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Frequently Asked Questions

With so many options to choose from, where do I start?

BALLET: All little girls dream of being a Ballerina ... just like Barbie!!
 
  • 3 - 5 yr olds will enjoy either the Ballerina Babies or a Pre Ballet class
 
  • 5 - 8 yr olds will be placed into Pre Primary Ballet
 
  • 7 - 9 yr olds will take a Primary class
 
  • 9 + yrs are put into RAD Grades 1 - 5 depending upon level and experience.
   
TAP: From Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers to STOMP ... Tap is a timeless classic of rhythms!!
 
  • 5 - 7 yr olds will begin with a shuffle and flap in the Pre Tap classes
 
  • 7 - 8 yr olds will begin learning the ADAPT syllabus in a Pre Junior Tap class
 
  • 8 + yrs will follow the ADAPT levels from Junior 1, 2, & 3 into the Pre Intermediate levels
   
JAZZ: Fun, upbeat music helps make Jazz classes always a popular choice!!
  As Jazz requires quicker co-ordination, we recommend a ballet class first for 6 yr olds wishing to try jazz.  For students who haven't or do not wish to take ballet at present, we need you to have turned 7 prior to registering.
 
  • 6 - 8 yr olds will begin in a Pre Junior Jazz class before moving into the Junior levels.
 
  • 8 + yrs will be able to begin working on their ADAPT exams if they wish.
   
HIP HOP: With MTV and movies like 'Step Up' and 'So You Think You Can Dance' comes ... HIP HOP!!
 
  • 7 + yrs will love our Hip Hop classes!  With having both Recreational and Competitive classes offered there'll be something for every age and level!  So ... Grab a friend and come learn some new moves!!
   
ACRO: From bridges & partner work to pyramids & lifts, Acro is a challenging combination!
 
  • Due to the strength and care needed for movements in an acro class, this is designed for students enrolled in our Full Program - 2 Ballet and 2 Jazz / other classes.  Flexibility and control make this a great challenge for our competitive students!
   
LYRICAL: A combination of jazz and ballet, this is also a class for the competitive student.

So what is a general age guideline for each subject?

BALLET 3 To ADULT   JAZZ 7 to ADULT  (6 with BALLET)
TAP 5 to ADULT   ACRO 8 and up  (with Full Program)
HIP HOP 7 to ADULT   LYRICAL 12 and up (with Full Program)

Do we have to take Exams?

Although exams are not compulsory, we do encourage our students to prepare for exams as it gives them a goal to work towards and a sense of pride and feeling of accomplishment in reaching this goal.  Exams also give a guideline for both parents and students to see that they are progressing as they should.  Following a recognized syllabus also ensures that children are learning in a safe and logical manner, giving them a strong base with the strength and technique they need at one level before attempting the more demanding challenges of the next.

Studio or Official Exams are offered in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz.

What about Festivals?

Festivals are an exciting opportunity for students Age 5 and up to perform in front of a new audience and receive an adjudication.  Dancers perform as a group so each class has the choice as a group as to whether or not they want to look into this option.  Festivals for beginners are not based on 1st, 2nd,3rd but rather on a standard marking system where each group is awarded a medal - Bronze, Silver, Gold - so each group is really striving on their own to achieve their best effort.

Where would these festivals be held?

Each spring there are a number to choose from - Red Deer, Olds, Sherwood Park, Calgary, Edmonton...  With the Red Deer College being so close and such a nice facility, this is always our first choice.  Beginners may attend 1 or 2 Festivals in Red Deer, more competitive students will choose some of the others.

What if I'm not sure which class my child would like?

As the first payment for all classes is not due until Oct 15, please feel free to try out as many classes as you'd like for the first month.  Your $30.00 Registration Fee is all we need and this way you'll feel confident with the choice you've made and if it doesn't seem to be working out for you, you are not responsible for any further payments.  Remember that if your child decides to stay with more than one class or if you have more than 1 child enrolled, you will receive a discount - see Multiple Class Price List.

When do classes begin and what about Holidays?

Monday, September 13 will be our first night of classes - with the exception of our Ballerina Babies and B-Boys. They will begin the week of September 23 and run for 10 weeks. A second session will be held beginning on January.

Christmas Holidays and Easter Holidays will be held the same week as our schools.

Is there a strictly Recreational class for my child?

Yes!  We have scheduled Hip Hop classes that are for recreation only with no exams or festivals as well as Ballet classes that will include examinations only.  Please note also that 3 - 5 yr olds are not entered into festivals or exams and all other classes up to 8 yrs will only be entered into festivals if the entire class wishes to do so.

What about Costumes?

If your child is registered in a recreational class, dresses or outfits that can be worn for summer or dance class are generally used.  Recreational costumes for the recital will be rented for a $45.00 rental.  All Competitive costumes will be rented with fees including Festival entries.

Do I need to sew?

Sewing may be required to some extent, however is very limited. As your child may become more involved, so may the sewing - however, we do have sewing bees where parents all help each other.  If you don't sew but would like to learn, sewing lessons are available at the studio!

What if my child needs extra help?

Senior students are always willing to give extra help - a schedule with a list of phone numbers will be posted for you to sign up for tutoring classes.  The fee for one of these classes is $10.00 per 30 minute class paid directly to your helper.  Working this way has proven to be very beneficial for both exam and festival work as well as giving younger students a chance to spend time with some of their older role models!