Visit us at 5400 Jaeger Road, Unit 1
or call us at 239-566-3535
- When do classes begin?
- How long is the dance season?
- How can I register?
- What type of classes are available?
- Is my dancer obligated to take the entire year?
- Why is the type of dance floor so important?
- What classes should I sign my child up for?
- Am I permitted to watch my child’s class?
- Do I have to stay during my child’s class or may I leave and come back to pick them up when class is over?
- Is there a dress code, shoe and hair requirements for each class?
- How are students placed in classes?
- I feel my child isn't being challenged in the classes he/she are in. What can I do about this?
- Why did my child’s friend move up to a higher level but not my child?
- Why does my child’s class seem to be doing steps they’ve already learned?
- What if my child drops out, am I still responsible for tuition?
- Do you have a competition team?
- Do you fundraise?
- Why do you call is Dance Concert versus a Dance Recital?
- Do you charge a Year End Concert fee?
- How much are the costume fees?
- When does Backstage Dance Academy accept new enrollments?
- Is it mandatory for students to perform in the Year End Concert?
- What extra fees should I know about besides tuition?
- If my child does not want to continue taking class, do I receive a refund on tuition or costumes?
- How do I pay, and when is my tuition due?
- Can my child make up a class that he/she missed?
- When will my daughter be ready for pointe work?
- Why do you recommend ballet classes be taken in conjunction with other dance classes?
- Do you have payment plans?
- Do you offer discounts on lessons if I put more than one child in?
Classes begin Monday, August 25th, 2008.
All classes run from the end of August to mid May. After our year end concert, we offer a summer session classes as well.
Please call or email the academy to set up a time to visit the facility and meet with the staff. You will receive registration materials and information about Backstage Dance Academy as well as take a tour of the studio. Complete the registration forms and begin to enjoy the art of dance!
What type of classes are available?
We currently offer classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Broadway Jazz and Contemporary/Modern. Class styles depend on the dancers age.
Is my dancer obligated to take the entire year?
Dancers may withdraw from a class or classes during the year. However, because we are holding a spot in class for your child we ask that you contact the academy to let us know that your child will no longer be participating in class(es). If your dancer wishes to re-register for classes at a later time re-enrollment will only be permitted depending on class availability.
Why is the type of dance floor so important?
All movement activity generates energy. Energy directly returned to the body is bad, very bad. Shin splints, back and knee problems, fatigue, strains and even broken foot bones can result. A non energy absorbent floor or flooring system is dangerous and it may result in the above injuries. Concrete is non energy absorbent. Any substance put directly on concrete does not remove you from the concrete unless it contains air (like foam). Basket weave subfloor, or sprung floating subfloors provide shock absorbent characteristics that eliminate the problems associated with hard, non absorbent floors.
Also equally dangerous is a floor that has too much energy absorption. A floor that is too spongy can also lead to shin splints and ankle injuries. The floor is all about maintaining balance.
Often times to save money dance studios and lay their flooring directly on concrete, they may go the extra step to lay “Marley” over the floor or worse they will allow students to dance on carpet or tile flooring. This is unsafe and dancing on an unsprung floor will eventually lead to injury.
At Backstage Dance Academy all of our studios have "sprung" dance floors. There is no spot on any of our floors that is solid to the concrete thus giving our students protection from injury. We encourage every parent to always compare dance studio floors and do their research on the benefits of a “sprung” floor.
What classes should I sign my child up for?
It is best to contact the academy to inquire about the proper classes but most 2-8 year old dancers will be assigned to a combo class which will introduce them to several different styles of dance. Older students may choose which classes to take by their desire. Students may take once per week or multiple times per week depending on their goals and desires.
Am I permitted to watch my child’s class?
Yes, all of our studios have windows that allow you to observe your child’s progress. We also allow parents to observe from inside the room two times throughout the year during our Parents Observation Weeks. We find that having parents directly in the room each week or even once a month often times becomes too distracting to the students.
We ask that parents of our younger students remain at the academy during their child’s class, in case their dancer needs to use the restroom during class. However, if your child is 5 or older you’re welcome to leave during your dancer’s class. However, please realize we are teaching and BDA is not responsible for providing before or after class care for students. Therefore, please only drop off your child a few minutes prior to class and be prompt when picking them up. All our dancers are required to wait inside until their ride arrives, this is for their safety.
Is there a dress code, shoe and hair requirements for each class?
Yes, because dance is a discipline and requires ease of movement and a degree of decorum, students should be prepared for class with appropriate clothing and shoes. The dress code is designed so students can be taught with the greatest efficiency. Please refer to our dress code requirements.
How are students placed in classes?
Initially, children are grouped together based on their age range. During the year, students may be transferred to other classes at the discretion of the instructor. Students will only be put into the next level based on ability, attitude, consistency in work, musicality, and physical and emotional readiness. Most times students are placed correctly; however it is important to remember that students sometimes take several weeks in a new environment to flourish. We ask for a maximum of one month to properly place your child in a level best suited for them. Because each teacher’s style varies, the number of years a dancer has trained is considered, but they are not the deciding factor when placing your child in their appropriate level. Adding Technique Classes to your schedule may help your child improve in their level, as repetition is a wonderful learning tool.
I feel my child isn't being challenged in the classes he/she are in. What can I do about this?
You may schedule a conference with your child's teacher and/or the studio director if you feel strongly about this. However, please remember that our staff is highly qualified and places students in the classes that are best suited for them technically and emotionally. Often times setting individual goals for that student or even changing styles of dance may be all that it takes.
Why did my child’s friend move up to a higher level but not my child?
Please trust your instructor’s professional recommendation for your child class. All children progress at different levels, some need a review of previous material, and some need more of a challenge. They will not get bored as we are always using new music and combinations to make class interesting and fun. Teachers take into account technical ability as well as how quickly they learn and master technique and choreography. These are things only the trained eye can evaluate. Children do not always stay in the same class as their friends. We want them to feel confident and good about themselves-this is more important than being in a class with their friends. They will meet new friends. Please trust our judgment.
Why does my child’s class seem to be doing steps they’ve already learned?
As in any sport or activity, physical movements must be repeated man times in order to achieve one's personal best. Repetition will help train and define those muscles your child needs to be the best they can be. Even professional dancers repeat the basics daily.
What if my child drops out, am I still responsible for tuition?
No, as long as you remove your child from class via email, phone or fill out a drop slip with the office. You will be responsible for all payments up until notification is received.
Do you have a competition team?
We do not have a formal Competition Team; however we do have a Performance Team. In an effort to keep the monitory cost low for our families yet give our dancers the opportunity to perform more often then the once a year performance we’ve decided to offer a performance team versus and competition team.
No. We do not ask parents or students to do any fundraising for the academy or any events related to the academy.
Why do you call is Dance Concert versus a Dance Recital?
We believe our dancers are performing and not reciting what they have done throughout the year. This is their time to show off and perform for their friends and family.
Do you charge a Year End Concert fee?
No. However, tickets must be purchased in order to attend our Year End Concert. The price of the tickets will be determined at a later date. Seating is first come first serve. BDA reserves the right to limit the number of tickets each family may order based on auditorium seating capacity for the concert.
How much are the costume fees?
Students will be responsible for costume fees, which will range in price from $45 – $85 per class. Costumes will not be ordered until the costume deposit has been received. Costume fees are non-refundable.
When does Backstage Dance Academy accept new enrollments?
We run our academic year from the end of August to mid May, with our Year End Concert in May. We accept new students through out the year, however students enrolling after January 12, 2009 will not be able to perform in our year end concert.
Is it mandatory for students to perform in the Year End Concert?
The Year End Concert is optional for students; however, the performance is a typical part of dance education. It is important for students to be able to show their accomplishments to their family and friends. It also builds their self-esteem and confidence. Many students who are very shy at the start of the year become very comfortable with dancing by May and are happy to perform their dances on stage.
What extra fees should I know about besides tuition?
Students must adhere to the dress code, including proper shoes, for all classes. Students performing in our year end concert will also need to purchase a costume for each class. The only other fees are concert tickets, practice CDs (optional), performance make-up, professional photographs in costume (optional) and concert DVD (optional).
If my child does not want to continue taking class, do I receive a refund on tuition or costumes?
If your child does not want to continue taking class, we ask that you try to have them finish out the session and then drop the class or even try another style. However, once costumes are ordered, we can not cancel an order. Costume companies make the costumes to order. We also discourage students from dropping a class once costume orders are placed. This will have an impact on the entire class and the choreography the teacher has planned. At Backstage Dance Academy, we feel it is important to teach students that quitting in the middle of something involving other peers is not fair. Students should at least try to finish out the year. Most students will know by December if they like the class and want to continue. Backstage Dance Academy can not give refunds on tuition or costumes.
How do I pay, and when is my tuition due?
You may mail or drop off your payment in our registration box at either location. You may pay with a check or cash. Tuition, costumes, etc. due dates will be posted in the academy. Tuition payments are due by the first day of each session. We do not send statements. However, we can send you one by e-mail if you give us your e-mail address. Late fees are $25.00 (applied 10 days after the start of a new session) and returned check fees are $30.00.
Can my child make up a class that he/she missed?
Yes! We understand missing classes is inevitable, but excessive absences can become a problem. If a student must miss a class due to illness they can take a maximum of 3 make-up classes throughout the entire school year. However, please note there are no make up classes for students who miss due to outside activities such as school events or vacations and all make up classes MUST be made by January 5. No make up classes will be given after this date. Make up class can not be made up during the summer months.
When will my daughter be ready for pointe work?
The BDA Pre-Pointe classes typically begin in connection with Ballet 2 Level with the student moving on to Beginning Pointe at the Ballet 3 Level. However, students will only be able to go on pointe if they are able to do so safely, without risking injury to the growing bones and joints. To ensure our student’s safety, instructors will only grant permission to go on pointe if the student can physically demonstrate the following:
- Adequate flexibility of the foot and ankle to allow the student to align the bones of the foot with the tibia (“get over their arches”) when on pointe;
- Adequate strength of the foot, ankle, leg and torso to sustain the pull-up required;
- Adequate turnout and strength of the turnout muscles to sustain proper alignment;
- General physical maturity that indicates stability in the development of the bones and joints.
A young dancer who successfully meets all of these requirements will minimize the likelihood of injury, will progress more rapidly, and will find the work less difficult. It is our belief that this very conservative approach is in the best interest of the student’s long-term career and health.
To be eligible for Pointe classes a student must be enrolled and attending a minimum of two ballet classes each week, any exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of the Academy director and instructor.
Why do you recommend ballet classes be taken in conjunction with other dance classes?
Ballet provides the foundation for all forms of dance. Ballet classes taken in conjunction with other dance classes will provide the student with better poise, traveling steps, turns, jumps and leaps, all of which are important in each dance form
Yes! Payment plans are available on a case by case bases, please contact the academy to make alternative payments arrangements.
Do you offer discounts on lessons if I put more than one child in?
Yes! Families with more than one child registering for classes will pay full tuition for the sibling taking the most classes and then will receive 50% off the regular fee for each additional sibling. The $30 family registration fee is not included.
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