Frequently Asked Questions

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: Most dance classes are 1 hour long; some are 1.5 hours.

Q: Where can I buy my dance attire?
A: You can find all your dancewear 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 the website

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

Q. What is the class tuition cost?
A: The charge for a 1 hour class is $65/month. Additional classes are discounted – see the tuition page for more information or call for pricing.

Q: Do you invoice for tuition?
A: We do not invoice for monthly tuition. All accounts are required to be on automatic payment. This means that you must have a credit card on file.

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, recital tickets.

Q: Is there a dress code?
A:  Yes we have a dress code.  A dress code ensures that instructors will be able to see a dancer’s alignment and positioning so they will be able to see a dancer's mistakes. 
Dress codes also teach students discipline and create unity among the dancers much like a school uniform policy.
By "dressing the part," dancers feel like dancers and by having their hair securely fashioned in a bun they will not be distracted by loose hair.

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. 
  
Q. How much are recital costumes?
A: Costume prices can vary but generally cost $65. Be assured that  we do everything possible to keep the costume prices affordable. 

Q: What is the mandatory recital participation fee? 
A: The mandatory recital participation fee is $35 per dancer; this fee goes towards the overall production costs for our show including music licensing.
NOTE: The recital fee ($35 per dancer) and the costume fee ($65 per class) will be automatically processed for all accounts on January 2nd. If you wish to pay these fees another way please notify the studio on or before 12/21.
 
Q: Why must  tickets be purchased for the Dance Recital?
A. Dance Recital Tickets (which cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door) help cover the high cost of renting Palmetto Ridge High School for the Dress Rehearsal and Dance Recital, ticket printing for the reserved seat auditorium, and the collier county liability insurance fees.
 
Q: Why can't I videotape my child at the recital?
A: Primarily because it is distracting and dangerous to our performers to have flashes and lights coming from the auditorium while performing.

Secondly, it is distracting and inconsiderate to fellow audience members who are trying to enjoy the show. It would be very disruptive to continually be getting up and down during the show to take pictures and dangerous if we allowed tripods to be set up in the aisles.  We sell a reasonably priced, professionally made recital video.

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 finale/awards presentation at the end of the show.  

Q: Can I observe classes?
A. In order to keep the dancers attention focused on the instructor we do not allow parents to observe classes.  Photo opportunities are available upon request.  Instructors are authorized to permit observers at their discretion so if you have a visiting relative or friend throughout the year please let us know.

Q. Can boys take dance classes?
A:  Yes of course!  Boys are welcome to enroll for any of the classes we offer.

Q.  Does Ave Maria Dance Academy have summer programs?
A. Yes!  We have both summer dance and summer camp.  Schedules for both are published on our website in the spring.

Q: Which Holidays is the studio closed?
A: Please see our schedule to see all of the Holiday and Seasonal breaks.