frequently asked questions

~can my 2 year old take class?

We start students at age 3.  Most students are ready for the structure of dance class by age 3 although a few do better to start a little later.  We can usually tell within the first 3-4 weeks of class if they are ready or not. 

Our PreDance Combo Classes are grouped in 4 levels-

• Level A-  3-4 year olds with no dance class experience
• Level B-  4 year olds with dance class experience & 5-6 year olds with no dance class experience
• Level C-  5-6 year olds with two to three years dance class experience
• Level D-  Also known as Ballet/Tap, is a transition year for our 6-8 year olds between the PreDance Combos and Open Division classes.

~do I need to wear anything special or are shorts and a t-shirt okay for class?

All students are required to be in dance clothes, a leotard and tights are preferred for girls.  Just like the uniform worn for sports teams, your leotard is your dance "uniform."  The type of shoes needed depends on the type of class.  For more on our complete dress code, click here.  We have a variety of dance shoes available for sale at the studio or we can direct you to other retailers in the area if needed.

~how long are your sessions?  when can I sign up?

Our main session runs with the school year, late August or early September through early June.  Our main session ends with our annual recital.  Sign-up begins in June for the following fall and we close registration once costumes are ordered in December. 

We also offer two or three short sampler sessions during the summer months.  The summer sessions usually run 3-5 weeks.  Sign-ups for summer classes begin in May.  There is no recital for our summer sessions, but parents are invited in to watch class the last class of each session.

~i'm thirteen and have never taken dance class.  will I be in class with 6 year olds?

We have beginning level classes for ages 3-adult.  Above the PreDance Combo levels they are grouped as listed below.  Then within the different age levels, there are also different ability levels.   Our basic age guidelines are-

• Primary Level-  1st-3rd graders
• Elementary Level- 3rd-5th graders
• Tween Level-  6th-9th graders
• Senior Level-  9th-12th graders
• Adult Classes-  16 year olds and up

~why am I in the same level as I was last year?

Our syllabus is set up so that students above the Combo classes spend at least 2 years in each level.  One year to be exposed to the curriculum and one year to master the steps learned.  This varies some of course with individual students, some may take longer, but that is our basic premise.

~do you spend the entire year working on your recital dance?

Our Open and Combo classes do not start working on recital pieces until January.  They then spend a few minutes each class learning the choreography until it is all learned, usually by Spring Break.  Classes always include a warm-up, center work and across the floor or combinations.  Their recital piece takes the place of other combinations.  As recital time nears they may spend a bit more time on the rehearsing but class will never be devoted only to learning the one dance.  We want our students to learn the technique needed as a dancer, not just to learn A dance.