Frequently Asked Questions
Most wanted questions & answers
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH LEVEL TO TAKE/SIGN MY CHILD UP FOR? WHAT DO THE LEVELS MEAN? HOW ARE THEY DETERMINED? WHEN IS A STUDENT MOVED UP?
New students (or their parents) will speak with Lisa and discuss best level placement. Placement may be altered at teacher discretion. The levels listed on the schedule are guidelines. We understand dancers learn at different speeds and enter class with different dance backgrounds. We strive to have dancers always feel comfortable and challenged at the appropriate level. Because our teachers are experts in their field, we rely on them for initial class placement and future placement. Our staff works as a team and communicates daily about student progress so to guarantee each student is always in the best learning environment possible.
DO YOU DO COMPETITIONS?
o We do not compete inside or outside the studio as we feel there is enough competition in the world and we can use of passion and talent for a great good. We teach our students to seek out reward from within and to support and celebrate themselves and each other. We believe that hard work results in mastery, joy and accomplishment and a strong team requires strong individuals—we each do our part and together that makes us winners. o Our focus is on our technical training, stage presence, and fun that arises out of meaningful performances with a community service component. Our dancers learn to express from a genuine place within themselves. At The Pretenders Studio we “Dance For A Difference” and we celebrate our art and that of others. o We love to collaborate with others and when we perform in shows with other studios or companies we are excited to bring our best work and share our love of dance and the performing arts. We are equally excited to see what other groups have to share and we are eager to cheer them on as fellow artists who share our passion in a non-competitive setting.
WHAT PERFORMANCES ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS OF THE PRETENDERS STUDIO?
Each year our performance schedule changes as new opportunities arise from year to year. The staples in our schedule that remain the same from year to year are our December Works-In-Progress Holiday Show and Fundraiser and the end of the year Showcase in June. Please check the Classes tab for all mandatory dates. All of our performances incorporate a community service component. Our Dance Company performs more regularly throughout the year. To learn more about the Company please click here.
HOW DOES A STUDENT BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR THE COMPANY CLASS?
We recommend The Dance Store on Robertson for all dancewear and shoe needs. The Dance Store is very familiar with who we are, what we require and they have been a long standing community partner of ours helping our dancers get what they need for years! Please see our Dress Code page to ensure you know what you need as you may have some of it at home already. We are happy to guide you if you have specific questions.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE APPROPRIATE DANCE ATTIRE AND SHOES?
We teach many styles of dance as well as acting, yoga and tumbling. For kids and teens 3-18 we currently offer Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Modern/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Acro Tumbling and dance technique.
CAN I OBSERVE A CLASS?
Yes, we welcome you to observe any class. Please call prior to coming so we can confirm the class schedule with you.
CAN MY CHILD TRY A CLASS BEFORE ENROLLING IN A FULL SESSION?
Yes! However, we don’t offer single class trials. Our dance experience is wholistic, we believe exposure to different dance styles makes for a well rounded dancer. We’re also a dance community, it’s difficult to experience all our community has to offer in just one class on just one day. Therefore we offer trial weeks, dancers take three classes over the course of a week followed a consultation with Miss Lisa to determine the best fit for them in the community. Please contact us to enroll in a trial week.
DOES YOUR STUDIO OFFER WORKSHOPS OR MASTER CLASSES?
Yes. Please check with the office for specific information regarding workshops and master classes if you are interested in attending one. If you are interested in teaching a workshop or master class please call or use the contact form more details on how to set that up.
DO YOU DO DANCE BIRTHDAY PARTIES?
Yes. Please use the contact form, call or ask the office for more birthday party information.
WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON MAKEUP CLASSES?
Any student is welcome to makeup a missed class in any other class on the schedule for their same level and age group. Please feel free to call the office for advice on which class would best be used to make up a specific missed class. A maximum of 2 classes can be made up in any given session. Makeup classes do not carry over from one session to the next.
WHAT DISCIPLINES ARE OFFERED AT THE PRETENDERS STUDIO?
We teach many styles of dance as well as theater. For the kids/teens we offer Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Acro Tumbling, Functional Fitness, Yoga, and Dance Technique.