New to Dance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Membership Fee?
The $45/family Membership Fee is paid at the time of enrollment and ensures your student’s enrollment in the class is secured.
When do tuition payments begin?
Tuition payments do not begin until the 1st of September and will continue to be withdrawn the 1st of each subsequent month from September-May.
Are monthly tuition payments reduced if there are fewer classes in the month?
Tuition is based on a yearly amount that is split into even monthly payments that takes studio closures into consideration. If your student must miss a class please fill out this notification form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeomIlnYYKhvSfDLwWrkHfePb7Hg881rgceX5m8uKyhNMHUrw/viewform
Can I pay with cash/check?
We use an automatic withdrawal system for tuition payments. We ask all our families to add an electronic payment method on file via ACH bank account ($0.85 per transaction) or credit card (3.95% fee). However, cash/check payment is accepted for studio store purchases. Families are also permitted to pay tuition with cash/check if they pay upfront per semester (September-December, January-May) or for the whole year (September-May).
What should my student wear to class?
Each class has its own dress code expectations. Families can purchase dance attire at the studio if desired. Find your student’s class dress code below:
Is my student required to participate in recital?
Recital day is an enjoyable performance that allows students the opportunity to showcase what they have learned throughout the season and allows caregivers to witness their students’ growth. While we love when all students participate in recital, we understand there are various circumstances where students are not able to participate. Recital is not required; however, we assume all students will be participating unless otherwise communicated to studio admin.
—We size students for recital costumes & process payment in November–students who are not participating in recital must notify us before the costume payment is processed in November.
—Recital costumes & specific recital details are distributed after spring break.
—Recital day will be on a Saturday in May.
How do I contact the studio?
2111 S River St. Carthage, MO 64836 | 417-359-5587 | office@ovation-studios.com
6 Things Every Parent Should Consider Before Choosing a Dance Studio
If most dance studios seem to have friendly teachers, experience teaching children, & a big show at the end of the year, aren’t they pretty much all the same? Does it really matter which dance studio you decide to enroll at? Yes! There are 6 main considerations that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work & hassles parents must manage, & the overall enjoyment & satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 6 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child:
1. What type of dance floor is used?
Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones & joints. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional “floating floor”. A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite “marley” floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Very few dance studios use professional marley floors because of the expense involved, usually opting for a regular floor tile for a studio floor.
Our studio has a custom built floating floor with high-density foam blocks under the floor surface & a marley top surface. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries & allow students to dance longer without getting tired.
2. What class size should I expect?
If the class has fewer students in it, each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more, & have more fun! With younger students it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class & make sure each student understands the instructions when class sizes are limited. Our smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are overlooked & that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.
Our studio limits caregiver participation classes (age 2) to a maximum of 8 students per class. Preschool classes (age 3-4) are limited to a maximum of 10 students per class. Classes with students who are age 5-2nd Grade are limited to a maximum of 12 students per class. Students who are in 3rd Grade or older can expect a maximum of 15 students per class.
3. Who is teaching my child?
Most dance programs have qualified teachers with dance training. Some instructors have been dancing for many years & are highly skilled dancers. While this is a very important factor, you will also want to consider their teaching training. What experience does the teacher have in dance pedagogy? Are they trained in how to teach dance, or do they just have dance experience? Our dance instructors are college educated, highly skilled dancers with training in how to teach dance. Our studio director has a BFA in dance & has studied dance pedagogy, which has enabled her to create a solid dance program to continually train instructors in proper teaching techniques.
We believe there are two parts to learning dance successfully: qualified instructors & positive relationships in the classroom. These relationships are based on open communication between students & teachers, as well as students with fellow classmates. We foster a non-threatening environment where students can make mistakes & be supportive of one another, while having fun & learning to dance.
4. What is being taught? How is the class structured? Where is the class emphasis placed?
Some programs are purely recreational & some are more focused on competitions. Some programs begin teaching the recital dance at the beginning of the season & others teach only skills.
At our studio, classes for the pre-elementary student are age appropriate & fun, structured but not intimidating. These classes provide a solid introduction to dance & help develop beginning dance skills, creativity, coordination, & a love for the art of dance. Classes for ages 7 & up are all structured in a similar way based on the class style & technique level.
During the fall & winter, classes focus on technique training during. Dancers will begin learning recital routines in January & February. During this time, class is carried out structurally the same, but time is spent incorporating what they have learned during the year into a recital routine. The recital is important, however, it is not the focus of the entire year. The emphasis is placed on the process of learning & acquiring skills. In addition to having fun, we want to foster every student’s love of dance!
5. How can I watch my child in class without disturbing their learning?
It is very important for a student to make a connection of security & dedication to both the teacher & what they are learning in order to obtain success. When a student is constantly being distracted, they have trouble focusing & learning. It is also just as important for a parent to know & understand their child is safe & being taught by a friendly, qualified professional.
Our studio makes it possible for the student to have their full concentration on the instructor & the material being taught while allowing caregivers the opportunity to observe their student’s progress during class. Our studio is equipped with a closed-circuit camera system. Parents are always welcome to view their child’s class on the monitors in our family-friendly lobby.
6. What are the “extras” required for the year-end recital?
Most studios put on a year-end recital. This is a time for students to showcase their abilities on stage and to allow family and friends the opportunity to witness their student’s growth.
Questions you may want to ask are: How many days will your dancer be performing? Some studios have multiple performance dates for their recitals. How long is the recital? Some studio recitals can last up to 4 hours. What is the cost for costumes & tickets for this performance? Some studios charge hundreds of dollars for costumes & high-ticket prices at the door. Is there a blanket “recital fee” charged to all students? Most studios charge all students a fee just for participating in the recital.
We have one performance date for our end-of-year recital, usually near the end of May. Recital day is divided into six recital performances, each class performing in a single time slot. Each recital is approximately 1-2 ½ hours in length & is run very efficiently. Students are required to have a costume for every routine they are in during the recital. Costume charges are low & range between $45 & $90. We do not charge a recital fee & our recital tickets are kept very reasonable, ranging between $10-$23. There are additional optional purchases available during recital time – pictures, t-shirts, mementos for your student – but these are all optional.
We are always happy to answer any additional questions you may have!
