FAQ

WHAT BENEFITS DOES DANCE HAVE FOR MY CHILD?

Dance has been proven to have multiple benefits for your child, including

helps develop coordination, flexibility, rhythm, grace, and balance and a focus on physical fitness
helps develop creative expression, self-esteem, and confidence
helps develop a lifelong appreciation and love for dance, music, and all arts
helps relieve stress and develop positive attitudes
helps develop memory strength, cerebral & cognitive thought processes, and strengthens brain activity
helps develop relationships and teamwork

WHY CHOOSE DD STUDIOS?

There are many things that make DD Studios a special place for your child to dance:

the owner & director has certifications in Dance Education as well as numerous years teaching and choreographing around the United States and Europe as well as an extensive performance background, including Broadway, Film, and Television.
teachers receive training and continued education
all teachers have degrees/ certifications and/or extensive experience in the dance world and dance education.
small, personalized classes
live viewing of your child's classes on a 32-inch tv in the lobby
appropriate dress code, appropriate music, appropriate choreography, and appropriate costumes; we pride ourselves on being family-friendly for all eyes and ears, from babies to grandparents, to enjoy our dancing
multiple performance opportunities
no hidden fees/payments
a professional style recital
dance opportunities outside of classes including dance camps, master classes, field trips, birthday parties, dance night outs, and more!

WHEN DOES DANCE BEGIN?

We offer our classes to match the school year September-June. Dancers begin learning technique on day one and continue to train each week. Dancers have the opportunity to share what they are learning through their Christmas dances, End of the Year Recital dances and outside events such as parades, etc. Tuition is paid monthly and while students can drop a class (with two-week notice) we encourage our students to commit to the full season to the benefit of themselves and their fellow dancers. Dancers remain with their class throughout the year to maintain the level of learning of their technique. Dancers will have the opportunity to move up levels/age groups for summer sessions or the following year.

During the summer we will be offering dance sessions plus multiple dance camps and master classes.

WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD START DANCING?

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT LEVEL TO PLACE MY CHILD?

Our levels are first focused on age groups. Dancers tend to learn and apply technique and corrections with students of similar ages. If the DD Studios staff feels that a child should move up or down a level we will let you know and discuss the different options. It is always better to err on the side of the lower level than to have a child feel overwhelmed with a higher level and walk out of a class frustrated with themselves and dance. We want them to be excited to walk into class and excited about their growth as a dancer!

CAN I COME AND WATCH A CLASS? CAN MY CHILD TRY OUT A CLASS BEFORE WE REGISTER?

We'd love to have you come and visit our studio. We have a live video monitor that shows our dance classes on a 32-inch tv in the lobby. This is a great way to see what our classes and the studio are about. And an even better way to get to know us is to come and try a class! If there is room in the class (some classes are full with a waitlist) we'd love to have your child come and try the class firsthand. They are required to wear clothes they can move in (a fitted tee, leggings or exercise pants, and socks) with their hair pulled back in a ponytail or bun. Once you have decided to join the class your dancer will be required to follow our dress code.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE CLASS THAT WORKS BEST FOR MY FAMILY IS FULL?

We understand that a family's schedule can get very busy. We encourage you to go ahead and register for the class and join the waitlist (there is no charge!) and to REGISTER for another class that's not perfect but still works. You can join as many waitlists as you would like; there are no charges until your child is officially part of that class. You can also send us an email letting us know of your situation and we will work hard to help you find that perfect fit.

WHEN DOES REGISTRATION START?

Registration opens in May for the following season. We highly recommend you register early to help you find the perfect class for your family. Some classes will fill up in under a day and we want you to get the class you want! Registration opens for our current students first and then opens up to the public. We want to thank you for your loyalty by giving you the best and first option for your dancer.

DUE TO COVID-19 OUR REGISTRATION IS LATE. WE WILL BE REOPENING SEPTEMBER!

ARE PARENTS AND/OR FAMILY ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM DURING A DANCE CLASS?

Only our students and teachers are allowed in the classroom during a dance class. This allows our dancers the freedom to move and learn and the discipline to focus on the teacher and the technique. If you see your child not participating, following directions, misbehaving, etc., please do not enter the room. It is very important that our dancers learn to respect their teachers and our teachers learn the best way to teach your dancer, this includes discipline and creativity. It is very important that you allow your dancer that growth to learn how to learn, how to adjust to the classroom space, follow directions, wait their turn, and dance with others. Our teachers will escort your child to the lobby if they become too disruptive for the class or if they are in danger of injuring themselves or others. Some children learn best by observing first and then participating. Don't worry; they are still learning so many of the important dance concepts and will probably be ready to show off at home in a more comfortable atmosphere.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD PREPARE FOR THE BEST DANCE EXPERIENCE?

We're excited you've chosen us to open your dancer's eyes and heart to the world of dance and want them (and you) to have the best experience! First, talk about the expectations for the class (follow directions, no running/screaming, no touching other dancers), show them their teacher and tell them their name and a little bit about them, show up to the studio at least 5 minutes before the class begins to get them used to the space and get ready for their class, get them excited about what they are going to learn and how they share this with you after the class is over, show them the tv and how you will not be leaving but will be watching them, walk them to the door of the classroom (and inside, if needed), and then have a seat in the lobby. If your child is crying the teacher will communicate the best step to take next, either you joining the class, sitting in the classroom, or letting the teacher settle down the child. Some dancers will need the consistency of coming every week for 3-4 weeks before settling into the routine and getting excited about dancing in a room with their friends. Our goal is to have your child excited about the world of dance and our dance studio!

WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO WEAR TO CLASS?

All students must follow the studio's DRESS CODE. Dancers are required to purchase and wear tights and shoes from Bayside Dance & Sportswear(www.baysideds.com). This ensures that your child is wearing high quality and affordable dance wear and shoes that compliments their dancing. It is very important that dancers have specific shoes that will allow them to fully stretch their feet while pointing, fit correctly while tapping with the proper sized taps that are placed properly on the shoes, execute turns, and more. Following dress code also allows our students to focus on their dancing and not their tights or shoes. Ms. Valerie has searched for the best quality and affordable dance wear and is excited to share them with our dancers. Bayside Dance & Sportswear also has multiple sales through-out the year to ensure even better pricing.

WHEN DOES MY CHILD PERFORM? WHAT WILL SHE/HE BE DOING?

Dancers will perform their Christmas dances in December before our winter break. DD Studios provides fun accessories to create their costumes. ALL classes will perform one dance per class in December. During the Annual End of the year recital in June, costumes will be purchased for each class to wear for their performance, dress rehearsal, and pictures. Costumes are not included in tuition (see DD Studios handbook for more information!). Our June recital is a fun experience for everyone from our dancers to our staff to our parents and their family and friends. It's a thrill to watch them on stage in their costumes showing off what they have learned throughout the year!

WHAT KIND OF PAYMENTS DO I HAVE TO MAKE?

HOW MUCH IS THE ANNUAL EVENT OF THE YEAR RECITAL FEE?

HOW MUCH IS THE ANNUAL EVENT OF THE YEAR RECITAL?