FAQ’s

Below are answers to some of the most common questions our dancers and parents have asked us. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Q: How long do dance classes run?
A: All of our Dance classes are 1 hour in length. The Technique & Conditioning Class and Dance Company Classes are a 1½ hour each. 

Q: Where can I buy my dance attire?
A: You can find all your dance wear needs right inside our studio and if we don’t have what you need in stock, you can order it from our dancewear store and we can have it for you in as little as 3 business days.

Q: Do I need special dance shoes?
A: For each style of dance that you participate in you will be required to wear a shoe designed for that style of dance. The shoe requirements can be found on the dress code link of our website.

Q: Do you offer private dance lessons?
A: Yes we do!  Contact the studio for more information.

Q. What is the class tuition cost?
A: The flat rate is $45.00 a month for your 1st class: Ballet, Pre-Pointe, Pointe, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, Combo, Wee Dance and Creative Movement. Additional classes are discounted – see the tuition page of our website for more
information or call for pricing.

Q: What is the Dance Company and Technique & Conditioning tuition cost?
A: The Technique & Conditioning and the Company class 
tuition are both $65.00 a month.

Q: Do you invoice for tuition?
A: We do not invoice for monthly tuition. Payments must be received in hand no later than the 10th of each month or late fees will be applied.

Q: Do you have gift certificates?
A: Yes. They can be purchased during office hours, or by calling us at 239-261-2606. These make great holiday gifts. Certificates can be used for all sorts of items: tuition fee, clothing, shoes, costumes, recital video, recital fee, tickets.

Q: I feel my child isn't being challenged in the classes he/she are in. What can I do about this?
A: You may schedule a conference with your child's teacher and/or the studio director if you feel strongly about this. However, please remember that every student’s placement is carefully reviewed by the instructor as well as the director.

Q: Why does my child have to conform to the dress code for every ballet class?
A: A dress code ensures that instructors will be able to see a dancer’s alignment and positioning. The teacher needs to be able to see a dancer's mistakes. Baggy clothing can mask bad habits, making corrections impossible. 

It is important that your child wear their black leotard, pink or tan tights and ballet slippers so that it is easier for instructors to see body placement and make the proper corrections. Also, dancer's hair must be securely fashioned in a bun so dancers will not be distracted by loose hair.

Dress codes also teach students discipline, helping with overall focus and energy. By "dressing the part," dancers feel like dancers. Dress codes can also create unity among the dancers instead of causing a few dancers to stand out, much like a school uniform policy. Dress codes go a long way in minimizing
distractions, and help give classes a unified look. 

Q. Is the annual Dance Recital mandatory?
A.Participation in the end of the year dance recital is not mandatory; however, it is strongly encouraged and is considered an important part of the overall dance experience. 
 
If your child commits to participate in the annual dance recital they will be required to be present at the mandatory dress rehearsal in order to perform in the dance recital. 

Once ordered, the costumes are non-returnable and the fees are non-refundable. 
 
Q. How much are recital costumes?
A: Costume prices will vary year to year. Costumes are an important factor in our Recital presentation. Costumes generally cost between $65 and $75.  Please keep in mind that we do everything possible to keep the costume prices reasonable and affordable.

Q: What is the mandatory recital participation fee? 
A: The mandatory recital participation fee is $30 per dancer; this fee goes towards the rental cost and the collier county insurance fee for the Palmetto Ridge auditorium, custodian
fee, sound and tech. operator fee, program and ticket printing, music licensing, and all printing and advertising associated with the recital. 

Remember recital is voluntary and your monthly tuition does not include participation in our production. 

Q: During the recital why can't I take pictures and video of my
child?
A: First of all it is distracting and dangerous to our performers to have flashes and lights coming from the pitch darkness of the auditorium while performing.

Secondly, it is distracting and inconsiderate to the other audience participants who are trying to enjoy the show. We offer, for sale, a professionally made recital video. You may take pictures of your child after the recital show outside the auditorium.

Q: During the recital why can't I take my child from the dressing room and leave when he/she is finished dancing?
A: All dancers are in the grand finale at the end of the show. Also please imagine how disruptive it would be to have audience members continually getting up and down during our show to get children. 

Please show all parents the same courtesy they showed you while your child was performing and stay until the end.

Q: Can I observe classes?
A. Yes - twice a year we have parent’s week where parents are allowed to observe dance classes. If you have a visiting relative or friend throughout the year please let us know; instructors are authorized to permit observers at their discretion.

Q. Do you have any all boys’ dance classes?
A: We have an all-boys hip-hop class, please see the schedule for more details

Q: Do you offer Summer Dance?
A: Yes. We offer both Summer Dance and Summer Recreational Camp.  Schedules are published on our website in the spring time.

Q: What Holidays are you closed?
A: We try to follow both the Rhodora Donahue Academy and the Collier County School District calendars.  Please see our schedule to see all of the Holiday and Seasonal breaks.