Dance Classes - Q & A
What is Auto-Pay and how do I make other purchases such as tights or tickets?
Tuition of all students is paid by pre-authorized debit directly from your bank account or pre-authorized credit card. This pre-authorization occurs at the time of registration. Registration and recital fees, as well as costumes are paid by pre-authorized credit card or auto-pay. Incidentals such as dancewear and recital tickets must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash or check. A credit card is required for online registration.
Allegro offers many styles of dance, so why is ballet so important?
Ballet is the basis for all other dance techniques. Despite different trends or popularity, a solid ballet background is needed to develop critical skills such as proper placement, body alignment, core centering, competency in execution, and an overall knowledge of movement, and prevention of injury. Allegro faculty is acutely aware of the necessity of excellent ballet training and proper technique is never compromised. It is for these reasons, that ballet is always suggested to a new student and reinforced to current students. Allegro is proud of the success of our students in this vital and universal technique. In recent years, Allegro students have studied summer ballet intensives at the following: Milwaukee Ballet, the Joffrey, ABT, San Francisco Conservatory of the Arts, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and more. Allegro is also proud of our students who have pursued dance careers by currently attending and/or graduating from the following: Stephan’s College, Columbia, MO; University of Wisconsin as Stevens Point; University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Creighton University, Omaha, NE.
Why is the Dance Concert held in June, and am I charged for that month?
Dance is a performing art. The culmination of the dance year naturally proceeds to the stage. Procurement of the theatre facilities in Rochester is extremely difficult. Spring is, overall, a busy season. Theatres are booked in May. Reserving the first or second weekend in June at Mayo Civic Center Presentation Hall allows Allegro to provide you with an excellent facility and a concert date one year in advance. This confirms, not only the date, but the importance of the event itself.
The Spring Dance Concert is professional, held at a wonderful facility, reasonable in length, (approx 1 hr 20 min) and most enjoyable for student, parent and audience alike.
The Spring Dance Concerts are the highlight of the year, but not the end of the year.
A class depending (on the day it meets) will have regular class the first week of June (1), followed by the dress rehearsal (2), followed by the concert (3), and wrap up with a community performance (4). So, yes, June tuition is paid, as a full month. Allegro strives to provide, and have parents and student alike, perceive value throughout our entire season. Advanced ballet class is held weekly until the end of June, when many Allegro dancers leave to attend summer Ballet Intensives. Younger students are provided Community Performance Events after recital.
If my student finishes the year in a certain class, does she or he automatically move up to the next level?
Allegro teachers love the opportunity to grow and develop the skills and the student within the continuity of an entire teaching year, September through June. As a general rule our syllabus operates on a two year pattern, such as Pre-ballet encompassing both Kindergarten and First Grade. When a student progresses into the “invited” levels of dance techniques, other factors besides age come into play. Growth spurts, coordination development, consistent attendance, health/illness, maturity levels and so forth can have an affect on a student’s progress. Remaining at the same level for 2-3 years is expected and planned in the school syllabus and should not be interpreted as not improving or not achieving success.
Allegro asks that you trust your teacher and the proven curriculum that is in place. Of course, opportunity to conference and discuss individual situations is always available via the office. Parents are encouraged to attend Observation Days, which are on the studio calendars three times yearly.