Frequently Asked Questions

1. What age do classes start?

Our youngest program is My First Class, a parent and tot class for ages 1-2. Ballet Babies is the youngest independent class for ages 2-3. Our preschool program starts as young as 2.5 if the child is toilet trained. Then we have multiple dance, art and tumbling classes for age 3+, drama usually starts in Kindergarten as does competitive dance. Hoop and silks dedicated classes begins at age 8, creative writing at age 9.

2. Do you offer adult classes?

Yes! Each year’s offerings are different but we often have 1-3 adult dance classes. Private Music lessons are also available for adults.

3. How do I cancel a class?

While your first month’s tuition and registration fee are non-refundable cancellation is possible after that provided that notice is given in person, phone call on via e-mail to our admin/front desk by the 15th of the month. This allows you to cancel upcoming months. For example, if you need to cancel January and on please notify us by Dec 15th. Verbal cancellations to your teacher are not valid, you must communicate with the front desk.

4. Are you on a bus route?

Yes, the number 4 Saddle/Downtown stops right across the street from our plaza (Clayburn Centre).

5. Do you accept Homeschool Funding, Jumpstart or Affordable Child Care Subsidy?

Yes to all. We ask that you register as normal to hold your spot, setting up installment payments and then connect with us about your funding. This allows us to have a method through which anything you will still owe beyond your funding can come out. We always credit overpayments where applicable and in the case of Child Care Subsidy back pay. We also receive CCFRI.

6. Can I pay month-to-month with Cash or Debit?

This is not an option. Our registration system requires either an outright lump payment or installments set up via e-check, Mastercard or Visa. This allows us to better manage the accounts of the hundreds of families we have attending our school. If you do not have a credit card use e-checking, all you need is your banking info (account number, branch/transit number, institution number).

7. Can I stay in class with my child?

Our parent and tot classes are designed for parent participation. Otherwise, the goal should be for children to attend independently. However, in cases where children need help adjusting we can arrange for you to be present as needed as long as we are actively working towards the goal of independence. In cases where children require ongoing support in order to participate in class we are happy to accommodate a parent, assistant or a support worker in their class.

8. When does registration start?

Registration for Preschool opens in February for that September. Registration for School Year fine and performing arts classes usually opens between late May and Late June and stays open all school year unless certain classes are closed due to performance preparations. Summer registration typically opens in April.

9. What should my child wear to class?

For preschool children need non-marking indoor shoes. For drama please note children remove shoes when entering class. Art students should wear ‘mess-friendly’ clothing, smocks are provided but aren’t perfect. For dance see our website for complete information but here’s a quick guide:

Jazz/Lyrical/Acro/Tap/Contemporary/Musical Theatre/Stage/Song & Dance:

• Hair should be up, out of face

• Come with bare feet for jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, contemporary, tumbling, circus, hoop & silks, song & dance and acro – your teacher will communicate if anything additional is needed (eg. Dance paws for jazz class). Wear tap shoes to tap class – we recommend lace-up (rather than mary-jane) style for ages 7+.

• Clothing should be comfortable, no jeans. For acro, circus, tumbling and hoop/silks avoid baggy clothing.

• Avoid shorts for aerial hoop/silks

Hip Hop/Breaking:

• Comfortable clothing. No Jeans. Hair should be up out of face. Clean, indoor runners/sneakers required at every class. Outdoor shoes not permitted in dance studios.

• For break dancing students may prefer to have long sleeves and pants as well as a touque or hoodie with them, though this is not required.

Ballet:

• Follow ballet uniform from Ballet Dress Code Document. To view go to our website – programs – Ballet (RAD). Ballet bun, bodysuit, tights and ballet shoes.