Lastly – The cheapest doesn’t mean the best. Find
out more about what you are getting. Overhead in a well
run studio encompasses qualified staff who also
pursue
continuing education to stay current, business and music
licensing fees (SOCAN), insurance, proper flooring,
ventilation etc. Remember also that at some
studio locations you will have to pay for parking. At
our studio parking is free.
What age is best to start?
We will begin to work with children once they are 3 and
older. Before this age it cannot really be characterised
as ballet or tap etc although at younger ages they
certainly love moving to music (and should be encouraged
with this!) Our studio does begin with ballet based
programs which exposes them to classical music as well
as other fun musical forms rhythms, word rhythms, poems
etc. The Academy is now including more world wide themes
to reflect the diversity of our rich culture. Obviously
an early start is always good. Our current school
assistants have been studying with Karin Hobby
since they were
4! BUT...
Not every child is ready at three and many start at 6 or
7 or even later. Teens may suddenly want to take up jazz
or ballet. Adults may suddenly want to dance! We do our
best to transition all new students into both an age and
skill appropriate level. Don’t worry about
when you
start – just start!
A child’s first dance experience
should be a good one so if he/she is too frightened or
shy or even unsettled they may be better to wait and
retry a little later.
We run the younger classes earlier in the evening.
What if I am changing studios?
Sometimes circumstances change or there is now a desire
to look for a new school which can better accommodate
schedules or dance needs. Perhaps it is just that a
change or different atmosphere or new style of teaching
is hoped for. Whatever the case, we try our best to ease
new students in and make the transition smooth for the
child/teen. New students are always welcome. We do not
as a rule encourage students to study at more than one
school at a time as conflicts in teaching methods, exam
preparation and performance
and rehearsal
commitments etc always arise.
When should I register?
Registering now for the fall programs is advised to
ensure your child has a spot in an appropriate
class. Schedules
are drawn up and revised over the summer as registrations
come in. Don’t miss out!
What if my child starts and hates it?
This will be highly unlikely ! However, in the event
that this does occur, we do encourage the child to
complete the one term through to the end of term
performance as this gives the complete experience. We
will certainly work with the parents and child to
explore the problem and sort out what the difficulties
are. We cannot unfortunately refund fees for a term
which has already commenced as a spot has been reserved
in that class. Dance should be fun and we try to ensure
this is the case!
When is it appropriate to start pointe?
