FAQs

Enrolment

Every student is required to complete two trial lessons to ensure the class/program is the right fit for them before committing to enrolling for the rest of the term. This gives you and them a chance to get a feel for the class and meet the teacher, and for us to make sure that we have chosen the most appropriate classes/program for you/your child.
Our tuition fees are billed per Term, and work on a sliding scale based on the number of hours danced per week. Please register your interest, and our enrolments team can provide you with a quote.

Classes

  • Necessary dancing shoes
  • Dance clothes
  • Drink bottle
  • Extra pins and elastics for their hair
  • Shoes to wear to and from class (dance shoes should not be worn outside)

Dancing is a team sport like any other, therefore it is essential that classes are attended consistently. If students frequently miss classes, it affects everyone. It is  difficult for them to catch up on what they may have missed and it is also difficult for other students to work around those who are missing.

Examinations are not compulsory but are offered to those in the exam stream. The ATOD is an independent dance education organisation examining Graded and Vocational ballet studies for students from 7 years of age. We also offer internal assessments to our classical students as well as theatrical examinations and assessments. Exams give students and parents an idea of how they are progressing and the standard of their work. It also gives the students a standard to aim towards. Our students have a 100% pass rate for externally examined syllabi from the Royal Academy of Dance, Australian Teachers of Dancing, and Australian Conservatoire of Ballet,  with many students achieving Distinction and High Distinction marks, thus demonstrating a high standard of technical execution by students from The Dance Studio.

The Dance Studio offers an annual showcase each year, one for our Junior students (<7 years of age) and one for our Senior students ( 7+ years of age). These concerts are the highlight of the year, with all classes offered the opportunity to showcase their skills. These concerts are performed at professional theatres, with professional lighting, and beautiful costumes. Each family also receives a copy of the concert video.

Uniforms & Costumes

Uniform is compulsory for all students at our school from ages 3 and upwards (this excludes children in our 2 – 3 year old classes AND students taking part in our adult dance programs). We have a uniform because we want all students to avoid the distraction of multiple costumes, frills, fabrics and straps. It is also important for the teacher to see how the dancer is implementing the technical aspect of the steps being taught, lines the dancer is making with their arms and feet and how all of the dancers are working together in a group. Finally, uniform makes all the dancers feel equal, prevents dance class feeling like a “fashion parade” with pressure to have the latest brand dance wear and above all builds respect and discipline for the art form. All uniform items are available for purchase from our Burwood studio (including leotards & shoes) however it is not necessary for your initial trial period. During trial periods at TDS, any comfortable clothing easy to move in is most appropriate (e.g. leggings, t shirt or any leotard you already own) and bare feet are fine if you do not own dance shoes yet. Our uniform shop opening hours are seasonal so it is best you contact us for current opening hours before popping in.

There is no sewing required. We have extremely beautiful and high quality costumes for hire by the students for concerts and competitions. Not only is this the most sustainable and environmentally friendly option, it is also a fraction of the cost of buying. The studio handles all the sewing, transport, maintenance, and cleaning of the costumes.

Miscellaneous

We rely heavily on email and social media to get our information out! It is therefore important that we have your best email contact and that you please check your emails regularly. We often post on social channels with the latest news so make sure you like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. Also keep an eye on the noticeboard in the waiting room as information is also relayed through this board. Other items of interest are also put on the board relating to outside workshops, summer & winter school, and specials on dance wear.

We’ve done our best to address all of our most commonly asked questions – but if you feel we’ve missed something or you want to enquire further, please contact us.