Frequently Asked Questions
1.
What makes
America’s Ballet School the place “where serious dancers go to learn
ballet”?
2. Do you have a professional teaching staff?
3. What is your facility like?
4. Where are you located?
5. What should I wear to class?
6. At what age do you accept students?
7. Do you offer adult classes?
8. Are there performances?
9. How much is tuition?
10. Do you participate in competitions?
11. Do you offer private lessons?
12. Why is Ballet so important for dancers?
13. When should my child begin dance classes?
14. Should my son take dance?
15. What benefits will my child gain from dance class?
16. When will my child begin Pointe?
17. What type of commitment is expected?
18. What is the class make-up policy?
19. When should I arrive for class?
20. Am I allowed to watch my child in class?
1. What makes America’s Ballet School the place “where serious dancers go to learn ballet”?
We offer a quality program of pre-ballet, ballet and pre-professional ballet classes set in a wholesome environment where positive attitudes are encouraged. In addition to our curriculum, we believe that the values learned in the formative years will carry-over to the other areas of the students' lives and help propel them to success. Our children's program is second-to-none. We have a well-planned, well-written syllabus with superior teachers who prove invaluable in making the children feel special and in knowing what works and what doesn't.
2. Do you have a professional teaching staff?
Yes, our entire faculty has extensive backgrounds in the dance field. (Their individual bios can be found in the Faculty section of our web site.) All of these wonderful dance instructors have many things in common: they love dance; they love children; they are experienced teachers who epitomize excellence; and they are constantly striving for new and innovative ways to keep their curriculum fresh and exciting.
• Link to Faculty page
3. What is your facility like?
The studio has two studios featuring mirrors on one wall and viewing windows on the other. Some of the building's outstanding features are a waiting area from which views of both studios are accessible, Marley floors, and two dressing areas.
4. Where are you located?
We are located at 15365 Amberly Drive, Tampa, FL in the Shoppes of Amberly Plaza. Click here for contact information and directions.
• Link to Location & Directions
5. What should I wear to class?
For the Pre-Ballet, Student, and Pre-Professional Divisions, the classes require a dress code. For the Open Division classes, the dress code is tight-fitting, moveable clothing.
• Link to Dress Code
6. How much is tuition?
The rate of tuition depends on the level of your dancer. Click here for information on the current tuition rates.
• Link to Tuition
• Link to Adult Tuition Chart
7. At what age do you accept students?
We offer classes for students ranging from 3 years old and up and offer classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students as well as for adults. It is our goal to provide your child with a class in which he or she feels comfortable while being challenged.
Visit Class Information for further answers.
• Link to Class Information Page
8. Are there performances?
At ABS, performances are an integral part of the school’s philosophy. Students of all levels beyond pre-ballet are invited to perform in the school’s biannual performances with DanzAmericas Project, Inc. The spring performance is held in the middle of June, and is either a classical ballet or a children’s story choreographed by the faculty of ABS specifically for the students. DanzAmericas Project, Inc.’s The Nutcracker is performed every winter and there is an end-of-year children’s recital for the pre-ballet division.
• Link to www.danzamericasproject.com
9. Do you offer adult classes?
Yes, we currently offer adult beginner ballet classes and adult intermediate ballet classes. Visit our Class Information page for more information on these open, continuous classes.
• Link to Class Information Page
10. Do you participate in competitions?
Yes, ABS participates in the Youth American Grand Prix and the American Dance Competition each season. Being involved in competition can be a rewarding experience for dancers of all ages. Our students are consistently placing high in both competitions. For more information, visit our Ensemble/Competition page.
• Link to Ensemble/Competition page
11. Do you offer private lessons?
ABS does offer private and semi-private lessons. These lessons are scheduled at least one week in advance. For more information visit our Class Information Page.
• Link to Class Information Page
12. When should my child begin dance classes?
Children's dance education can begin at the age of three, at which time they will be taught pre-ballet to improve balance, co-ordination, and flexibility. They will learn the meaning of rhythm, learn to listen to music and learn to accept discipline. Bad habits are formed in early years and often can never be corrected; therefore, it is of greatest importance to have proper dance training.
13. Should my son take dance?
Parents often will ask, “Should my son take ballet classes?” It is equally important for the boys to have the same opportunity to learn good timing, good coordination and to build a strong, healthy body to prepare their future for any kind of sport and profession. Boys are provided with intense training and we currently have several male students from age 7 through to 20. View some of our male dancer’s successes here.
• Link to Testimonials
14. What benefits will my child gain from dance class?
Through proper ballet training, personality will be developed along with good posture, poise, and grace. Dancing will allow the shy, the over-aggressive and self-conscious child to break out of those tendencies. Since dancing creates an interest in all the arts, self-expression will be learned through a healthy outlook.
15. When will my child begin Pointe?
Here at ABS, dancing "en pointe" begins once the student has been approved by the faculty. Pointe work is a major goal in a ballerina's dance life, but correct alignment and strength of the legs and feet are needed before the pointe shoes can be put on. It is at the faculty’s discretion as to when pointe classes will begin for your student.
16. Why is Ballet so important for dancers?
The base for great technique is Classical Ballet. Having the foundation of ballet, allows for your dancer to explore all other movement vocabularies. Visit our Vision & Philosophy page for more on the importance of ballet training.
• Link to Artistic Vision and Philosophy Page
17. What type of commitment is expected?
Our dance program places dancers according to their level and age. A commitment to class attendance is extremely important for a dancer’s progress. A student is expected to pay every month regardless of how many classes are missed. Missed or cancelled classes may be made up on a similar level. No refunds or reductions are given for missed classes.
18. What is the class make-up policy?
Regular attendance of all classes in a student’s program is necessary. Attendance is an important consideration when placing students for the next school year. Students/parents must notify the school office in advance of any class that will be missed. Students in the student division may make-up missed classes in an equal or lower level in the same month as the missed class. Students arriving 15 minutes late for class must observe class only.
19. When should I arrive for class?
If it is your first time taking class at America’s Ballet School, you should arrive between 10 and 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin as there you will need to register. Also, you ought to give yourself time to change your clothes or shoes if your class requires special attire. Always check in at the front desk before your class begins. The ballet studio has etiquette rules as well. View our Ballet Etiquette Guidelines here.
• Link to Ballet Etiquette Page
20. Am I allowed to watch my child in class?
All classes are closed for viewing so that teachers and students can retain their focus without distraction. But remember, our studios feature windows so that the parents can observe class while sitting in the waiting lobby.
If you still have questions, ask those questions below or contact us.
• Link to Contact Us page
.
2. Do you have a professional teaching staff?
3. What is your facility like?
4. Where are you located?
5. What should I wear to class?
6. At what age do you accept students?
7. Do you offer adult classes?
8. Are there performances?
9. How much is tuition?
10. Do you participate in competitions?
11. Do you offer private lessons?
12. Why is Ballet so important for dancers?
13. When should my child begin dance classes?
14. Should my son take dance?
15. What benefits will my child gain from dance class?
16. When will my child begin Pointe?
17. What type of commitment is expected?
18. What is the class make-up policy?
19. When should I arrive for class?
20. Am I allowed to watch my child in class?
1. What makes America’s Ballet School the place “where serious dancers go to learn ballet”?
We offer a quality program of pre-ballet, ballet and pre-professional ballet classes set in a wholesome environment where positive attitudes are encouraged. In addition to our curriculum, we believe that the values learned in the formative years will carry-over to the other areas of the students' lives and help propel them to success. Our children's program is second-to-none. We have a well-planned, well-written syllabus with superior teachers who prove invaluable in making the children feel special and in knowing what works and what doesn't.
2. Do you have a professional teaching staff?
Yes, our entire faculty has extensive backgrounds in the dance field. (Their individual bios can be found in the Faculty section of our web site.) All of these wonderful dance instructors have many things in common: they love dance; they love children; they are experienced teachers who epitomize excellence; and they are constantly striving for new and innovative ways to keep their curriculum fresh and exciting.
• Link to Faculty page
3. What is your facility like?
The studio has two studios featuring mirrors on one wall and viewing windows on the other. Some of the building's outstanding features are a waiting area from which views of both studios are accessible, Marley floors, and two dressing areas.
4. Where are you located?
We are located at 15365 Amberly Drive, Tampa, FL in the Shoppes of Amberly Plaza. Click here for contact information and directions.
• Link to Location & Directions
5. What should I wear to class?
For the Pre-Ballet, Student, and Pre-Professional Divisions, the classes require a dress code. For the Open Division classes, the dress code is tight-fitting, moveable clothing.
• Link to Dress Code
6. How much is tuition?
The rate of tuition depends on the level of your dancer. Click here for information on the current tuition rates.
• Link to Tuition
• Link to Adult Tuition Chart
7. At what age do you accept students?
We offer classes for students ranging from 3 years old and up and offer classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students as well as for adults. It is our goal to provide your child with a class in which he or she feels comfortable while being challenged.
Visit Class Information for further answers.
• Link to Class Information Page
8. Are there performances?
At ABS, performances are an integral part of the school’s philosophy. Students of all levels beyond pre-ballet are invited to perform in the school’s biannual performances with DanzAmericas Project, Inc. The spring performance is held in the middle of June, and is either a classical ballet or a children’s story choreographed by the faculty of ABS specifically for the students. DanzAmericas Project, Inc.’s The Nutcracker is performed every winter and there is an end-of-year children’s recital for the pre-ballet division.
• Link to www.danzamericasproject.com
9. Do you offer adult classes?
Yes, we currently offer adult beginner ballet classes and adult intermediate ballet classes. Visit our Class Information page for more information on these open, continuous classes.
• Link to Class Information Page
10. Do you participate in competitions?
Yes, ABS participates in the Youth American Grand Prix and the American Dance Competition each season. Being involved in competition can be a rewarding experience for dancers of all ages. Our students are consistently placing high in both competitions. For more information, visit our Ensemble/Competition page.
• Link to Ensemble/Competition page
11. Do you offer private lessons?
ABS does offer private and semi-private lessons. These lessons are scheduled at least one week in advance. For more information visit our Class Information Page.
• Link to Class Information Page
12. When should my child begin dance classes?
Children's dance education can begin at the age of three, at which time they will be taught pre-ballet to improve balance, co-ordination, and flexibility. They will learn the meaning of rhythm, learn to listen to music and learn to accept discipline. Bad habits are formed in early years and often can never be corrected; therefore, it is of greatest importance to have proper dance training.
13. Should my son take dance?
Parents often will ask, “Should my son take ballet classes?” It is equally important for the boys to have the same opportunity to learn good timing, good coordination and to build a strong, healthy body to prepare their future for any kind of sport and profession. Boys are provided with intense training and we currently have several male students from age 7 through to 20. View some of our male dancer’s successes here.
• Link to Testimonials
14. What benefits will my child gain from dance class?
Through proper ballet training, personality will be developed along with good posture, poise, and grace. Dancing will allow the shy, the over-aggressive and self-conscious child to break out of those tendencies. Since dancing creates an interest in all the arts, self-expression will be learned through a healthy outlook.
15. When will my child begin Pointe?
Here at ABS, dancing "en pointe" begins once the student has been approved by the faculty. Pointe work is a major goal in a ballerina's dance life, but correct alignment and strength of the legs and feet are needed before the pointe shoes can be put on. It is at the faculty’s discretion as to when pointe classes will begin for your student.
16. Why is Ballet so important for dancers?
The base for great technique is Classical Ballet. Having the foundation of ballet, allows for your dancer to explore all other movement vocabularies. Visit our Vision & Philosophy page for more on the importance of ballet training.
• Link to Artistic Vision and Philosophy Page
17. What type of commitment is expected?
Our dance program places dancers according to their level and age. A commitment to class attendance is extremely important for a dancer’s progress. A student is expected to pay every month regardless of how many classes are missed. Missed or cancelled classes may be made up on a similar level. No refunds or reductions are given for missed classes.
18. What is the class make-up policy?
Regular attendance of all classes in a student’s program is necessary. Attendance is an important consideration when placing students for the next school year. Students/parents must notify the school office in advance of any class that will be missed. Students in the student division may make-up missed classes in an equal or lower level in the same month as the missed class. Students arriving 15 minutes late for class must observe class only.
19. When should I arrive for class?
If it is your first time taking class at America’s Ballet School, you should arrive between 10 and 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin as there you will need to register. Also, you ought to give yourself time to change your clothes or shoes if your class requires special attire. Always check in at the front desk before your class begins. The ballet studio has etiquette rules as well. View our Ballet Etiquette Guidelines here.
• Link to Ballet Etiquette Page
20. Am I allowed to watch my child in class?
All classes are closed for viewing so that teachers and students can retain their focus without distraction. But remember, our studios feature windows so that the parents can observe class while sitting in the waiting lobby.
If you still have questions, ask those questions below or contact us.
• Link to Contact Us page
.
