Offering this type of package leads people to believe that they are getting their “money’s worth.” In fact, the opposite can hold true if there are classes that overlap or classes that don’t go.  Even if there are many classes offered, making it look like you’re getting a lot of class time for the tuition, often these classes consist of open levels, or the full number of classes will not be taken by an individual dancer, and the benefit of an unlimited package will not be realized.

Instead, we offer a "sliding fee" scale for our recreational members.  For instance, based on 45 min/1 hr classes, the first class taken is $42, the second class is $37, the third class is $32, and the fourth class is $27 per month.  Be careful of studios who stress that taking the maximum amount of classes is best for the student.  Remember, it’s not about the amount of classes taken as much as it is about the QUALITY of classes taken.

Company/Dance Team members are offered a package which includes all of their core classes.  You cannot compare the Company package with another studio’s “unlimited” package because in the Company/Dance Team package, students are placed (through tryouts) in the appropriate level for every class.  They are also guaranteed to receive core class time each week (again, this doesn’t always happen in unlimited packages).  The Company/Dance Team package also includes competition choreography and rehearsals.  Those interested in taking additional classes outside of the Company/Dance Team package can participate in “specialty classes.”

Offering this type of package leads people to believe that they are getting their “money’s worth.”  In fact, A specialty class requires more athletic movements, attention to body alignment and proper execution to ensure that each skill is learned with the appropriate technique.  We consider our Acro, Leaps N Turns, Pre-Pointe and Pointe instruction to fall under the category of specialty classes.  In order to run safely and successfully, these classes mandate smaller class sizes to ensure that dancers receive more one-on-one time with the instructor and also to avoid injuries.

We do not believe that placing several ages/levels in the same class is the answer.  Putting a lot of “bodies” in a room just to fill a class benefits the studio owner, not the student.  It is our goal to place each dancer in a class that will challenge them so they are screened during the first week of class to determine if they are in the correct level.  We also believe that dancers under the age of five should be with children their own age.  Placing our younger dancers in an age-appropriate environment is an important part of their classroom experience.

Our dance instructors not only have experience dancing (some professionally), they also have experience teaching dance.  Each day they teach, they bring with them their talent, their enthusiasm and their dedication.  Our instructors are college graduates; many with education degrees and others with Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in dance.  Several of our instructors are also parents, giving them a wonderful background to work with children.  Each year our instructors attend conventions and events to further their own education and to keep them up-to-date in the dance world.  By bringing back their experiences, they are sharing this with their students.  Our instructors also have a history with us.  We don’t experience a lot of turnaround because our instructors like it here; therefore, they get to know their students/families and the same holds true in return.  This results in a great relationship that is built on trust.  Parents can rest assured that their child will be taught proper technique in a safe, nurturing, supportive environment which will give them the opportunity to thrive in dance all while having a great time!

Yes.  Assistant teachers are utilized to help with certain classes (especially with our preschool classes).  Assistant teachers are Company members chosen because of their abilities and their role is to offer support and encouragement to the students in addition to what the students receive from the classroom instructor.

Our Creative Movements Program was established 13 years ago with the belief that preschool and kinder-age students benefit from a curriculum that includes different themes and music so that the class is engaging and appropriate for their age level.  This copyrighted program offers our youngest dancers the fundamentals in a fun environment that will have them dancing and practicing at home!

Our recitals are big productions and always prove to be a positive and fun experience for our dancers and families;  however, recital years do involve additional cost to our patrons with regard to costuming and tickets.  On non-recital years, we host a showcase where each dancer still has the opportunity to perform for their family and peers in a more cost-effective way.  You will find that some studios that hold recitals every year become more focused on perfecting recital numbers to “show off” than on overall technique and continued learning.  While proper technique is taught every year at Elite, we also believe that showcase years provide us with even more time to devote to taking our dancers to the next level.

On recital years, our Company attends 2-3 mandatory competitions and on non-recital years, they attend 3-4. In addition, optional events are also available for those interested.