FAQ

How do I know which level to take/sign my child up for? What do the levels mean? How are they determined? When is a student moved up?

New students (or their parents) will speak with Lisa and discuss best level placement.  Placement may be altered at teacher discretion.  The levels listed on the schedule are guidelines. We understand dancers learn at different speeds and enter class with different dance backgrounds.  We strive to have dancers always feel comfortable and challenged at the appropriate level.  Because our teachers are experts in their field, we rely on them for initial class placement and future placement. Our staff works as a team and communicates daily about student progress so to guarantee each student is always in the best learning environment possible.

Do you do competitions?

We do not participate in competitions as we feel there is simply enough competition in the world. Our focus is on our technical training, stage presence, and fun that arises out of meaningful performances with a community service component. Our focus is dancers who express from a genuine place within themselves. When we perform in shows with other studios or companies we are excited to bring our best work and share our love of dance and the performing arts. We are equally excited to see what other groups have to share and we are eager to cheer them on as fellow artists who share our passion in a non-competitive setting. 

What performances are available to students of The Pretenders Studio?

Each year our performance schedule changes as new opportunities arise from year to year. The staples in our schedule that remain the same from year to year are our December Works-In-Progress Holiday Show and Fundraiser and the end of the year Showcase in June. Please check the Classes tab for all mandatory dates.  All of our performances incorporate a community service component. There are typically 4-5 performance opportunities per academic year for the dancers.

How does a student become eligible for the Company Class?

Students become eligible for The Company Class when they have completed a minimum of one full year of prior dance training here at The Pretenders Studio. In order to qualify for Company each dancer must be enrolled in 5 classes/week that meet the minimum requirements (Minimum requirements include 1 Company class, 1 Ballet class, 1 Jazz class, and any 2 additional dance classes in any discipline appropriate for dancer’s level and/or age).  Company is a full academic year commitment and cannot be joined late. Enrollment in Company is by invitation only and an audition prior to the start of the fall session occurs some years.

Where can I purchase appropriate dance attire and shoes?

Dancers are welcome to purchase dancewear from us directly. We offer a selection of our own leotards, tank tops, shorts, dance pants, sweats and sweat shirts for sale in the office at a very reasonable price, which we had printed in an effort to provide our community with a cheaper and easier option. Our dancers are not required to wear our clothes and are welcome to wear anything that meets our dress code.  We usually recommend The Dance Store on Robertson or Shelly’s Dance Store in Westwood for shoes and they also have dance clothes.

Can I observe a class?

Yes, we welcome you to observe any class. Please call prior to coming so we can confirm the class schedule with you.

Can my child try a class before enrolling in a full session?

Yes! However, we don’t offer single class trials. Our dance experience is wholistic, we believe exposure to different dance styles makes for a well rounded dancer. We’re also a dance community, it’s difficult to experience all our community has to offer in just one class on just one day. Therefore we offer trial weeks, dancers take three classes over the course of a week followed a consultation with Miss Lisa to determine the best fit for them in the community. Please contact us to enroll in a trial week.

Does your studio offer workshops or master classes?

Yes. Please check with the office for specific information regarding workshops and master classes if you are interested in attending one. If you are interested in teaching a workshop or master class please call or use the contact form more details on how to set that up.

Do you do dance birthday parties?

Yes. Please use the contact form, call or ask the office for more birthday party information.

What is your policy on makeup classes?

Any student is welcome to makeup a missed class in any other class on the schedule for their same level and age group. Please feel free to call the office for advice on which class would best be used to make up a specific missed class. A maximum of 2 classes can be made up in any given session. Makeup classes do not carry over from one session to the next.

What disciplines are offered at The Pretenders Studio?

We teach many styles of dance as well as theater. For the kids/teens we offer Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Acro Tumbling, Functional Fitness, Yoga, and Dance Technique.