Frequently Asked Questions About Royal City School of Ballet and Jazz
One or two classes is not enough time for a student to truly judge whether this is an activity that is right for them.
There is too much that is new to them, not enough time to make friends and be comfortable in new surroundings.
Class may be discontinued after a semester, when the next tuition instalment is due which gives the student a fair and reasonable time to make an assessment.
This is very distracting for the students and hinders their focus and learning, even if a viewing window is oneway.
Parents are invited to observe regular classes during our Open House before the Christmas Break and again at the end of our year in May/June. In a performance year the June Performance supplants the Open House.
The focus in class is on the learning of dance technique and artistry as opposed to rehearsing and perfecting a dance for a third of the school year. The cost to the families of the costumes, tickets etc. (which has been rapidly rising!) can be a bit much sometimes and so adding these expenses only triennially is a relief to many families!
When we do a Performance we can put a great deal of effort into creating a professional show since it is not done every year.
Uniforms maintain equality and unity and allow students to focus on their work in class as opposed to their wardrobe. Form-fitting, non-distracting attire helps the faculty to assess and correct students’ body alignment and placement. A dress code instills a sense of discipline and a sense of inclusiveness in the class. Proper grooming and attire demonstrates a respect for the art form of dance and the dancer his/herself.
Read about our uniform policy.
The studio has an Open House before the Christmas Break and again at the end of our year in May/June when parents may observe their children’s regular classes.
Students in the Primary and Junior Ballet, Jazz and Acro classes receive a Progress Report in December and June. In a Performance year there is no June Progress Report.
Please feel free to speak to the director regarding your child’s progress.
Yes, you are paying for a spot in the class for the school year. See our tuition policy re: refunds.
Missed classes may be made up in an appropriate class, if available.
This very much depends on the individual, but no younger than 11 or 12, and only if the student has developed sufficient strength in the feet and ankles.
Postural alignment and core strength are also important factors. Bones and growth plates are still developing at this age and so the commencement of pointe must be carefully considered. A student beginning pointe later than their peers can quite feasibly catch up to the students already on pointe. RCSB will advise on pointe shoe fittings and where is best to shop.
