Commonly asked questions:
How do I find the right dance school for my child?
Dance Schools often offer different things.
What type of
dance are you looking for? Many parents are not
aware of the training methods and dance styles available. Our studio offers
excellent programs in Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz as
well as workshops such as musical theatre throughout the
year which expand on the skills learned. We offer
examinations through the Royal Academy of Dance which is
only possible through certified teachers.
Workshops given by professional dancers take place
throughout the year. With our specialization in Ballet
we offer probably the highest levels of training in the
city.
We do emphasize and train
performance skills through public theatre performances.
We do not attend common private run dance competitions as we believe this
changes the focus and less attention is given to those students not
competing. We do have an occassional exceptional student
who will be considered for high level Competitions such
as the Youth Grand Prix in the USA and The RAD Gen
ée
Competition.
Secondly – What are the qualifications of the teachers
and instructors? The Royal Academy of Dance trains,
examines and
certifies prospective teachers and they will then hold a
teaching certificate or Diploma (includes the study of
anatomy, history and child psychology).Students who
assist
the teachers have all worked and trained with the
director. Karin Hobby who not only holds her
teaching Diploma (Distinction) but has also tutored these prospective
teachers through the Royal Academy in the Healthy Dancer
Module. She has also studied many of the other
renown teaching methods including Cecchetti,(Associate
status with the Canadian Cecchetti Society) and Vaganova (Russian) as well as The Imperial Society
of Teachers of Dancing (Ballet, Tap, National and
Modern, Associate status) and Balanchine. She is the only
teacher in London that we are aware of to be qualified in both well known teaching
methodologies.
Thirdly
– Does the school participate in competitions?
Some schools do have competitive dance teams but our
studio prefers to work on performance not in the
competitive dance circuit. This ensures that all
students receive equal focus but no lower a standard. In
these busy times, We offer 6 performance opportunities
per year for all students. at appropriate levels. Less driving around is more time
dancing. Not to say that we don’t have team spirit or a
competitive edge!! Our students have all been
highly successful gaining access to professional
training and performing opportunities.We
do not attend common private run dance competitions as
we believe this changes the focus and less attention is
given to those students not competing. We do have an occassional exceptional student
who will be considered for high level Competitions such
as the Youth Grand Prix in the USA and The RAD Genée
Competition.
Other Considerations - include the physical
facility itself. Are adjacent businesses appropriate and
safe next to a children's school. Are there proper dance
floors installed?
Lastly – You usually get what you
pay for. The cheapest doesn’t mean the best. Find
out more about what you are getting. Overhead in a well
run studio encompasses qualified staff who also
pursue
continuing education to stay current, business and music
licensing fees (SOCAN and Resound), insurance, proper flooring,
ventilation etc.
Cheaper pricing will be
reflected somewhere - either in staff or the facilities
or class sizes. Remember also that at some
studio locations you will have to pay for parking. At
our studio parking is free. Our studio offers very
competitive rates.
Some studios advertise unlimited classes - check
whether or not the 5 class rate looks like the six class
rate at other facilities. Also, consider whether there
are actually more than five suitable classes available.
How are classes managed when the actual numbers of
students could vary when they are not registered for
them specifically or that students in the classes are at
the appropriate level to be fair to those who are?
Studio Ambience: We have windows and natural daylight in
all studios. There is also an good size parent waiting area,
parent viewing windows and private washrooms.
Registration Fees - These fees
cover the cost of registration - staffing, accounting
and paperwork so as not to diminish investment in the
classes and teaching faculty.
What age is best to start?
We will begin to work with children once they are 3 and
older. Before this age it cannot really be characterised
as ballet or tap etc although at younger ages they
certainly love moving to music (and should be encouraged
with this!) Our studio does begin with ballet based
programs which exposes them to classical music as well
as other fun musical forms rhythms, word rhythms, poems
etc. The Academy is now including more world wide themes
to reflect the diversity of our rich culture. Obviously
an early start is always good. Our current school
assistants have been studying with Karin Hobby
since they were
4! BUT...
Not every child is ready at three and many start at 6 or
7 or even later. Teens may suddenly want to take up jazz
or ballet. Adults may suddenly want to dance! We do our
best to transition all new students into both an age and
skill appropriate level. Don’t worry about
when you
start – just start!
A child’s first dance experience
should be a good one so if he/she is too frightened or
shy or even unsettled they may be better to wait and
retry a little later.
We run the younger classes earlier in the evening and on
Saturdays.
What if I am changing studios?
I personally feel that KHDANCE offers the highest level
of Ballet training in the city. Students often come here
for that reason. For others, sometimes circumstances change or there is now a desire
to look for a new school which can better accommodate
schedules or dance needs. Perhaps it is just that a
change or different atmosphere or new style of teaching
is hoped for. Whatever the case, we try our best to ease
new students in and make the transition smooth for the
child/teen. New students are always welcome. We do not
as a rule encourage students to study at more than one
school at a time as conflicts in teaching methods, exam
preparation and performance
and rehearsal
conflicts always arise. Students are encouraged to
become part of the school as an organization. Being part
of something as exciting as a dance school brings a
wonderful sense of accomplishment.
When should I register?
Registering now for the fall programs is advised to
ensure your child has a spot in an appropriate
class. Schedules
are drawn up and revised over the summer as registrations
come in. Don’t miss out! There are some students
who do begin in January and are assisted into
appropriate class levels. 3 year old programs run in 8
week blocks.
What if my child starts and hates it?
This will be highly unlikely ! However, in the event
that this does occur, we do encourage the child to
complete the one term through to the end of term
performance as this gives the complete experience. We
will certainly work with the parents and child to
explore the problem and sort out what the difficulties
are. We cannot unfortunately refund fees for a term
which has already commenced as a spot has been reserved
in that class. Dance should be fun and we try to ensure
this is the case!
When is it appropriate to start pointe?
