Frequently Asked Questions
Classes & Placement
What age can my child start dance?
Our preschool classes start at age 2!
Can my child try a class before registering?
Yes! Send us an email at info@premier-dance.com to set up your trial. You can always try a new class for free to see what is the best fit!
Can my child take more than one style of dance?
Yes! Our classes are all 30 minutes long, which allows dancers and families the flexiblity to take multiple classes in didfferent styles.
How are dancers placed in levels?
Levels are determined by age and skill by teacher reccommendation.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes! All of our adult classes are drop-in based, so there is no long-term commitment. We currently offer adult ballet on Mondays and adult hip hop on Wednesdays. Keep an eye on our social media and website for additional offerings and pop up classes!
Registration & Tuition
How do I register?
Click HERE to register for classes. You will create an account and then will be able to see tuition and choose your classes.
Can I join after the season has started?
Yes! We are open for registration and accept new students on a rolling basis. Some classes do fill up, so we reccommend registering as early as possible. Students will begin learning recital dances by February.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes, a $25 fee will be charged at registration to hold your dancer's spot in the class.
How is tuition calculated?
Tuition payments are based on the number of classes given per year, and then divided equally among the months that there are classes. This way instead of paying more for months that may have 4 or 5 classes or less for months that have 1, 2, or 3 classes, you are paying the same amount the whole year.
Can I withdraw from classes during the season?
Yes, please notify us as soon as possible at info@premier-dance.com if you wish to withdraw from any classes.
Attire & Supplies
What should my dancer wear to class?
CLICK HERE for our full dress code.
Where can I purchase dancewear and shoes?
Premier Dance Academy sells shoes and tights, please click here to order. We can size your dancer for all types of dance shoes!
What should my dancer bring to class?
Dancers may bring a water bottle in to class. A dance bag can be helpful to store any extra dance shoes or change of clothes, but should be left outside of the dance room.
Parents & Observation
Can parents watch class?
We encourage parents to stay out of the room during class to reduce distractions for all of the dancers, however we do have some parents who sit in occasionally to provide their child with some extra support. For parents who do sit in, we encourage their participation as well, as it helps the child to participate! We have designated observation opportunities throughout the season where families can see their dancer's progress. Our teachers are always happy to answer questions and provide updates when needed!
What should I do if my child is nervous or shy?
It's completely normal for dancers to feel nervous when trying something new! Our teachers are experienced in helping children adjust at their own pace while creating a positive, encouraging environment. Most dancers become comfortable after a few classes and quickly begin making friends and building confidence.
Can parents stay in the dance room during preschool classes?
For most preschool classes, we encourage dancers to participate independently. This helps them develop confidence, listening skills, and independence in the classroom. If your child is new or having a particularly difficult transition, our staff will work with you to make the experience as smooth as possible.
How do you communicate important studio updates?
Studio announcements and information will be sent via email list to all active registered students. We also post important updates on our Instagram and Facebook pages.
What happens if my dancer misses a class?
We understand that families have many commitments. CLICK HERE to submit our "Missing A Class" form to notify our staff if your dancer will not be in class. Our teachers will make sure all students are caught up each week. If your dancer will be missing for an extended period of time, please email us at info@premier-dance.com
Recital
Do all dancers participate in the recital?
All classes except acro classes will learn a routine to be performed in our annual recital! Participation is not mandatory, please let us know by February if your dancer will not be performing in the recital.
When is the recital?
Recital is typically held the first or second weekend in June, with specific dates communicated in the winter.
Are costumes included in tuition?
Costumes are not included in tuition. Costumes will be billed in the spring for participating dancers and are non-refundable once ordered.
How many dances will my child perform?
Dancers perform a dance for each class they are in except acro.
Will the recital be professionally recorded?
Yes! Our recital is professionally recorded and a digital download link will be sent in the summer.
Competition Team
What is the difference between recreational and competition dance?
Recreational classes meet once per week and dancers can take as many or as few classes as they would like, with one performance at the end of the year. Our Competition Team meets 2-3 nights per week to train in multiple styles of dance. They compete at 4 competitions per year as well as at recital and community events such as Pittsburgh Penguins Games, Pittsburgh Pirates Games, Festivals, and more! Click Here to learn more about our competitive team.
How do dancers join the competition team?
Competition Team classes are by audition. Auditions are held in late summer each year, although individual auditions can be accommodated. Please Contact Us for details!