F.A.Q.’s
Tell me about your teaching staff.
All Absolute Dance classes are instructed by qualified, ADULT teachers. We do not have students teaching our classes. Our staff continues their dance education each summer by taking classes to strengthen their skills and attending dance conventions specifically designed to train dance teachers. Our staff meets regularly to share ideas to improve the quality of our classes. Our staff is COMMITTED to providing the best possible classes for your child. Many of our teachers have BA degrees in dance education, or have been trained at highly accredited dance studios, colleges and conventions.
What are your class sizes?
We limit our pre-combination and combination classes to no more than 15 students. These classes have an adult teacher and assistant teacher to keep our student/teacher ratio at 8:1. Our 7-10 year old classes are limited to 16 students with an adult teacher.
At what age can my child begin dance lessons?
We begin our 2 year olds with a Mommy and Me class. Mommy and child dance together in this class and the child will later progress to a class on their own at the age of 3. It is never too late to begin dance! We take beginners at all ages and have a class that will suit their dance level. We also offer a wide variety of Adult classes!
How is class placement determined for my child?
All children develop at different levels. This is most telling in dance or athletics. Proper class placement is much more important then ensuring they will be with their friends from school or in the most “advanced” class. We encourage students to set goals every year to grow as a dancer! Please remember that our staff is highly qualified and places students in the classes that are best suited for them technically and emotionally. If you have a question or concern about the class your child has been placed in, you may schedule a conference with your child's teacher and the studio director so you can better understand their class placement.
Do you offer any college or adult classes?
YES! We offer a wide variety of Adult classes such as Ballroom, Ballet, Jazz/Tap Combo and Hip-Hop. Want to get the entire family involved? Attend our Family Hip-Hop night on the first Friday of every month!
Why does your facility make a difference in the quality of the instruction?
We are proud to offer our students and their families a clean, well-organized, professional facility and we believe this environment enhances a student's experience in dance classes. All of our dance rooms are spacious to accommodate all classes and have professional grade dance floors and mirrors. We have a large waiting area and office staff available during all classes to assist parents.
What kind of dance flooring is used?
Absolute Dance uses both a floating Marley floor and two floating wood floors. Both of these dance floors provide an ideal surface for dancers! Sprung dance floors cushion impact, protecting muscles, joints, and bones from the rigors of dance training. The sprung floor also reduces fatigue, allowing dancers to dance longer!
How much do classes/lessons cost?
We offer a wide variety of classes and programs at Absolute Dance and tuition depends on which classes are taken. Please contact us and we can discuss more detailed information for the classes you are most interested in. We don't require any of our students to enter into long-term contract agreements and we accept tuition payments by auto-draft, post-dated checks and payment in full. If you choose our payment in full option, a 10% discount is given on tuition. We can help you decide which option will work best for you!
Why does tuition remain the same during months that the studio is closed for vacations?
Tuition is based on nine months of classes from the beginning of September to the middle of May which we split into monthly payments. Although some months throughout our season may have less than four weeks in them, others will have more. We also spend extra hours with our classes during the months of April and May to prepare for our annual recitals.
May I come into the classroom during class to watch my child?
We have a closed classroom setting at Absolute Dance and only allow the students in the classroom during class time. Children can focus on their dance lesson and learn more when they do not have to divide their attention between the instructor and their parents. We want your child to learn as much as they possibly can during their time with us. Every year we have “Peek Week.” This is when we open the classroom doors to parents so you may watch your child in class and observe their progress! We limit visitors to two people per child and ask that siblings be left with a babysitter so you may enjoy this time watching your little dancer without distractions! Video and pictures welcome!
Are there performing opportunities for the dancers?
Yes! We have a Christmas Recital every two years in December alongside the Midland Community Theatre, Christmas Parade and our annual Spring Recitals in April and May. Both are wonderful opportunities for dancers to showcase the skills they have learned in class!
Tell me about your Recitals.
We have two different recitals. “Dance with Dessert” is our pre-school recital that takes place in May. After the performance, we have a special dessert reception for the dancer and two guests. Our May recital is for 5 year olds and up. Every year has a different theme and is nothing short of spectacular! We do our best to keep our recitals short and sweet for those who may not be able to sit for long periods of time. Both shows provide professional lighting and sound and our costumes and music are high quality and age appropriate!
Why is it important that my child follow the studio dress code?
Just as it would not make sense to send a football player to practice without his shoulder pads and proper gear, a dancer can not come to class unequipped. All sports, including dance, have a uniform that allows the athlete or dancer to learn and perform their best. It is important that our students abide by the dress code so that it is easier for instructors to see body placement and make the proper corrections with body placement and alignment. It is also difficult to move freely in constrictive clothing such as jeans and street clothes. A dancer's hair should always be secured in a ponytail or bun so they are not distracted by loose hair. You may view our full dress code on our website and we have also provided links to discount dancewear companies that have the correct attire that will fit our dress code! Please remember, all dance shoes must be purchased at Absolute Dance so all dancers are in uniform for class and recital.
How can I contact the studio with my questions?
Our office manager is available during our office hours and during class hours to meet your needs. We are also available via e-mail at info@absolutedance.org or by calling the studio at 699-2190. Monthly newsletters are emailed at the beginning of each month and we have important dates and schedules on our website calendar. Notes are sent home with children and also attached to recital costumes. Annual date sheets are passed out to each student and contain all of our important dates for the entire year. We do our best to keep everyone informed and organized, this makes for a less stressful year for all of us!
How do I get to Absolute Dance?
We are located just east of Loop 250 and Andrews Hwy. Our address is 1603 Idlewilde Drive and our building sits between Midland Imaging Center and Intrepid Drilling. Mark Payne Homes is in front of our studio. We have a map on our contact page that can also help you locate us!
