Frequently Asked Questions 1) What is the minimum age to begin taking classes? We begin ballet classes for those children who have reached the age of 3 by December 31st of the dance year. As children grow older, they will have the opportunity to begin other disciplines of dance including tap, acro, hip hop, jazz, stage, contemporary and ZumbaAtomic. 2) How do I know what level of class to take? Our class placements take into account both age and ability. The teachers at Port Moody School of Dance will ensure your child is placed in the appropriate level to be both challenged and successful. If registering for a competitive or exam program, you may be asked to attend a dance assessment. 3) How do I register? Registration will begin in June and carry on throughout the summer. You may register in person at the studio, a registration fee secures your spot in the class. A limited number of students may be able to register during the months of September to December if space permits; however, classes do fill-up quickly and we suggest you register early to avoid disappointment. Please check the website, call the studio at 604-936-0966 or email info@portmoodydance.com for the most up-to-date registration dates/times. 4) When do classes start? Our classes run from September to June. A 10-month commitment is essential for progression. For the 2011/2012 dance season, classes will begin on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12th 2011 and end on SATURDAY JUNE 9th 2012. The year-end recital will be held on SUNDAY JUNE 10th 2012. 5) Where do I buy dance attire and proper shoes? Port Moody School of Dance has a collection of used dance shoes available for sale at the studio. Dance shoes and attire can also be purchased at: The Dance Box Cariboo Shopping Centre 435 D North Road Coquitlam V3K 3V9 - (604) 936-7615 The Dance Shop 1089 W Broadway Vancouver V6H 1E5 - (604) 733-6116 Satin Slipper Dancewear 22365 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge V2X 2T3 - (604) 476-7652 Jazz-Ma-Tazz 22374 Dewdney Trunk Rd Maple Ridge V2X 3J2 - (604) 466-0861 6) What should I wear to dance class? Wearing the appropriate attire to dance class will allow the teachers to see all of your movements and give you proper corrections to help develop your technique. Students who do not wear the appropriate attire to class will be asked to sit and observe the lesson or see the front desk to borrow dance attire. Please visit our Dress Code page to view the appropriate attire for each dance style. Please label ALL your childs' shoes and clothing, and remember no jewelry or gum in class. 7) How do I pay my tuition? Dance class fees may be paid in full at the beginning of the year. Alternatively, quarterly or monthly post dated cheques for September through June must be submitted by September 30th. Cheques are to be made payable to "Port Moody School of Dance Ltd" and must be dated for the first of each moth covering September through June. Sorry, but we cannot accommodate direct debit or credit card payments at this time. Cash or cheque is acceptable. 8) Is a refund issued if a student misses or withdraws from a class? Port Moody School of Dance does not issue refunds for missed classes. Students withdrawing from a class must inform the office prior to the 1st of the month or the full months fees will be charged. Money will only be refunded if a student withdraws from class prior to May 1st. June fees are non-refundable after Dec 1st. Please keep in mind that dance classes are a 10-month commitment. The recital is designed to be a focal point at the end of the year, and your teachers' choreography is based on each student remaining in the class. Any last minute withdraws effect the entire class. If a student will be absent from a class we ask you please email us at absent@portmoodydance.com to let us know! 9) Will I have to purchase a costume? Yes. A $35.00 costume deposit is required for each class your child is registered in. This deposit is used to purchase fabric for the costumes used in the year-end recital. If your child withdraws from lessons prior to these materials being purchased, or December 1st (whichever comes first) the deposit may be returned to you. However, if your child withdraws from class after the costume has been started, you will be responsible for the full cost of the completed costume. Please note that the costume deposit is only a deposit, the average cost per recreational costume is approx. $60.00 to $100.00 and $80.00 to $125.00 for competition and exam classes. If the costume cost is less than the costume deposit, the difference will be refunded. 10) Do you have parking? Port Moody School of Dance has ample parking right outside the studio. Additional parking is also available across St.John street on Grant Street, there is a pedestrian light for safe crossing. 11) Can I book a private lesson? Our teachers are available for private lessons and solo/duo/trio choreography. Please contact the studio office for rates. 12) Will I have a good instructor? The staff at Port Moody School of Dance have been hand-picked for their excellent teaching abilities and skill in helping children reach their full potential as dancers. Our exam teachers have been trained and qualified by the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, Association International Dance Teachers and the National Ballet School.