Four year old only ballet/tap class – Instructors are Dezi Haderlie and Martha Sims. This class is for the student that is four by September 15th and will for sure be going to Kindergarten the following year. Beginning ballet with barre and center floor work are a main component of this class. Students will also learn to tap and will perform both a ballet and tapping number in the Spring Recitals. Creative Movement and Independent dancing exercises are included – but there is usually only time for 1 or 2 each day. Basic tumbling skills will also be taught each week.
Students must be completely potty trained to be in this class. No pull-ups are allowed. Please remember also that every year we have students who really want to dance at home, in the car, outside in the yard – but when they arrive at the studio – they are worried about parents leaving. Usually after 1-2 weeks they are fine. But each year there are a few students who just need another year before they are ready for this type of class. If your student’s anxiety about being left is taking the teacher away from the rest of the class – we may need to discuss with the parent about waiting a year.
This class meets once a week for 45 minutes. Tuition is $43/month. This class requires two shoes. We use a white leather ballet shoe. We don’t use satin slippers. If you already have pink or black ballet shoes – your student can wear them during the year – but you will have to buy white ones before year-end activities like photos and performances. These shoes can be purchased used at the shoe trade or we can order them for you at the shoe trade. (If you are unable to attend – we will order shoes the 1st day of class for anyone that is in need). You are welcome to purchase them on your own as well. Students will also need a black tap shoe. Most students wear a patent leather tie up shoe and some choose a Mary Jane styled shoe. A slip on styled shoe is acceptable – but parents find that attaching performance bows to these shoes can be tricky. The shoe trade usually has a wide variety of tap shoes and new ones can be purchased from us as well.
**Appropriate dancewear for your student is tights and a leotard. They can wear any color they would like. We always have a dancewear “catalog” that you can order items from that is available at the shoe trade. There are also size samples if you want to try a leotard on to see what size fits. If ordered at the shoe trade – we will have the dancewear for you at your 1st day of dance. (But you don’t have to get your dancewear from us of course!)
We also have tights that are always available to buy at the studio as well. Pink and white – they are $8/pair. (Though more expensive than Walmart tights – they are good quality tight that often lasts longer) Accessories such as leg warmers, ballet sweaters and leggings are optional. Please note that if your student has a habit of continually taking off these “extras” during class – the teachers may ask you to only have them wear their leotard and tights to class! One last thing – Jewelry and toys should always be left at home. They are a HUGE distraction at class not only for your student but for other students as well! Thanks so much for helping us with this.