOWED to leave campus without written permission.
Key Pick-Up — June 21
Go to the Eugene R. Warner Building from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Each student must pick up their own key and sign in with UNLV personally. Parents are welcome to help with move-in.
If you arrive after 8:00 PM, email us before 8:00 PM with subject: "Request for Key on June 21 – [Student Full Name]" — a VIP staff member will meet you. You cannot pick up a key after 8:00 PM without prior notice.
UNLV charges $50.00 for a replacement key if lost.
Luggage Storage Before 2:00 PM
Students arriving early can store luggage at the Eugene R. Warner Building (map) until key pick-up time. Luggage is stored in a secure room with staff onsite, but at your own risk — UNLV and VIP are not responsible for lost items.
Linens
Dancers MUST bring their own linens. Beds are Twin XL — regular twin sheets will not fit. Two flat sheets also work. Also bring: pillow, blanket, towel, and a small bath mat is recommended.
Laundry
Laundry facilities are available FREE of charge at all lodging locations. Bring your own detergent (detergent sheets recommended for travel). Standard large-drum top loaders — no HE requirement.
Dorm Life & Meals
Supervision & Chaperones
- Students divided into groups, each with one assigned chaperone
- One VIP staff coordinator in daily communication with all chaperones
- Each student receives their chaperone's phone number and the VIP coordinator's number
- All important numbers distributed at the June 21 (5–8 PM) and June 22 (8:15 AM) orientation meetings
Meals — Dorm Students
Meals are at the Hazel M. Wilson Dining Commons (4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas). Walk with your assigned chaperone as a group — never walk alone. Buddy system: minimum 3 students, always check in with chaperone first.
Food Allergies
Check all meal options for dietary requirements. Students with a severe food allergy requiring an EpiPen must report this in the healthcare waiver and inform VIP staff, supervisors, and teachers where their EpiPen is stored. VIP takes no responsibility for emergency use of these devices.
Rooming Preferences
This Option will be available on the Parent Portal. Both students must be registered in the same program, and both must submit the request. Preferences are met when possible but not guaranteed.
Set clear expectations with your roommate: mutual respect, tidiness, consideration for sleep schedules. Raise any issues with your chaperone immediately.
Recreation
UNLV Campus offers a gym at the Recreation & Wellness Centre (SRWC).
Students over 18 years of age may contract directly with UNLV for SRWC services. Students under 18 should check with VIP staff about access.
Several restaurants and fast-food outlets are located on campus. Some parents may provide an allowance for these expenses.
Buddy system required at all times. Walk in groups of a minimum of 3 students, and only after checking in with your chaperone.
Dorm curfew: 8:45 PM. Dorm students may NOT leave campus without written permission.
What to Pack
Label all belongings. Bring only what you can carry independently. Avoid valuables or irreplaceable items.
Provided by UNLV
Twin XL bed, desk & chair, closet, bureau, overhead lighting, wireless internet.
Interactive Packing Checklist
Click items to check them off as you pack.
Electronics & Practical
- Laptop or tablet
- Phone & charger
- Headphones or earbuds
- Power strip or extension cord
- Alarm clock or watch
- Camera (optional)
- Extra charging cables
- Portable battery pack
Room & Sleeping
- Twin XL sheets (NOT regular twin — won't fit)
- Pillow & pillowcase
- Blanket or comforter
- Desk fan (strongly recommended — rooms can be warm)
- Small bath mat
Daily Living
- Backpack or day bag
- Reusable water bottle (MUST)
- Small umbrella — sun protection (MUST)
- Sunscreen (high SPF recommended)
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Laundry bag + detergent sheets
Shower & Hygiene
- Shower caddy
- Bath towels & washcloth (NOT provided)
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Shower shoes / flip-flops (required)
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair dryer or styling tools
- Skincare & moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
Leisure
- Books or reading material
- Cards or small games
- Snacks for travel
❌ Items NOT Permitted on Campus
- Open flames, heating coils, candles, incense, space heaters, grills
- Alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia
- Explosives, firearms, knives, or weapons of any kind
- Ceiling decorations
- Tobacco products, vapes, or vape pens
This handbook may be subject to changes. Families will be notified of any updates through the Parent Portal and by email. We remain committed to providing the best possible experience for every student, and any changes made are always in their best interest.