FAQs

Q:
What is your contact information?
A:
2330 Curlew Road
Palm Harbor, Florida 34683
727-786-8111
SuncoastAcademyOfDance@gmail.com
>>click here for a map and directions
Q:
What are your hours of operation?
A:
Our hours of operation are located on our calendar page as well as on our facebook calendar.
Q:
May I try a class before I register for it?
A:
Absolutely! A drop-in rate will be collected prior to your trial class. When you register for the class, the drop-in amount collected will be applied to your first month's tuition. Please ask our staff for details.
Q:
When can I register for classes?
A:
From August through February, pending there is class space available, you may register at any time. Recital choreography begins in February so while new students may begin a class there may not be sufficient time to prepare for participation in the recital. Summer registration begins as soon as our summer schedule is released.
Q:
When are your new class schedules available?
A:
Our school year schedule (dance classes for August through early June) is available typically by late July. Our summer schedule (dance classes, summer camps, and dance intensives for June & July) is available in April.


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Q:
My daughter is only 3, may I sit in class with her?
A:
We encourage parents to observe from one of our large viewing windows. Your daughter is more likely to participate if you are not in the room with her. However, we want her to feel comfortable knowing that you are near so let her know that you are ‘right outside’. If at any point your daughter decides she needs you, the teacher will come get you.
Q:
My son is an extremely independent 4-year old, do I need to stay at the studio during his class?
A:
We prefer for parents of children in our preschool classes to stay at the studio. If your son needs to use the restroom, you are near to accompany him. If you do need to leave the studio, please let the teacher know so if an issue does arise we can handle it accordingly.


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Q:
What is observation week?
A:
We have at least one observation week each year. Observation week is when parents, grandparents, and other very important family members come into class to observe a class and their dancer. Be sure to bring your camera!


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Q:
Why does my child need to remove their street shoes before entering class?
A:
Unfortunately no matter how hard we try our street shoes pick up dirt. Any dirt that comes onto the dance floors is very rough on our dance floors and ultimately on the dancers’ shoes.


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Q:
My child has taken dance at a different studio, how do I determine which level is appropriate for her?
A:
Please contact our office for guidance in placement..


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Q:
Does a dancer have to be a member of the performing company to enroll in advanced classes?
A:
No. Our advanced classes are open to all students who are at that level of ability. Members of our performing company are in many of the advanced classes. Our schedule does include AIM classes. These classes are the scheduled weekly practice for that AIM number.


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Q:
I have to miss my class. Is it possible to make-up in another class?
A:
Absolutely. We encourage dancers who have to miss a class to take a make-up class. Just let the teacher in the class that you are making up in know that you are taking a make-up class. For studio accounting purposes, make-up classes must be be completed within four weeks of the missed class.


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Q:
What is the best age to start Pointe?
A:
Age is only one part of the equation of beginning Pointe, other things to consider are
1. How long have you been "studying" ballet?
2. How many ballet classes do you take a week?
3. How do you, as a student of ballet, apply yourself in class?
4. What facility does your body have? (e.g. What is your abdominal strength? Can you align your hips, leg, and feet?)


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Q:
When can I begin Pointe classes?
A:
We are very protective of our dancers’ health not only today, but also in the future. There is an ongoing evaluation of a dancers readiness for Pointe based on many different factors. While teachers understand the thrill of reaching this milestone, it is very important that each dancer receives an accurate assessment of the student’s ability to advance to this level.


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Q:
Why do I need to take multiple ballet classes with my Pointe class?
A:
Multiple ballet classes each week prepare the body for the rigorous strength Pointe work requires. No other class develops the legs, ankles, and feet for Pointe work. Pointe work is not for the recreational dancer, but is for the more serious student, who enjoys the process of ballet. Pointe work is the culmination of a slow, methodical training of the entire body.


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Q:
Do the children have the opportunity to practice before the recital?
A:
After practicing the recital choreography in class, we have a dress rehearsal at the studio about a month before the recital. At the studio rehearsal, in addition to practicing the number, class photographs are taken (picture forms will be available at that time). The second dress rehearsal at Ruth Eckerd Hall is the week before the recital.
Q:
How do you ensure the safety of my child at Ruth Eckerd Hall? The facility is so large!
A:
For Our Preschool and Combo Classes:
 (1) Each class has a back-stage volunteer who is with the children at all times.

(2) Each student wears a class specific name tag. (For example: Class 1 tags are butterflies, Class 2 tags are suns; etc.) The child keeps his/her nametag on at ALL times, except when performing on stage. The backstage volunteer removes the tags immediately before the students go on stage; the tags are put back on when the students come off stage.

(3) When picking up, we release only a few classes at a time so that we can ensure that each child goes with his/her parent. We strongly encourage the pick-up parent to be the person we see each week at dance class.

For Our Younger Students:
 (1) Each class has a back-stage volunteer who is with the children at all times. This volunteer also assists students who are dancing in multiple numbers and may need assistance.

(2) When picking up, we release only a few classes at a time so that we can ensure that each child goes with his/her parent. We strongly encourage the pick-up parent to be the person we see each week at dance class.


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Q:
There is so much to remember, how can I keep it all straight?
A:
At first dance recital with a studio can be overwhelming. Closer to recital, each dancer will receive a detailed hand-out regarding the dress rehearsals as well as the recital. The recital handout is also available on our website. If at any point you have questions or concerns, please contact the studio.


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Q:
What make-up, if any, is needed?
A:
All dancers are required to wear some make-up for the recital. The lights ‘wash-out’ the students. The amount of make-up varies depending on the age of the dancer. Please refer to the recital information for details regarding this year’s make-up.


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Q:
Do people really 'camp out' to purchase recital tickets?
A:
The Ruth Eckerd Hall box office opens at 10:00 a.m. There are some "die hard fans" who arrive early to purchase tickets. If you want to be center and no further than 20 rows back, you might want to be there early.

Please know that Ruth Eckerd Hall is a fabulous venue as every seat has a clear view of the stage and great facilities backstage for your dancer.


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Q:
What is A.I.M.?
A:
A.I.M. is Art in Motion our award winning performing company.


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Q:
When are A.I.M. auditions?
A:
Auditions are held each year, typically in May. We will post the date on our calendar page once it has been determined. You may also contact the studio.


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