Do your students teach any classes?
No, we do not allow any students to teach any class here at Villa Dance. Our instructors may have a student helper in the classroom, but they are there to make sure everyone pays attention, start off stretches, help with shoes, and take the little ones to the bathroom. Student helpers do not teach the class and are not left alone with the students. An adult is always present at the studio.
Can my 2 year old take class? Yes, they can, but they have to be able to stay for the duration of class alone. Some children are ready to begin a structured class at age 2 while others need to wait until they are older. We can usually tell within the first 2 weeks of class if they are ready or not.
What do I need to wear for class?
All students should be in dance clothes, a leotard and tights for females, snug tee shirts and dance pants for males. The type of shoes needed depends on the type of class. Check our policies for the complete dress code. We require specific brands and colors of dance shoes at our school that we order from the manufacturer or have in stock. We also carry dance attire.
How long is each session?
Our main session runs September through June. We also offer 2 weeks of summer classes in a more condensed schedule.
Why am I in the same level as last year?
Our syllabus is set up so that students will usually spend a minimum of 2 years in each level. One year to be exposed to the curriculum and then the following year(s) to master the steps learned. Additional time may be needed to master the level, especially in ballet because it is a very technical form of dance. This varies some, of course, with individual students, some may take longer, but that is our basic premise.
Do you spend the entire year working on the recital dance? Our classes usually start to learn dances at the end portion of class after winter break, and then they will spend a few minutes each class learning the choreography until it is all learned, usually by end of March. Classes always include a warm-up, center work and across the floor or combinations. Their recital piece takes the place of other combinations. As recital time nears they may spend a bit more time on the rehearsing but class will never be devoted only to learning the one dance. We want our students to learn the technique needed to be dancer, not just learn a dance.
My daughter wants to dance on her toes. When can she start?
Pointe work (dancing on the toes) is not a separate form of dance. It is a continuing part ballet dance education for those who have reached a certain skill level and have the physical make-up that allows them to dance on their toes. Pointe should never be taken without first training and then continuing in Ballet classes. Some students may have certain physical aspects that will not allow them ever to dance on Pointe. Pointe work is very demanding and can only be taken by student who CAN do it and have the work ethic to handle it. The earliest a student at our school can go into Pointe class is at Level 3 Ballet and not before the age of 12, unless approved by the instructor.
