PROGRAMS

"All students are important to us at The Art of Dance, from 3 years to adult. Each program provides a consistently high quality of instruction."

Classes for the upcoming season include Preschool classes for ages 3-6, Professional Program, Festival Program, beginner classes for all levels, Irish Program, Hip Hop, Highland, Salsakidz, as well as Musical Theatre with vocals and drama. Adult classes are offered in Hip Hop, Jazz, Salsa, and Tap at all levels. Yoga for dancers (as taught at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet) and Yoga for Adults will also be available during the 2010/2011 season. Registration commences May 1st. Newcomers are more than welcome to view or try classes before committing--please call the studio at 780.459.8588 for schedules.

The Art of Dance is located in St. Albert, housed in a new 8700 sq. ft. facility, complete with 5 studios, all with specially constructed dance floors.( NOTE: The studios are available for rental when not being used for dance programs and are perfect for meetings, exercise programs, photography, etc. Please call 780.459.8588 to enquire.)

PRESCHOOL SUMMER DANCE CAMP 2010: "Belle of the Ball" - ages 3 to 6, August 16th to 20th, 2010. An Event with Beauty, the Beast, and her friends in the enchanged castle. Come join Belle and her friends for a fun-filled week of dance and crafts. On Friday, August 20th, the last half hour of class time will be a performance and a special guest! Registration is on a first come, first served basis. A $50 deposit is required by June 11, remaining balance by July 15th. Program cost is $125 for 3 and 4 year olds; $165 for 5 and 6 year olds. Instructor: Odessa Wowk. >> Download registration form.

Preschool Program

Offered to students aged 3 to 5 years, our preschool program establishes the basic coordination skills to provide them with the ability to enter the Junior Program. This program is geared towards students learning to enjoy dance. Our preschoolers enjoy being able to perform in the year-end recital in their first dance costumes!

Junior Program

The Junior Program is offered to students 6 years of age and over from Primary to Grade Two dance levels. Introduction to the ISTD set syllabus in ballet, modern/jazz and tap will be established with recommendations for examination provided (see Syllabus). The program also continues the essence of "fun" with the addition of a set curriculum. All students in the Junior Program are involved in choreography to be performed in our year-end recital and/or competitions and festivals. It will be at the discretion of the teacher and/or Director as to which Junior classes will be entered into competitions/festivals (see Competitions below).

Festival Program

This program is offered to students with three years or more experience and are approximately 11 years of age or older who are dedicated to their chosen discipline. The Festival Program encourages the students to enter performing outlets with an emphasis on enjoyment and building self-development and confidence. Classes are loosely based on the ISTD syllabus to continue quality training while introducing techniques used for choreography purposes. Examinations are not offered in these classes, however, assessment forms may be done for individual students who wish to follow their progression. Festival competitions will be offered to these students--every entry is adjudicated based on the group's performance and receives a medal or standing according to the performance level as judged (as opposed to competition where usually only the top 3 groups get recognition). Currently registered students in the Festival Program who wish to progress into the Professional Program are encouraged to add a Syllabus and/or Technique class into their schedule. Program changes should be made according to recommendations made by the Director.

Professional Program

This program is offered to students from the Grade 4 level and up who wish to excel at their particular level and discipline. Entrance to the Professional Program must met the particular requirement for age and dance discipline. In some cases, an assessment class and appointment may be required in order to properly place students. ISTD syllabus classes are required separately from the choreography classes in ballet and jazz only (not tap). This is to ensure that the level of training is maintained throughout and examinations are prepared for appropriately. Note that the set syllabus and choreography will be taught within the same class for tap.

If your child is registered in the Professional Program the following classes are mandatory:

• Junior Level:


• 1 ballet syllabus class (Grade 4) with choreography taught in-class
• 1 ballet technique class (RAD)
• 1 jazz choreography class
• 1 jazz technique class
• Optional classes include 1 tap class, 1 lyrical class, 1 stretch & strength class


• Senior Level:


• 2 ballet syllabus classes
• 1 ballet choreography class
• 1 jazz choreography class
• 1 jazz technique class
• Optional classes: 1 tap class, 1 lyrical class, 1 pointe class, 1 ballet technique class (RAD), 1 stretch & strength class

SYLLABUS AND TECHNIQUE CLASSES

These classes are offered in ballet, modern, and jazz and are open to any student regardless of program enrolment. Festival Program students may wish to improve his/her technique and work towards the Professional Program by adding syllabus or technique classes to their schedule. A student in the Professional Program is required to attend the syllabus classes and may progress with the completion of their examinations. It is recommended that Professional students attend a technique class to enhance their abilities.

COMPETITIONS AND FESTIVALS

Various companies and organizations hold dance competitions and/or dance festivals in our area. It is our philosophy that dance is a performing art and that any opportunity to enter the theatre is advantageous to the training and self-development of our students. All students from Grade 1 and up will participate in one or more competition or festival with their group. Parents will be required to complete the Group Competition/Festival contract and submit this along with their registration form at the beginning of the year. Because a great deal of work and effort goes into each routine, dancers must commit to classes and practicing at home. Teachers will advise parents as to which competitions the class will be participating in, and exact performance times will be posted on the bulletin board. It's important that parents make sure to note performance times and have their child at the appropriate venue in full costume and makeup one hour before. Competitions and festivals are often held during weekdays, and students may be required to miss a few hours of school in order to participate depending on the schedule. Schedules are set by the organization holding the competition, not by The Art of Dance and we are unable to make changes. If for any reason your child will be absent for a competition, please notify the teacher as early as possible.

We encourage healthy competition in that students acknowledge their own accomplishments and respect the decisions of the adjudicators and learn from their critiques. Recommendations to enter competitions and festivals are made by the teachers and Director. Additional costs are incurred on a per student basis for entry fees, private lessons (for solo or special groups), as well as for costumes. Classes that are entered as a group are taught the choreography within their respective class times. Competition fees are normally due November through January and can be paid in 3 instalments if so desired. Fees range from $15 to $30 per student for each competition/festival entry for group competitions. Solo fees are higher. At the discretion of the teacher, costumes will either be ordered pre-made, or material will be purchased, a demo costume prepared, and parents will be briefed on costume preparation and given all required materials. They can then decide whether to make the costume themselves or hire a seamstress to make it (the studio may suggest a seamstress for those in need, but the rates will be set by the seamstress independent of the studio).

Solo Policy

Students that show consistent progress in their technique and performance ability will be recommended for solo routines in the year's competitions/festivals as determined by their teacher and/or the Director only. A solo recommendation form will be sent home for the parent's approval and choice of competitions. Please note that choreography and rehearsals will take place during private lessons, the times for which must be arranged with your child's teacher. Your child's solo must be worked on individually and not take up regular class time.

Fees for solos, special groups and extra coaching classes are based on an hourly rate that varies per choreographer or teacher. Payments must be made at the front desk prior to the private lesson times or when an invoice has been issued. Please check with your choreographer for your scheduled times. Solo costumes are the full responsibility of parents, but can be discussed with the teacher or choreographer. Other parents may have recommendations for seamstresses if you don't know of any.

Registrations forms are available online but must be completed and turned in to the front desk (adult registration forms are here). A non-refundable registration fee of $20 per family must be submitted at the time of registration.

Other information for parents:

Dress code requirements (please check this before buying any dance wear items for your child)
Art of Dance Policy Handbook
Tuition Fee Schedule

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the studio at 459.8588.