Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. What do you offer for young children?
  2. How long does a session last?
  3. If I’m not sure my child is going to like dance, do I still need shoes?Miss Ellen's Starshine
  4. What do I need for dance class?
  5. How much is this going to cost?
  6. How are dancers placed in a class?
  7. How much do recital fees cost?
  8. What happens if my dancer decides dance isn’t for her/him?
  9. Do we stay in the room with the dancers? How and when do we get to watch?
  10. Should I put my child in a summer session? What are the benefits?
  11. When can I register?
  12. What else should I know?

1. What do you offer for young children?

On Your Toes offers pre-dance, tumbling, hip hop and normal dance classes for dancers to gain an awareness of space, knowledge of specific steps and gross motor skills. They develop their imaginations, in addition to, being introduced to fun songs and dances. Dancers practice listening skills, how to follow direction and appropriate studio/classroom behavior.

At the end of the dance season, dancers may participate in the annual recital where they dance on stage in costumes for their families and friends.

 

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2. How long does a session last?

Dance classes at On Your Toes begin the day after Labor Day and run through to the annual recital in June. The studio follows Mehlville School District’s schedule for holiday breaks and most weather closings.

 

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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 by the second class. Children will not get the full experience of a dance class without the proper equipment.

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4. What do I need for dance class?

For a full listing of supplies, click here.

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5. How much is this going to cost?

On Your Toes has a $30registration 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.

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6. How are dancers placed in a class?

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. New dancers are placed within their age level and move to the appropriate class as they progress.

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7. How much do recital fees cost?

Recital fees vary from year to year and cover many costs.  Rather than charging for individual costs, charges are added together into one sum.

Rather than charge families for all of the individual costs, the charges are added together into one sum. This amount is then broken into three convenient payments to help with budgeting.

Recital fees include the cost of costumes, auditorium rental and staff for both dress rehearsal and recital, 15 tickets per family, props, scenery and professional backdrop, lighting and sound crew, and janitorial staff.

 

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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, please let the reception staff know so the information can be passed along to faculty.

 

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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. As the year progresses dancers enter the room on their own and prepare for class.

Teachers need time with dancers to gain trust without the distraction of mom and dad. Young dancers’ attention is easily diverted to what adults are doing instead of remaining focused on the dance instructor.

A viewing window is open the first week of every month for you to see your child’s progress. However, when the window is open it can be very distracting for young dancers at times.

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” On Your Toes to teach your child about the art form of dance. We have the dancer’s 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.

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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 commitment.

Workshops are one day events offered in the evening and lasting approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

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!

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11. When can I register?

On Your Toes starts fall registration June 1st. We take all dancers on a first come, first serve basis. Classes fill quickly, so don’t delay registration if you are interested.

Registrations are accepted through November, however, a later registration means a dancer may have to play “catch up.” Fall registration is offered online through the fall, but summer registration must be completed in person.

Registration Form – needed for registration
Policy Agreement – needed for registration

Fall Schedule

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12. What else should I know?

Please click on the links below. They will provide more detailed information for you.

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