How long is the dance season?

All classes run from the middle of August to the middle of June. After our year end recital, we offer a summer session as well.

How can I register?

You can register online or by coming to the studio during our office hours.  You will receive registration materials and information about ESOD. Complete the registration forms or register online and begin to enjoy the art of dance!

What type of classes are available?

We currently offer classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Technique/Turns, Lyrical and Drill Team Prep. Class styles depend on the dancer's age, Boy's Only class, adult fitness classes and Mommy and Me classes.

Is my dancer obligated to take the entire year?

Dancers may withdraw from a class or classes during the year. However, because we are holding a spot in class for your child we ask that you contact the school to let us know that your child will no longer be participating in class(es). If your dancer wishes to re-register for classes at a later time re-enrollment will only be permitted depending on class availability.

Why is the type of dance floor so important?

All movement activity generates energy. Energy directly returned to the body is bad. Shin splints, back and knee problems, fatigue, strains and even broken foot bones can result. A non-energy absorbent floor or flooring system is dangerous and it may result in the above injuries. Concrete is non energy absorbent. Any substance put directly on concrete does not remove you from the concrete unless it contains air (like foam). Basket weave subfloor, or sprung floating subfloors provide shock absorbent characteristics that eliminate the problems associated with hard, non- absorbent floors.

Also equally dangerous is a floor that has too much energy absorption. A floor that is too spongy can also lead to shin splints and ankle injuries. The floor is all about maintaining balance.

Often times to save money dance studios will lay their flooring directly on concrete, they may go the extra step to lay “Marley” over the floor or worse they will allow students to dance on carpet or tile flooring. This is unsafe and dancing on an unsprung floor will eventually lead to injury.

At ESOD both of our studios have "sprung" dance floors. There is no spot on any of our floors that is solid to the concrete thus giving our students protection from injury. We encourage every parent to always compare dance studio floors and do their research on the benefits of a “sprung” floor.

What classes should I sign my child up for?

It is best to contact the school to inquire about the proper classes but most 3-8 year old dancers will be assigned to a combo class which will introduce them to several different styles of dance. Older students may choose which classes to take by their desire. Students may take once per week or multiple times per week depending on their goals and desires.

Am I permitted to watch my child’s class?

Yes, all of our studios have windows as well as closed circuit T.V.’s that allow you to observe your child’s progress.   We find that having parents directly in the room becomes too distracting to the students.

Do I have to stay during my child’s class or may I leave and come back to pick them up when class is over?

We ask that parents of our younger students remain at the school during their child’s class, in case their dancer needs to use the restroom during class. However, if your child is 5 or older you’re welcome to leave during your dancer’s class. Though, please realize we are teaching and ESOD is not responsible for providing before or after class care for students. Therefore, please only drop off your child a few minutes prior to class and be prompt when picking them up. All of our dancers are required to wait inside until their ride arrives, this is for their safety.

Is there a dress code, shoe and hair requirements for each class?

Yes, because dance is a discipline and requires ease of movement and a degree of decorum, students should be prepared for class with appropriate clothing and shoes. The dress code is designed so students can be taught with the greatest efficiency. Please refer to our dress code requirements.

How are students placed in classes?

Initially, children are grouped together based on their age range. During the year, students may be transferred to other classes at the discretion of the instructor. Students will only be put into the next level based on ability, attitude, consistency in work, musicality, and physical and emotional readiness. Most times students are placed correctly; however it is important to remember that students sometimes take several weeks in a new environment to flourish. We ask for a maximum of one month to properly place your child in a level best suited for them. Because each teacher’s style varies, the number of years a dancer has trained is considered, but they are not the deciding factor when placing your child in their appropriate level. Adding Technique Classes to your schedule may help your child improve in their level, as repetition is a wonderful learning tool.

I feel my child isn't being challenged in the classes he/she are in.
What can I do about this?

You may schedule a conference with your child's teacher and/or the studio director if you feel strongly about this. However, please remember that our staff is highly qualified and places students in the classes that are best suited for them technically and emotionally. Often times setting individual goals for that student or even changing styles of dance may be all that it takes.

Why did my child’s friend move up to a higher level but not my child?

Please trust your instructor’s professional recommendation for your child's class. All children progress at different levels, some need a review of previous material, and some need more of a challenge. They will not get bored as we are always using new music and combinations to make class interesting and fun. Teachers take into account technical ability as well as how quickly they learn and master technique and choreography. These are things only the trained eye can evaluate. Children do not always stay in the same class as their friends. We want them to feel confident and good about themselves-this is more important than being in a class with their friends. Please trust our judgment.

Why does my child’s class seem to be doing steps they’ve already learned?

As in any sport or activity, physical movements must be repeated many times in order to achieve one's personal best. Repetition will help train and define those muscles your child needs to be the best they can be. Even professional dancers repeat the basics daily.

What if my child drops out, am I still responsible for tuition?

No, as long as you remove your child from class via email, phone or fill out a drop slip with the office. You will be responsible for all payments up until notification is received.

Do you charge a Recital fee?

Yes.   Our recital fee is $70.00 per family.  We do not sell tickets to our recital and it is free. In addition, you are welcomed to invite as many people as you would like to bring.  The recital fee is how we are able to put on the show.  It covers all the expenses of putting on a recital.

How much are the costume fees?

Students will be responsible for costume fees, which will range in price from $61 – $81 per class per subject. Costumes will not be ordered until the costume deposit has been received. Costume fees are non-refundable.

When does ESOD accept new enrollments?

We run our academic year from the middle of August to the middle of June, with our Year End Recital in June. We accept new students through out the year, however students enrolling after January will not be able to perform in our year end recital.

Is it mandatory for students to perform in the Recital?

The Year End Recital is optional for students; however, the performance is a typical part of dance education. It is important for students to be able to show their accomplishments to their family and friends. It also builds their self-esteem and confidence. Many students who are very shy at the start of the year become very comfortable with dancing by June and are happy to perform their dances on stage.

What extra fees should I know about besides tuition?

Students must adhere to the dress code, including proper shoes, for all classes. Students performing in our year end recital will also need to purchase a costume for each class. The only other fees are recital fee,  professional photographs in costume (optional) and recital DVD (optional).

If my child does not want to continue taking class, do I receive a refund on tuition or costumes?

If your child does not want to continue taking class, we ask that you try to have them finish out the session and then drop the class or even try another style. However, once costumes are ordered, we cannot cancel an order. Costume companies make the costumes to order. We also discourage students from dropping a class once costume orders are placed. This will have an impact on the entire class and the choreography the teacher has planned. At ESOD, we feel it is important to teach students that quitting in the middle of something involving other peers is not fair. Students should at least try to finish out the year. Most students will know by December if they like the class and want to continue. ESOD can not give refunds on tuition or costumes.

How do I pay, and when is my tuition due?

Our most popular and convenient way to pay for tuition is to sign up for ESOD's auto draft program.  Your monthly tuition is drafted from your checking account or credit card each month.  If you choose not to take advantage of this payment method, then you may pay monthly by mailing in or dropping off your payment by the office. You may pay with cash, check or credit. Tuition payments are due by the first of each month. We do not send statements. However, we can send a statement via e-mail if you provide your e-mail address. Late fees are $25.00 (applied on the 2nd of the month) and returned check fees are $35.00.

Can my child make up a class that he/she missed?

Yes! We understand missing classes is inevitable, but excessive absences can become a problem. If a student must miss a class due to illness, out of town, bad weather or the studio is closed due to a holiday  they can make up that class by choosing another class at another day and time during any given week to come to.

1. Adequate flexibility of the foot and ankle to allow the student to align the bones of the foot with the tibia (“get over their arches”) when on pointe;
2. Adequate strength of the foot, ankle, leg and torso to sustain the pull-up required;
3. Adequate turnout and strength of the turnout muscles to sustain proper alignment;
4. General physical maturity that indicates stability in the development of the bones and joints.

Why do you recommend ballet classes be taken in conjunction with other dance classes?

Ballet provides the foundation for all forms of dance. Ballet classes taken in conjunction with other dance classes will provide the student with better poise, traveling steps, turns, jumps and leaps, all of which are important in each dance form.

Do you offer discounts on multiple lessons or family discounts with more than one child taking classes at Encore?

Yes! The first class is $60.00, every class after that is $40.00 regardless if it is the same child or a sibling.