FAQ

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Why is the end of the year show called a "showcase" and not a "recital?"

At The Pretenders Studio we feel that the word “Showcase” better describes what it is we do at the end of the year. Our show is a demonstration of our year’s progress as individual dancers and as a community. We do not feel that we are simply performing for a public audience as the definition of “recital” suggests, but instead we feel we are displaying, sharing, communicating the best of what we have learned. For us, our “Showcase” describes the display of our best advantage.

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How are costumes selected? How much will they cost?

Costumes are carefully selected for each class based on the style, discipline, age and level or each class. We pay great attention to choosing costumes that are considered “dancewear” instead of “costumes” so that costumes piece can be worn either to class or in life in general after the performance. As a staff we all remember the days of itchy, tight, unflattering, uncomfortable costumes that our parents spent a small fortune on and we only wore one time. For this reason, we always take into account varying body types, age groups, and disciplines to make sure all dancers are comfortable when they perform. We feel costumes should be an additive to the dancer’s performance experience rather than something they dread putting on. We want all our dancers to feel confident and happy on stage. Additionally we take great care to keep costs minimal for the parents as we know the costume market can be extremely expensive and cost prohibitive. We charge $45/class/costume. Each class has a different dance in the show and therefore requires it’s own costume. To keep costs this low we select a black “base costume” each year that all dancers wear under each of their various accessories (skirts, pants, tops, shorts, dresses, etc). This base is something all dancers can use for class the following session as it meets our dress code requirement.

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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. Typically the winter show is the second weekend in December and the Showcase is the second weekend in June. All of our performances incorporate a community service component of some sort. There are typically 4-5 performance opportunities per academic year for the dancers.

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Why is each show associated with a charity or fundraiser?

We believe dance has the power to heal and bring about change therefore, pivotal to our program is the use of dance and performing arts in community service outreach and charity work. We are proud to be a dance community that is not only known for our ability to train well skilled dancers but also one that gives back to our community and makes a difference for the better in the world through the use of our art. We believe that there is great benefit to the giver and the receiver when charity and community service are performed and we feel honored and proud to be able to use our passion and skills to give back and bring about change in our community.

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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. In order to qualify for Company each dancer must be enrolled in 4 classes/week that meet the minimum requirements (Minimum requirements include Thursday 3:30 pm Company class, 1 ballet, modern, or technique class, 2 dance classes in any discipline appropriate for dancers level and/or age). Our Company Class is made of up of dancers who are interested in taking their performance skills & technique to the next level, interested in performing more throughout the year, interested in working with all of our staff & guest choreographers (this is a choreography based class), seek the experience of & training in multiple dance disciplines, interested in organizing & spear-heading community service & special events, understand that it is a privilege & commitment to be a company member & feel they can fulfill the requirement for the entirety of the academic year. Additionally, these dancers commit to extra rehearsals & performances and want to maximize the FUN! Company members must enroll in September. This class does not take rolling admission. Enrollment in Company is by teacher recommendation/approval and an audition prior to the start of the fall session each year.

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How many students are enrolled in each class?

Class size limits are determined by individual teachers depending on the discipline and level of each class. Generally speaking our classes are between 4-18 students.

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What is the teacher/student ratio?

Teacher/Student ratio depends on a class’ enrollment. Classes with under 12 students typically have 1 teacher and classes with more than 12 students typically have 2 teachers. Sometimes smaller classes require 2 teachers as well. This is determined on a case-to-case basis by the owner.

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What is the purpose of the uniform?

The purpose of our dress code is two fold. First off, the uniform allows for a safe training environment where each teacher can clearly look for proper placement, technique, and clean lines. We feel that with our dress code in place we can be more diligent about physical safety. Secondly, we feel that the uniformity eliminates the competition that other dress may instill. We do give some choice in specific attire as we want each dancer to feel comfortable in their selected outfit however, the guidelines we provide ensures a general uniformity that keeps all the dancers in what we consider proper dance clothes. When we are in class our focus is dance not our outfit. We do not require students to purchase dancewear from us directly however if you wish to do so we do have a wide selection of them for sale in the office.

Where can I purchase appropriate dance attire and shoes?

Dancers are welcome to purchase dancewear from us directly. We offer a selection of leotards, tank tops, shorts, dance pants, sweats and sweat shirts for sale in the office at a very reasonable price. Infact, we had our own clothes printed in an effort to provide our community with a cheaper and easier option than going elsewhere. Our dancers are not required to wear our clothes and if you have dance clothes that meet our dress code please feel free to wear what you have. Additionally, there are other stores in the area that sell dance clothes that meet our dress code. We usually recommend Shelly’s Dance Store in Westwood for shoes and they also have dance clothes.

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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.

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

Yes, we are happy to have anyone try a class prior to committing to a session. The trial class fee is $20. If after trying the first class it is determined to be a good fit and you wish to join the class we will apply the $20 trial class fee to the total tuition due. We do not offer on going trials or drop in classes for the kids/teens classes as each class progresses and builds on the foundational technique attained week after week and consistency in attendance is important to our program for everyone’s safety and ultimate progress.

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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 for more details on how to set that up.

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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 but rather must be made up the session in which the class was missed. Please call to inquire about making up classes so that we can confirm the class you wish to attend is an appropriate match for you.

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What disciplines are offered at The Pretenders Studio?

We teach many styles of dance here and we teach theater. For the kids/teens we offer Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Flamenco, Yoga, and Dance Technique. For Adults we offer Yoga, Pilates, Ballet, Tap and private training.

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At most live dance or theatrical performances patrons are not allowed to take any kind of photography during the show. Is this the case at your shows?

Yes, we do not allow photography of any kind to be taken during our shows as any kind of light in the otherwise dark audience causes a danger to the performers on stage. Not only can lights from the audience cause severe distractions for our dancers but blind spots appear as after images for the dancers making it a serious safety hazard. Additionally, photographing during a live performance is extremely distracting to other audience members. As a courtesy to the families of our dancers we have professional pictures taken of the dancers during dress rehearsal that are made available for purchase at our cost. We also have a professional videographer shoot the shows and edit together a beautiful DVD that is available for purchase. We appreciate everyone’s compliance with this policy so that we can ensure the safety of our dancers during show time as well as a positive experience for our audiences.

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What kind of training/experience does The Pretenders Studio staff have?

Our staff has well over a hundred years of collective teaching experience. We are all college graduates with intense training backgrounds, formal education, technical ability, specialized skills, and love for our art. We are very selective in who we hire and are specific about what our vision of dance and the performing arts training is. We have worked hard to bring together a lively, passionate, experienced, highly skilled and dedicated team of teachers in order to enhance and inspire the abilities of talented, committed, and driven students. We are committed to both the technical growth and the personal growth of each student. We are, as a team, devoted to the over all health of our students and committed to creating a positive learning environment for all. Our goal is to train dancers who are technically proficient and confident in their ability to communicate successfully with their bodies. We support safe self-reflection and self-discovery as dancers find their personal sense of creativity, movement, and passion.

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?

Generally speaking, to start off, a new student (or their parent) to The Pretenders Studio will have a conversation with Lisa (the owner) or Cecile (the manager) and discuss what our best guess for level placement will be based on a dancers prior experience/training and age upon registration. Once the initial placement is determined, the first class is then used as a trial. After the first class the teacher, Lisa or Cecile, and the student and their parent will discuss the in class experience and the teacher will advise if proper placement has been achieved or if a switch to another class is a better fit. We are committed to finding the absolute best class for each student so that we can ensure proper training, a safe and enjoyable learning environment, and ultimately the best place from which positive self-esteem can manifest from the achievement of progress, the attainment of good solid technique, and a community of peers that support each other to learn and grow together. The levels listed on the schedule are guidelines. For example, a level one class is generally geared towards a student who has had 0-12 months of training. A level I/II is geared toward a student who has completed 12-36 months of training. Sometimes it takes longer to meet the requirements of one level before moving on and sometimes students master a level quickly. We understand that each dancer learns at a different speed and enters class with different dance backgrounds and vocabulary sets. Our goal is to keep each class progressing together at a similar pace while paying attention to the slight mixed level that will naturally arise and change throughout the year. We do not feel that combining levels that are too far apart is beneficial to anyone in the class as the teacher is then torn between holding back a group that is ready to move ahead and pushing another group too far past their technical ability and comprehension. We strive to have dancers always feel comfortable and challenged at the appropriate level and our teachers are experts in their field hence, we rely on teacher discretion for initial class placement and future placement into higher level classes when they feel a student is ready to move up. 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.

If a teacher feels that my child has been enrolled in the wrong class, how is that handled?

If it is determined by the teacher that a student has been enrolled in the wrong class the studio will contact the parent/guardian immediately. We try to make all schedule changes as quickly as possible so that a student is never left feeling overwhelmed or like they are falling behind. We make every effort to offer suggestions for which classes are a more appropriate level and we try to accommodate our client’s schedules as best we can. We understand that everyone has fully packed schedules and we know that shuffling around classes is not easy which is why we always address proper placement immediately. Please note that proper placement really does make for the over all best dance experience for all. If it is determined that the class selected is only slightly out of reach for the newly enrolled student, the teacher may suggest that a few private lessons be utilized as a supplement to the group class. Privates are not intended to substitute a class but rather to offer additional one-on-one training so that difficult steps or choreography can be broken down and worked on properly. Privates are scheduled through the office on a case-to-case basis and are not included in the group class tuition price. The foundational technique is vitally important to each dancers success and we commit to each student that they will attain proper and safe training from our program.

My child is turning 11 years old in the middle of the school year. Does that mean that she will switch classes mid year?

We typically do not allow students to switch classes mid year. It is generally determined in the beginning of each academic school year which classes each dancer will take for the entirety of the year (culminating in June). Mid-year changes are rare as each class builds on their technique as a progression throughout the year. Learning to dance as a cohesive group is part of the curriculum and this relationship is something that is cultivated throughout the duration of the academic year so we encourage students to select a schedule and stick with it for their overall growth as a dancer (both individually and collectively). We use the age of the student and the age groups designated on the schedule as a guideline not a definitive means of class placement. If there is an exception to this generally followed policy it is handled on a case-to-case basis. Class placement is at the sole discretion of the teacher.

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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 that incorporate a community service component. We are not interested in winners and losers but in dancers who express from a genuine place within themselves. When we perform in shows that involve other studios and other companies we are excited to bring our best work and to 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.