- What do you offer for 3-8 year olds?
- How long does a session last?
- If I'm not sure my child is going to like dance, do I still need shoes?
- What do I need for dance class?
- How much is this going to cost?
- How are dancers placed in a class?
- How much do recital fees cost?
- What happens if my dancer decides dance isn't for her/him?
- Do we stay in the room with the dancers? How and when do we get to watch?
- Should I put my child in a summer session? What are the benefits?
- When can I register?
- What else should I know?
1. What do you offer for 3-8 year olds?
A Mini-Starlight, Starlight, or Starpower class is a one-hour combination class that includes the elements of ballet, tap and occasional jazz and/or tumbling. Dancers will learn how their bodies move, specific dance steps and large motor and coordination skills. They will learn to use their imaginations in class as well as learn fun songs (in some classes) and dances. Learning to be "good listeners", how to follow directions from teachers, and how to act in a studio/classroom setting are all also aspects of dance class.
At the end of the dance season, dancers may participate in the annual recital where they will dance on stage in costumes for their families and friends.
2. How long does a session last?
Dance classes at On Your Toes begin in September and the annual recital is in June. The studio follows Mehlville School District's schedule for school closings, weather situations and holiday breaks.
3. If I'm not sure my child is going to like dance, do I still need shoes?
Yes, it is required that they at least have ballet shoes. Children will not get the full experience of a dance class without the proper equipment. It would be like sending them to soccer practice without shin guards and cleats.
4. What do I need for dance class?
Tights: Dancers must wear tights, not pantyhose. Dance tights are stretchy and easy to move in. They are also designed to keep leg muscles warm and act as underwear, as dancers should not wear underwear with leotards. Tights also allow dancers to change into tap shoes without needing socks.
Leotard: A basic leotard in any color or design is acceptable. Attached skirts are fine as long as they are short and fall about mid-thigh. Ornate costumes are not allowed as this is distracting to the dancer and makes it difficult for the instructor to see body placement.
Shoes: Pink ballet shoes and black tap shoes are required for dance class. Isotoner slippers are not acceptable. They do not fit the same and they make it difficult to see if feet are stretched.
5. How much is this going to cost?
On Your Toes has a $15 registration fee. This fee includes all administrative costs for your family, all paperwork and updates, and getting your dancer registered into our computer system.
Please refer to the price list to see price breakdowns. Special discounts are given for multiple children and/or classes.
Tuition
6. How are dancers placed in a class?
Most dancers are placed in a class with peers their same age. However, all dancers develop and advance at different times and in various ways. In the spring each child is evaluated for the level of class he/she should be enrolled in for the fall. When new dancers join On Your Toes, they typically begin with their age group and move to the appropriate class as they progress.
7. How much do recital fees cost?
Recital fees vary from year to year and cover many costs. Rather than charge clients for all of the individual costs, the charges are added together into one sum for you. This amount is then broken into three convenient payments for you to help your budget. Costumes are typically ordered at the end of November.
Younger dancers have one costume that is used for two recital dances. Older dancers do three numbers in the recital and can have up to three costumes.
Our recital fees include the cost of all costumes, auditorium rental for dress rehearsal and recital, 15 tickets per family, all props, scenery and professional backdrop, all staff for dress rehearsal and recital including teachers, lighting and sound crew, and janitorial staff.
8. What happens if my dancer decides dance isn't for her/him?
No problem! Our staff understands that everyone has different likes and dislikes and dance may not be for everyone.
Since tuition is paid on a monthly basis, there are no "contracts" to be signed. However, there are no refunds once a month of tuition has been paid.
If your dancer chooses not to return, we just ask that you call and let the reception staff know so we can pass the information along to our faculty.
9. Do we stay in the room with the dancers? How and when do we get to watch?
Parents are allowed to come inside the dance room to assist their children with getting them "settled" as they walk in the room. However, "mommies and daddies" do not stay in dance class.
Teachers need time with the dancers to gain trust without the distraction of mom and dad. Dancers are typically too worried about what adults are doing and are watching them instead of working with the teacher.
We have a viewing window that we open the first week of every month. We want you to be able to see your child's progress; however, when the window is open it can be very distracting for young dancers.
As teachers, we understand that you are very curious as to what your dancer is doing in class and would like to watch at all times. However, through many years of working with different options, On Your Toes feel this is the best way for us to teach your children.
As a family, you are "paying" us to teach your child about the art form of dance. We have their most undivided attention when it is just the teacher and the children. Listening ears and watching eyes seem to magnify a hundred times over when the teachers do not have to compete with parents at the viewing window. It truly is the best way for us to teach your children.
10. Should I put my child in a summer session? What are the benefits?
On Your Toes offers a variety of summer classes.
Our most popular are short 3-week sessions. This allows dancers to "get their feet wet" and see if dance is something they really enjoy doing.
On Your Toes has a higher success rate of dancers remaining in class throughout the fall when dancers take summer sessions. It is the perfect way for new dancers to explore the world of dance without a huge summer commitment.
We also offer various workshops for dancers as well. Our workshops are one day venues offered in the evening for an hour or so. It isn't a huge time commitment and allows families with vacations or older teens with work schedules to pick and choose things that work for their busy lives. Everyone wins!
On Your Toes starts fall registration June 1st. We take all dancers on a first come, first serve basis. Classes do fill quickly with certain levels, so if you are thinking of registering, don't delay. We will take registration through November, however, the longer a dancer waits to join a class, the more they will have to play "catch up" from the rest of the dancers in the class that started in September.
Registration Form
Fall Schedule
Please click on the links below. They will provide more detailed information for you.
Getting Ready for Dance Class
Guideline and Expectations for Dancers and Parents Entering a Mini-Starlight, Starlight or Starpower Class
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