FAQ For New dancers

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Q: What age can children start class?

A: We start our dancers at 4. 

New classes begin mid- June. 

Dancers must be 4 by Oct 1 of the starting year.

The All Boys Hip Hop class begins at age 6.

Q: I’m enrolling my child in dance classes for the first time- what can I expect?

A: On the first lesson, your child’s teacher will welcome your child into class and do all she can to make the child feel comfortable. We understand that this can be stressful for some children (& mom too!) and we proceed gently

 to make it an easy transition.

Q: What if my child is clinging to me or cries? 

A: It does happen occasionally & it’s fine. Many time children cry, not because they don’t want to dance but because everything is so new. Often this is the first experience a child has being away from mom, in a new environment. The teacher will help to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

Q: Where are you located?

A: Our school is located in an historic building in Mifflintown. We have 3 spacious dance rooms plus a lobby, 2 waiting rooms, 2 bathrooms, office, sewing room, costume rooms, & prop room. We are easy to find as we are halfway between the Juniata County Courthouse & the Mifflin walking bridge, beside the Mifflintown Post Office.

Q: What if we miss a class?

A: Dancers are encouraged to make up missed classes. There are no refunds for missed classes. As a courtesy, we ask for a quick phone call or email to let us know your child will not be in class.

Q: Why must my child take ballet?

A: We are a ballet- based program. The credit for the successful dancers we develop goes to their strong ballet backgrounds. Ballet is the foundation of all other dance forms. To be an accomplished dancer, ballet is critical. 

 Q: How much is the class?

A: $54.00 per month for new dancers.  Our 6 week Summer Session is $82.00

Q: What if a student forgets her dancewear?

A: It happens. Our staff will help you find a leotard or shoes, to borrow for the day. Take the leotard home, wash it & return them the next lesson.

Q: Will I be able to observe my child in class? 

A: Parents are not permitted in the dance rooms without an invitation from the teacher, however, 2 of our studios have glass doors and the third has an observation window. We discourage watching for long periods of time as it is distracting to the children but encourage you to “peek in” from time to time.

Q: What if my child has an accident in class?

A: This happens occasionally, too. If you are present, an assistant will bring your child out to you so you can help them get cleaned up. If it is early in the class, we will lend you a leotard so she can finish her class. If you are not present, our trusted & caring staff will help them. We will do all of this quietly so as not to embarrass the child.

Q: Why should I choose this school?

A: Because your child deserves the best! We offer every child a chance to learn & grow as an individual. Our teachers are well trained, caring adult professionals who are continually furthering their own dance education in order to bring the best to our dancers. Our goals include increasing children’s self-esteem and confidence as well as teaching correct technique. 

Your child will be regarded as the unique & special individual they are.

Our very successful performing programs enhance the dance education of our students. Our full studio June recital, as well as our special winter ballet, gives our dancers a chance to perform in a professional atmosphere, developing confidence that will continue through their lives. Your child will be part of something wonderful!

Q: What should my child wear?

A: Our dress code is explained on a separate page. All students must be properly dressed for each class. Following a dress code shows pride, good work ethics, discipline, respect for themselves, fellow students, studio faculty and staff and the art of dance.

Q: Do I need to stay while my child is in class?

A: The little ones have a 45 minute lesson. Once they are acclimated to the class, you can run a quick errand, but it is also nice to stay & visit with the other lovely parents in our studio family.

Q: What about tap, jazz, or other classes?

A: In addition to ballet, we offer tap, jazz, hip hop & lyrical. These classes are built on the ballet fundamentals learned in the early years. Without proper ballet training, a young dancer will not grasp the body movement concepts required for these genres. Your teacher will guide you as to when your dancer is ready to add more techniques.

Q: What can I expect for my child?

A: Through participation in these classes, besides correct dance technique, children learn the basics of classroom behavior and manners, which remain the same throughout their dancing years. These concepts include learning to take turns, following another dancer or leading the way, waiting patiently, working together with others and having a positive attitude.  

Educators now know that training young children in the concepts of movement sequencing, patterning and spatial relationships lays a strong foundation for the later development of reading, mathematics and other educational skills. Children in the Early Childhood Program work actively in all these areas.  Most of all, expect him or her to have a lot of fun, engage in healthy exercise and develop a lifelong love of dance!