FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Frequently Asked Questions
 
 
Why choose Once Upon A Dance? 

Our goal at this studio is to offer students the best training in various dance styles. We focus on proper technique and classroom etiquette as well as learning to love and appreciate the art of dance and have fun while doing so.  We want to see students improve and gain maximum exposure to the many aspects of dance. We want to give students the opportunity to experience dance on an individual level because we realize that each student is unique and what they take away from the art form may vary. Our instructors are highly qualified, professionally trained and have solid backgrounds in both education and performing. Our students deserve the best and our studio offers the best equipment, a semi-sprung Harlequin dance floor and a state of the art sound system.

 
My 2 or 3 year old wants to take ballet.  Why don't you teach "real classical ballet" to those ages?  

The bodies of children at these ages are not yet developed enough to where our teachers feel it is safe to thrust upon them the true technique of ballet.  It is very easy for the most conscientious teacher to train a child's body incorrectly and in ways that could lead to injury.  Very young children are still learning how their bodies can move and it is important that we help them along in a safe and responsible learning environment

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Do we need to buy costumes?

No. At Once Upon A Dance we maintain a wardrobe of costumes for dances that require them. Students enrolled in the Performance Workshop will have their costumes supplied by us as well. All costumes remain the property of Once Upon A Dance, therefore we require students to take care when using our costumes for performances.

Does Once Upon A Dance participate in dance competitions?

No. We offer performance opportunities through our Performance Workshop. Competitions can be costly, time consuming and take time away from proper dance training.

 My child doesn't want to be a professional dancer.  Can he/she still take dance classes? 

Of course.  We encourage all students who are interested in dance to come and take classes. There are many reasons to take dance classes: because they enjoy it, love to get exercise, or want to pursue dance as a profession! No matter the reason, we hope all of our students gain something from what they learn here at Once Upon A Dance. 

 
Why do the older students have to take class more than once a week?  

 Just as a musician or ice skater must practice almost every day, a dancer needs to do so as well. A dancer's instrument is his/her body and it is imperative that they keep themselves in tune so as not to risk injury.   Just a few days without taking class will affect one's dancing.  Higher level students must practice frequently to maintain all they have gained both physically and mentally. Dancers strive to improve their technique and artistry, which requires consistent hard work and dedication.
 

Why do you require a uniform? 

Most serious dance schools like to have a dress code because it enforces the concept of discipline and respect of the art. Leotards, ballet shoes, and tights allow the teacher to see clean lines of the body without the disruption of baggy pants, shirts, and footwear.  

 
When can I go on pointe?  

While most students start around the ages of 11 or 12, it is important to understand that it is at the discretion of the teacher whether or not to start the student on pointe. At the ages of 11 and 12 a child's feet and ankles become stronger and they are able to support themselves in pointe shoes.  Pointe work demands great strength and balance throughout the entire body and we must be sure a student is properly ready to begin pointe classes. Incorrect placement of students on pointe will lead to injury.

  Why do dancers always wear buns? 

A dancer wears a bun to keep all hair off the nape of the neck and back.   This allows the teacher to observe correct alignment and posture of the student.  Also, it does tend to get distracting when a dancer's hair is loose and swinging in their face.   Students need to focus on the movement and not worrying if their hair will distract them while turning, jumping, etc.  Jewelry is not allowed for the same reasons. 

 
Do you sell dancewear? 

Yes. We sell tights and ballet shoes for all classes.  We sell some leotards, skirts, and other various dancewear items.  

Do you have pricing specials for multiple family members?  

Yes. See our tuition policy page for discounts given to families with more than one child enrolled for the entire school year.  In order to receive the family discount, all tuition payments must be made on time each month.  

What forms of payment do you accept? 

Once Upon A Dance accepts personal checks, credit cards and automatic debit payments. 

 
Can I watch my child during class time? 

We will have two Parent Observation weeks each year when parents can observe the students working as they normally would during class time. For 2008-2009 there will be one in November and one in March. 

We are going on vacation and will miss two weeks of class. Can we just skip that month and start up again the next?

No, the classes may be made up anytime during the year.

Are refunds given at any time? 

We do not give refunds.