FAQs

What is the studio doing for COVID?

At this time, masks are optional for all dancers and teachers. Should the situation change, we would follow any local or state mandates.

How will ballet affect the development of my child’s body?

Ballet has the potential to help young children develop proper posture, strong core muscles, and flexibility. Unfortunately, some studios and gyms have made headlines when their dancers suffer injuries. Our studio never forces the body to do unnatural movements. We follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, which has been created with input from teachers, professional dancers, doctors and physical therapists to ensure that all exercises are developmentally appropriate.

How is class placement determined? Just by age?

As noted on the second page of our class schedule, classes have some general age guidelines, but placement is ultimately up to the teacher. Every dancer progresses at their own pace, and we don’t want to push a young child to do any movement for which they are not yet ready. We similarly don’t want to hold back dancers who are truly ready to progress.

When do girls get to go on pointe?

In general, dancers begin pointework when they are between the ages of 11 and 14 and have 3 or 4 years of dance experience. More than age, however, we consider physical readiness. We have developed a pointe readiness assessment that will be given in October or November.

Are exams mandatory? What happens if the dancer doesn’t pass the exam?

No, exams are completely optional! A lot of our dancers, however, enjoy the challenge of preparing to demonstrate their skills in front of an RAD examiner. Effort and success are connected; we love seeing the work ethic and growth mindset that exams encourage! We require that students doing exams take 2 or more classes per week for grades 1-4, and 3 or more classes per week for Grade 5/Intermediate Foundation and up. With the exception of Intermediate and Advanced 1, you do not need to pass the previous level in order to take an exam at the next level.

What’s a ballet bun, and can I learn how to do it?

A ballet bun not only looks neat, but also allows dancers to work on their spotting for turns. You can find many ways to create a ballet bun on YouTube. Here is a video worth checking out!

Why is there a dress code? Are the belts really necessary? What about character skirts? Where can I buy these things?

There is a uniform so that students can both learn professionalism and feel unified. Ballet belts are part of this uniform and help with proper alignment, core engagement and arm placement. That being said, if you’re having a hard time locating one, they aren’t absolutely necessary until exam time.

Character skirts and shoes are necessary for the part of the RAD curriculum that helps children learn some of the folk dances that are part of a classical ballet education. We don’t start our character work until October, so it’s okay if you don’t have them for the first class.

You can purchase dance wear at Spokane’s local dance shop, Empire Dance, or online at our online boutique. You can also purchase directly through the RAD. If you buy online at Discount Dance Supply, please use teacher code TP73049 to link your order to our studio.

How early can I drop off my child for class? What if I’m running late for drop-off or pick-up?

Teachers will be ready to welcome students no earlier than 5 minutes before class begins. Dancers Grade 1 and higher may stay in the basement while they are waiting for their classes to start. While waiting in the basement, it is important to be respectful of the space and use indoor voices.

If circumstances lead to you being late for drop-off, please instruct your child to enter quietly and join the class. The teacher may give them a warm-up exercise to do. If you are late for pick-up, you will find your child in the studio observing the next class or waiting downstairs (Grade 1 and up).

Where should I wait during class? When can I watch class?

Parents may leave the premises, wait in theirs cars in the parking lot, or wait in the studio’s basement during classes. We will hold “watch days” each trimester so parents can observe their children in class. We do not allow parents to watch on other days, as observers can be a distraction, especially to our youngest dancers.

Who are the class helpers?

The helpers in our ballet classes are experienced dancers who have demonstrated good technique, a positive attitude and leadership skills. It’s great teaching experience for the older dancers, and the little ones really enjoy having someone older to look up to.