Some things can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal with, and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Consider the following factors before deciding on a dance studio for your child.

Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional “floating floor”. A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high- density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. A vinyl composite “marley” floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. A marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of “controlled slip", but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls.

 

Our studio has a floating floor that has over 1,100 high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a marley top surface. Our special floor helps reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.

If the dance class has fewer students in it, each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more and have more fun. With younger students it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class also allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique. Classes for 6yrs and up max at 12 students p/class; and Preschool classes for ages 3-5yrs, and Kindergarten classes for 4-5yrs max at 8 students.

Our recital is held at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium at UAA in May. Tickets for the recital will range in price between $10-$12 for adults; students 12yrs & under are free. Tickets may be purchased from the front desk a few weeks before the performance.

 

The maximum cost for costumes will be $70. The exact cost and details will be announced in early November and payment will be due by January 30 th. Costumes will be age appropriate, and students will wear them for their class pictures in March, and take them home with them after the recital.

Dance classes for ages 6yrs and older will include 50-55 minutes of instruction. Preschool Movement (3-4yrs) & Kindergarten Dance classes (4-5yrs) include 35-40 minutes of instruction. Angelina Ballerina Ballet classes (3-4yrs & 4½-5yrs) have approximately 25 minutes of instruction. All dance classes use the last 5-10 minutes for winding down, changing shoes & exiting the dance studio before the next class begins.

Ballet slippers are a soft-soled shoe, with a glove-like fit of soft leather. They have suede soles to allow for fluid foot movement across the floor. Please write your student's name in black marker inside the shoe. The teacher will trim the shoe ties during the first class.

 

Jazz shoes are flexible like ballet slippers, but most have a block-like, half-inch heel. Jazz shoes allow a dancer to point and flex the foot easily. Jazz sneakers are lightweight sneaker type shoes that are both flexible and versatile. Either jazz shoes or jazz sneakers are required for all jazz, hip hop, musical theatre classes.

 

For Tap classes, our teachers recommend Capezio patent leather low-heeled taps for beginners.  They are available at the Alaska Dancer Emporium, or online at http:// www.capeziostore.com/Capezio-Jr-Tyette-p/n625.htm

 

Ballroom classes require students to wear either jazz shoes or beige Character or Footlight shoes.

 

Here's what you'll need to wear for the classes we offer:

 

• Preschool Movement, Dancing Together, Munchkin Movement & Disco Babies : Comfortable pants or top that allows freedom of movement or leotard & tights with or w/out skirts. Non-marking (not worn outside) shoes or sneakers
  
  
• Ballet
  • Beginning Ballet: Pink Leotard, Pink Tights & Ballet Slippers
  • Beginning Ballet 1: Light Blue Leotard, Pink Tights & Ballet
  • Slippers
  • Ballet Basics for PreTeens & Teens: Black Leotard, Pink Tights & Ballet Slippers
  • Angelina Ballerina Ballet: Pink Leotard, Pink Tights, Ballet Slippers Angelina Ballerina Skirt & Ears ($30 purchase in Sept)

• Ballet/Modern Combo:
  • 6-8yrs - Pink Leotard, Pink Convertible Tights & Ballet Slippers
  • 8-9yrs – Light Blue Leotard, Pink Convertible Tights & Ballet Slippers Convertible tights let you roll up the tight at the foot to go barefoot
• Modern/Lyrical: Black Leotard, Pink Tights & Ballet Slippers
• Ballet/Tap Combo:
  • Girls - Pink Leotard, Pink Tights, Ballet Slippers & Tap Shoes
  • Boys – Black Jazz Pants, White Shirt, Ballet Slippers & Tap Shoes
• Jazz/Tap Combo: Black Jazz Pants, White Top, Jazz Shoes or Sneakers & Tap Shoes

A late arriving student is a distraction to the entire class. Please avoid being late to class as much as possible. If a student arrives late, they must quietly enter the studio & wait for the teacher to tell them it is ok to join the class. Students who arrive 10 minutes or more late, are not guaranteed they will join the class right away.

 

Shoes worn outside the dance studio & jeans ARE NOT permitted in the dance studio.