Dance Magic FAQ
Why No Barres and Mirrors?
3-5 year old children like nothing better than to watch themselves dance and twirl around in a mirror…which is precisely why we choose venues without mirrors for this age group!
Without distractions of this type, young children are better able to focus on learning and cooperating in a group environment. Barres and mirrors are necessary for older ballet students where barre work is a required part of the syllabus and self correction in mirrors becomes important, however they are of no benefit to the 3-5 age group. Additionally, holding our Dance Magic classes in Community Centres assists in keeping fees as low as possible plus offers localised classes due to multiple venue choices. This supports our philosophy of make dance tuition accessible to all.
What if we miss a lesson?
In most cases, students may be able to make up the missed lesson at another time or location. This must be organised through the office prior to the make up lesson. Also, there must be availability in the make up class - so contact us as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Classes are non refundable when missed.
Do the children participate in a performance?
The children’s year culminates in an annual Concert. A low-key end of year performance is held at the end of Term 4 (November) on a weekend, enabling Mums and Dads, relatives and friends to come along & watch. This is not compulsory, and some of our ‘newly turned 3 year olds’ often wait until the following year. The children will perform a selection of their activities and dances in a basic costume.
What ages can attend?
Pre-school age - generally ages 3-5 years & preferably toilet trained.What is the duration of the classes?
The classes are 30 minutes in duration. However, you need to allow approximately 35 minutes as we generally spend 5 minutes at the end of each lesson handing out stickers. The class is structured in a way that the activities are quite varied: we complete the more static activities in the first half of the lesson, leaving the more creative & musical activities for the 2nd half when the children’s attention can tend to wane.
Tell me more about the trial class.
If you are interested in Dance Magic but unsure how your child will respond to the classes then book in for a free trial lesson - this is an excellent opportunity to see what the program is about before you commit! You must book in for a trial class in advance. This can be done by email or phone. This lesson is free. If you would like to return to class you simply complete and send your enrolment form and payment at or prior to the next class.
“My child can be shy and might not want to participate…”
It is expected that most children will be quite clingy on their initial arrival. Each child may respond quite differently. We try to accommodate each individual, by allowing them to do what they feel comfortable doing. They are welcome to come along and watch (most children at least start off by watching), or perhaps participate when they feel more at ease. Please allow the children a reasonable number of weeks to settle in and to gain confidence with us and to become familiar with the new surroundings. Please note that a parent normally stays in the room with the child for their first class.
What does my child wear to the trial class?
Any thing they can move in. Don’t worry if they insist on their favourite ‘ballet outfit’, fairy dress, fairy skirt, or favourite dress-up – we’ve ‘seen it all!’ Be prepared to take off shoes & socks. Remember, there is no hurry to purchase the uniform. You may want to pay for a term’s classes and then purchase the uniform when you are sure your child is enjoying the class.
How do we get charged if we commence mid term?
You only get charged for the number of classes remaining in the term.Are parents permitted to watch the classes?
No. This is our policy, siblings and parents can be distracting to both the teacher and the student and we have found the children benefit from a more focused environment.
The exceptions are:
The exceptions are:
- During the trial lesson - a parent/guardian is required to be present.
- The final class of the term is called 'Open Day', where Mums, Dads, Nannas etc are invited to come in and see what their child has learnt. Videoing and photography IS permitted.
- By special dispensation – some children will take a couple of weeks adapting to the class or teacher. Don’t worry if your child just wants to watch the first class, or needs you there. For many students, Dance Magic is one their first experiences in a social, learning environment.
How many students in each class?
To ensure each dancer receives appropriate attention, enrolments are limited to 12 children per session. Once a class reaches it’s capacity, enrolment in that class is closed for the term.