FAQ
Entering the world of dance can be a new and unfamiliar experience for children and parents. We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you better understand dance as well as the recreational and competitive programs offered at Star Essence Performing Arts Academy.
Q. How old must your child be to sign up for dance?
A. Star Essence will accept children as young as 2 ½ provided they are toilet-trained and they are comfortable with being in a studio without a parent or guardian.
Q. How old is too old for dance?
A. You’re never too old to dance! Some dancers come to Star Essence in their early teens. We have many recreational classes for different dance styles, different ages and different abilities.
Q. My child isn’t going to be a prima ballerina, why does he/she have to take ballet?
A. At Star Essence our goal isn’t to turn dancers in ballerinas, but rather well-rounded dancers capable of performing many types of dance. Ballet is the foundation of all dance forms and contributes to a dancer’s overall posture and positioning. For members of the competitive teams, ballet is mandatory. Failure to regularly attend your company’s mandatory ballet classes will result in the removal of that dancer from their particular company. It should be noted that the Artistic Director consults with the Ballet teachers to determine competitive company placement.
Q. How many classes does my child need to take?
A. The number of dance classes your child takes will vary according to the type of program they are in. Dancers in our recreational program may choose one or several classes. The choice is theirs. For dancers in any of our competitive program, there are mandatory classes each dancer must take.
Q. Do you have any boys who take dance classes?
A. Dance is gaining popularity with boys thanks to the recent explosion of reality dance shows on television which depict dance as not only an art form, but an activity that requires incredible athletic ability. Many of our male dancers are interested in our hip hop and acro/tumbling programs.
Q. When is the studio open?
A.During the school year, the studio is open 5 evenings per week and Saturday. Summer we are closed.
Q. My child has been asked to join the competitive team, now what?
A. If your child has been asked to join the competitive team you should be aware that the level of commitment from recreational to competitive increases significantly. Most competitive programs require a commitment of three days a week. Failure to regularly attend class without a medical note will result in the removal of that dancer from the competitive program. Competitive teams usually participate in three competitions a year. Some require local travel or short trips. You are responsible for making travel/hotel arrangements. Every other year, Star Essence participates in a National Competition. Competitive team members will be notified whether participation in Nationals is mandatory.
Q. How much will I have to spend on costumes?
A. Every dancer at Star Essence is invited to participate in our winter and year-end recital. All dancers must purchase costume for their dancer’s number(s). Winter Holiday Showcase Costumes are rented from Star Essence $40. JUNE RECITAL -The costumes for recreational dancers are less expensive than those for competitive team members. You can expect to pay about $60-$85 for a recreational costume and $75-$85 for a competitive costume.
