1. What type of staff do you employ?

All of our teachers are adult professionals who are highly trained and qualified in their fields with industry certifications college degrees and/or professional dance experience.

 

2. What types of facilities do you have?

Our studios are equipped with state of the art floating floors which reduce the risk of injury, floor to ceiling mirrors and one way viewing windows.

 

3. What type of curriculum do you have?

Dancemakers is a “Musical Theater” style academy which incorporates skills from all of the arts genres.  We believe that creating a well rounded child requires a well rounded educational experience.  By offering quality training in a multiplicity of dance and theater disciplines we have created a unique learning opportunity for our students to grow.

 

4. How are the classes structured?

Our classes are structured by age and ability of the dancers.  Student – Teacher ratios are kept low in order to insure each child receives individual attention.

 

5. What makes Dancemakers different?

With over 20 years of experience we have accomplished creating a family atmosphere that encourages personal growth, and we provide superior training and professional caliber productions in which your child can “shine”. We also have a full supply of dancewear for our students' convenience so we don't have to order dance apparel online.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 How do I choose which class?

Our classes are structured first by age, then by the ability of the dancer.  Children of similar ages have similar physical and emotional capabilities.  By placing children in like age groups we are given the opportunity to evaluate each individual child.  Should we feel that a child needs to be re-placed in order to better challenge their technical ability or to accommodate their personality we do so relatively quickly.

 
Can we watch class?

Our 2-way windows are the perfect way for parents to enjoy watching their child’s progress without disrupting the class.  Because our viewing windows are never closed, we have seen quite a few friendships blossom between parents on "our" side of the window as well!!

 
Can I sit in on my child’s class?

Under extreme circumstances of “separation anxiety” we will allow a parent into the studio to quietly sit on the floor in the corner and “observe”.  The presence of too many authority figures in class make the learning process difficult and creates a stressful environment in the room.  Parents must have a teachers permission to observe inside the room and it is limited to one or two visits only.

 
Can my child audition for one (or more) of Dancemakers Performing Companies?

ABSOLUTELY!  We work very hard to create “Multiple Performing opportunities for all of Dancemakers Students.  Each company will carry with it various levels of training, skill requirements and time commitments.  For more information, please ask the office.

 
When can I go on Pointe?

The commonly accepted pre-requisite for pointe work is approximately 3 years of formal ballet training.  The bones of a child’s foot begin to adequately calfity between the ages 9-11 years. For health and safety reasons it is usually not recommended that dancers go on pointe until this time. With proper training students will develop adequate strength, flexibility, balance and coordination required for pointe work.  Barre and center work should be performed easily with the student demonstrating excellent body placement, adequate strength and superior academic and comprehension skills.  For more specific information about your child please make an appointment to speak with your child’s Ballet/Pointe Teacher. Click here for more information on Pointe work.

 
How can I help my child at home?

One of the best ways parents can help their children is to expose them to performances, art galleries, buy dance books and videos. This will open a whole new world not only for your child but for yourself as well. Also, encourage your child to be as open as possible to corrections when taking class.  Corrections are NOT criticisms, but rather opportunities to learn and grow. We do not encourage parents to review corrections or “coach” their children at home. We have found it creates confusion and undue stress and usually becomes unpleasant for both parties.  We encourage parents to be involved in their students dance training through volunteering, watching and APPLAUSE! 

 
What if I have questions or concerns?

Please keep in mind that the faculty/instructors always have the best interests of the students in mind. Our mission is provide the best growing experience possible.  For this reason we believe strongly in an open door policy. If you have a question or concern please contact the office to make an appointment to discuss them with us. Communication along with privacy and confidentiality is an important factor in everyone's success.

 
What is the difference between Jazz and Hip Hop?

Traditional Jazz is a more technically demanding style of dance.  It focuses on technique and strength and uses strong, sharp movements which incorporate a great variety of turning and jumping skills.  Hip Hop is a high energy genre of dance that concentrates on personal style, funk and self expression.

 
What type of music and choreography will my child be exposed to?

At Dancemakers we take seriously our mission to cultivate the proper atmosphere for Moral and Spiritual growth in additional to the dancers Technical and Artistic Skills.  For this reason we are careful to choose “age appropriate” music and tasteful costuming and choreography.