Dance On It Studio's FAQ for 2017/18
Why are there extra fees associated with registration?
The $30 registration fee is used to process each students information and to secure a spot in the class. The $40 costume fee is used to cover the cost of purchasing or making costumes for the year end recital.
Will I be charged additional fees for the costume?
There will be an additional bill in May each year for any additional costs over $40 associated with the costume. Fundraising options are available throughout the year to help families cover these fees.
Why is the Worship Class no longer called a Lyrical Class?
Worship dance is the foundation of our school and was the first class that we offered at Dance On It Studios. Over the past few years the class has evolved as we have some students who are choosing to get extensive training in their dance technique while others are choosing just to take the Worship Class. This situation becomes especially difficult in creating choreography for two distinctly different levels of dancers. The worship dance was originally designed to be a class where students learn to respond to the Holy Spirit through movement, learn patterns in which to follow one another during a worship setting, learn what the bible says about dance and how to intercede through dance. We are coming back to this foundation, and this is why we will not commit to this class being in the year end recital as creating choreography will not be the focus of the class. It is still the foundation of who we are but do not want to put untrained dancers at risk by trying to teach them choreography that they do not have the fundamental dance training to master. This is going to be an amazing class and those who participate will be truly blessed and experience a new level of intimacy with Jesus!
Why is Ballet required or strongly recommended for many of the other genres of dance?
Ballet training is where we learn the discipline of proper alignment, good technique and develop significant strength. It's similar to learning the scales on a piano in an effort to eventually play Beethoven’s 5th. Ballet is beautiful in its own right but is also the best foundation for other genres to be added. We at Dance On It Studios strive for excellence in dance and this is impossible with out each step being built on a base of technique and strength.
What if my child misses classes frequently or we go on a long holiday during the dance year?
If a student misses 25% or more of their classes during the year they will not be able to perform in the year – end recital. This is to ensure that the students who have been diligent to attend and work hard are rewarded. If you have a long trip planned during the dance year and wish to have your child still perform, private classes can be arranged (at an additional cost) to help the student get caught up.
What do I do if I am unhappy with my child’s class placement? How do I get a solo or other special opportunity (exams, festival etc.)?
Our teachers spend a lot of time and energy placing students in classes that will challenge them without being uncomfortably beyond their current skill set. Placement (and special opportunities for solos, exams, and festival performances) is based on a student’s demonstrated abilities, work ethic, past commitment, age and past dance experience and training. There are certain technical elements and commitment levels that must be demonstrated consistently before a student is ready to move up to the next level or before they are ready for any special privileges. Students are welcome to email or chat with the appropriate department head regarding their goals and desires and the department head will be able to let them know what expectations must be met before moving classes or before gaining an opportunity such as a solo or exam. It is then in the student’s power to put in the effort and work necessary to achieve their goals.
Why are summer dance programs important?
As students get older and grow in their abilities and skills, continual training becomes increasingly important. Having 3 months off dance through the summer means a student takes several weeks or even a couple months getting back into shape in the fall, which cuts into the progress they could otherwise be making. Summer programs are also a unique opportunity for students to improve and progress quickly, as they’re dancing far more hours than they do during a week in the school year. It’s amazing the skills they can gain over two intense weeks of training, and this sets them up to continue progressing and achieving from the first week back in September.
The $30 registration fee is used to process each students information and to secure a spot in the class. The $40 costume fee is used to cover the cost of purchasing or making costumes for the year end recital.
Will I be charged additional fees for the costume?
There will be an additional bill in May each year for any additional costs over $40 associated with the costume. Fundraising options are available throughout the year to help families cover these fees.
Why is the Worship Class no longer called a Lyrical Class?
Worship dance is the foundation of our school and was the first class that we offered at Dance On It Studios. Over the past few years the class has evolved as we have some students who are choosing to get extensive training in their dance technique while others are choosing just to take the Worship Class. This situation becomes especially difficult in creating choreography for two distinctly different levels of dancers. The worship dance was originally designed to be a class where students learn to respond to the Holy Spirit through movement, learn patterns in which to follow one another during a worship setting, learn what the bible says about dance and how to intercede through dance. We are coming back to this foundation, and this is why we will not commit to this class being in the year end recital as creating choreography will not be the focus of the class. It is still the foundation of who we are but do not want to put untrained dancers at risk by trying to teach them choreography that they do not have the fundamental dance training to master. This is going to be an amazing class and those who participate will be truly blessed and experience a new level of intimacy with Jesus!
Why is Ballet required or strongly recommended for many of the other genres of dance?
Ballet training is where we learn the discipline of proper alignment, good technique and develop significant strength. It's similar to learning the scales on a piano in an effort to eventually play Beethoven’s 5th. Ballet is beautiful in its own right but is also the best foundation for other genres to be added. We at Dance On It Studios strive for excellence in dance and this is impossible with out each step being built on a base of technique and strength.
What if my child misses classes frequently or we go on a long holiday during the dance year?
If a student misses 25% or more of their classes during the year they will not be able to perform in the year – end recital. This is to ensure that the students who have been diligent to attend and work hard are rewarded. If you have a long trip planned during the dance year and wish to have your child still perform, private classes can be arranged (at an additional cost) to help the student get caught up.
What do I do if I am unhappy with my child’s class placement? How do I get a solo or other special opportunity (exams, festival etc.)?
Our teachers spend a lot of time and energy placing students in classes that will challenge them without being uncomfortably beyond their current skill set. Placement (and special opportunities for solos, exams, and festival performances) is based on a student’s demonstrated abilities, work ethic, past commitment, age and past dance experience and training. There are certain technical elements and commitment levels that must be demonstrated consistently before a student is ready to move up to the next level or before they are ready for any special privileges. Students are welcome to email or chat with the appropriate department head regarding their goals and desires and the department head will be able to let them know what expectations must be met before moving classes or before gaining an opportunity such as a solo or exam. It is then in the student’s power to put in the effort and work necessary to achieve their goals.
Why are summer dance programs important?
As students get older and grow in their abilities and skills, continual training becomes increasingly important. Having 3 months off dance through the summer means a student takes several weeks or even a couple months getting back into shape in the fall, which cuts into the progress they could otherwise be making. Summer programs are also a unique opportunity for students to improve and progress quickly, as they’re dancing far more hours than they do during a week in the school year. It’s amazing the skills they can gain over two intense weeks of training, and this sets them up to continue progressing and achieving from the first week back in September.
