Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions not answered here, please contact the studio and someone will assist you as soon as possible.
What are the Closing & Important Dates for the 2023-2024 Season?
Classes Begin: Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival: March 22 – March 24, 2024
Junior Company Performance at the Performance Garage: May 4, 2024
BDC Mandatory Recital Rehearsal: Friday, Jun 21, 2024
BDC Recital: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Studio Closings
– Thanksgiving Break: November 23–24, 2023
– Winter Break: December 25, 2023 – January 1, 2024
– Spring Break: March 28 – March 30, 2024
– Memorial Day: May 27, 2024
How is level placement determined?
Please keep in mind that the age of your dancer is the least important factor when determining your dancer’s level. Though classes have age guidelines, levels are not based on age, or height, or how long a dancer has been dancing. Class placement is based on the dancer’s level of proper technique, maturity, and ability to apply corrections. Before moving on to the next level, dancers must be able to properly execute all that they were taught in their current level. They must not only know how to do particular steps but they must also execute them correctly (example: no sickled feet, stretched legs, proper alignment, proper coordination of the head, arms, & legs etc). Dancers must also know the correct dance terminology.
It is important to remind your dancer that students can ALWAYS learn new things and work to improve technical proficiency, even at the lowest level. With time, practice, and hard work, dancers will advance and progress at their own pace. The BDC teachers are knowledgeable professionals with years of experience, and they instruct our dancers with careful guidance and constant encouragement. Level advancement is determined at their discretion.
We are here to support our dancers’ growth, to ensure that they learn to do things safely, and to encourage them to persevere when things are difficult. Ultimately, we teach our dancers the value of integrity and the importance of hard work. These lessons are essential for student artistic growth, but these lessons also serve to empower our dancers throughout their lives.
What do I do if my child needs to miss class?
Please call or email the studio to let us know of absences and to arrange make up classes. Students are encouraged to make up missed classes in a similar level or in a different dance style within the month that classes are missed.
What does my child need to wear to class?
Pre-Dance
Girls:
Pink tights, pink leotard & attached skirt, pink ballet shoes, hair tied back in a bun
Boys:
White T-shirt, black shorts, black tights or jazz pants, black ballet shoes
Ballet Classes
Girls:
Tan tights, black leotard, tan ballet shoes, hair tied back in a bun
Boys:
White T-shirt, black tights, black ballet shoes
Jazz Classes
Girls:
BDC T-shirt or black leotard, black leggings or black jazz pants, black jazz shoes, hair tied back in a ponytail
Boys:
Solid colored T-shirt, black jazz pants, black jazz shoes
Modern/Lyrical
Girls:
Black leotard, black leggings or black jazz pants, half-soles/bare feet, hair tied back in a ponytail
Boys:
Black T-shirt or BDC T-shirt, black jazz pants or black footless tights, bare feet
Hip-Hop
Boys & Girls:
Solid colored T-shirt – no bare midriff, cargo pants, jazz pants, solid colored leggings, or sweat pants, jazz sneakers or black running shoes that are worn only in the dance studio, hair tied back in a ponytail.
Do you offer makeup classes?
Please call or email the studio to let us know of absences and to arrange make up classes. Students are encouraged to make up missed classes in a similar level or in a different dance style within the month that classes are missed.
Do you have a competition team?
Balance Dance Center is not a competition school. We encourage students to strive for personal excellence while celebrating collaboration and artistic expression through dance. Dancers reap the rewards of their hard work through personal growth and advancement. Performance opportunities are available for dancers who would like to challenge themselves and pursue dance more seriously.
What are your class sizes like?
Class size at BDC averages at 10 students per class. No class is larger than 20 students. We pride ourselves in knowing every student and fostering a warm, nurturing, and connected community of dancers and families.
How much do classes cost?
Please visit our pricing page to learn more.
How do I register my child?
Please call the studio and/or register through Dance Studio Pro here.
What if my child wants to discontinue classes?
We are sad to see any dancer go, but to discontinue classes, simply notify the studio by email before first of the following month. Tuition charges will continue through June unless notification is made in writing. Charges made without notification will not be refunded since we have reserved a spot for your dancer in class.
When is tuition charged?
Tuition is charged on the first of every month through Auto Pay.
What happens on snow days?
BDC follows the snow day protocol of the Downingtown School District. Parents are always notified via text and email of snow day studio closings. In the event of a studio closing, students may make up the missed class in the same or in a different dance genre on another day during the week.