Class Roadmap and Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about what level is right for your dancer, please Contact Us!
Class Roadmap
| If your dancer is age … | Try … | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | with a parent / helper? | Me – You & Music Too! |
| 4 | and wanting or needing support from a parent / helper? | Me – You & Music Too! |
| 4 – 5 | and ready to dance on their own? | Pre-Ballet |
| 6 – 9 | and new to ballet? | Children’s Beginning Ballet |
| 6 – 9 | with some ballet training? | Children’s Intermediate Ballet |
| 8 – 11 | with strong interest in ballet? | Children’s Advanced Ballet |
| 9 – 12 | and not yet on pointe? | Student Intermediate Ballet |
| 11 + | and dancing on pointe? | Student Intermediate Advanced Ballet |
| 13 + | and not yet on pointe? | Student Intermediate Advanced Ballet |
| 13 + | with 2 or more years on pointe? | Advanced Ballet |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out which level would be right for my young dancer?
Initially, all class assignments are by age. If adjustments to a different level need to be made, they will be made after the teacher has seen the dancer in a sample class. Use the chart on the left to get a basic idea based on age, and then use the Pre-Registration form to arrange to take a sample class in that level.
Is there a charge for the sample class?
No. Just be sure to fill out the Pre-Registration form with your choice of date for the sample class.
Is there a uniform for Children’s and Student Division classes?
Not right now. However, we encourage the girls to wear simple, solid color leotards and pink tights, and the boys to wear white teeshirts and black tights. Dance skirts are allowed on girls in Student Intermediate-Advanced and Advanced levels.
On what dates will sample classes be held?
Monday through Wednesday, December 16-18, andÂ
Thursday through Saturday, January 2-4, 2020
When are the dates of the spring semester?
Monday, January 6, through Saturday, May 30, 2020.
​Will there be a spring performance?
For dancers from Level Children’s Advanced and above, there will be a presentation of classroom material in a performance format in May. Each class will have a dance related to the new material they have been learning this semester. No rehearsals outside of class time will be needed for the Children’s Advanced, or the Student Intermediate level, except close to the performance. More advanced dancers can expect some outside rehearsal time. More information will be available in late January.
For dancers in the younger classes, there will be a special Celebration Class at the end of the spring semester, to which family members will be invited.
Will you be offering any summer study options?
Yes. We will offer two sequential three week sessions of intensive summer study.
These sessions will be offered at two different levels:
- For advanced/professional dancers
- For dancers aged 10 and over who are not yet advanced
Sessions will be offered June 15-July 3, and July 6-24.
Further information about class offerings, faculty and guests will be available in mid-January.
Can young dancers get any counseling about auditioning for other summer programs?
Yes. Registered dancers at Martin Center for Dance are eligible for free audition counseling with one of our faculty members, basing our recommendations on our knowledge and observation of the student. We also can offer this service to drop-in students, for a fee.
Are any members of the faculty available for private coaching?
Yes. All senior faculty members have extensive experience in coaching, and would be happy to work with students on the basis of availability, both of studio and personnel. Each teacher will set his or her own rate. Inquiries should start with the student or parent addressing the teacher directly and then we can work from there.
Definitely. We all love to create dances, and have done so for all levels, from professional ballet and opera companies to audition tapes for students. Again, speak directly to the teacher you would like to work with, and we’ll see what can be arranged. It would be great fun to tailor-make something to showcase the abilities of the dancer, or to teach a classical variation, if appropriate to level.
What about preparation for professional auditions?
The faculty would be happy to create a personalized program of multiple daily classes, and to work with the student on an audition schedule, to help dancers of the appropriate age and training become audition-ready. Tuition will only be charged for classes attended, so missing for auditions will not carry a financial penalty.
Yes, we are happy to have walk-ins for all classes except Beginning Ballet and the Over 50s Contemporary Class. Price per class for all intermediate and advanced classes is $20, or $12 for professional dancers. (See below for exercise class pricing and Beginning Ballet/Contemporary).
How do you define professional status?
We define professional dancers as those currently engaged in either on-going performance work, or teaching. For performance work, please bring with you (for your first visit) an AGMA card, or recent program from a professional company with whom you are dancing. For teachers, please be prepared to show proof of association.
Why do I need to sign up for a session for the Beginning Ballet or Contemporary 50+?
Tough love. Both of these classes will start quite easily, but it takes a while for it to become a part of your life that you automatically want to do each week. So we ask you to pre-pay for a six week session. Once you’ve attended a total of three (3) six-week sessions, you are welcome to pay per class (or move on to Intemediate Ballet, if you like).
Definitely. We are having sample classes on Monday-Wednesday, December 16-18, and again January 2-4. During the week of January 6-11, these classes will be held on a drop-in rate basis.
What should I wear to Beginning Ballet?
Most female dancers prefer to wear a leotard and tights, with ballet shoes. You may wear a dance skirt if you like, and any sort of soft sweater or teeshirt if you want another layer of warmth. If you would prefer to wear yoga clothes, that is also fine. Ballet shoes will be useful for when we run and jump. Men can wear a teeshirt and tights, or athleisure clothes, also with ballet shoes.
Similarly, a leotard and tights for women, teeshirts and tights for men—but no shoes. Athleisure wear fine for all. Some dancers like to start contemporary class in socks—but be sure to wear removable socks, as opposed to tights with feet, because you will need bare feet for safety when we jump. Sweatpants, light sweaters—all fine. Jeans and other tight-fitting, non-elasticized clothing not appropriate. For anyone with foot problems, jazz shoes or special dance sneakers are also allowed.
Zumba is a fitness class that combines dance and fitness moves. Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton, Mambo, Rumba, Flamenco. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body.
Class fee are single class rate. Fee per class is reduced by multi class card purchase.
Will there be any other types of exercise class offered?
Not at the moment. Later down the road we might add Chair Exercise and possibly other types. Let us know if there is something you particularly wish we offered.