Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions you might have when coming to your first class
Are parents allowed to watch classes?
We want parents to know what they’re signing up for. We understand the excitement of seeing their child dance. For the first lesson or trial, parents are welcome to observe. However, starting from the second class, we ask that parents wait outside the classroom. We take our programs seriously and after many years experience, we know that children learn better with fewer distractions. Less noise from mums in conversation, less disruptions from younger toddlers wanting to join in and less chance your child will be wanting to run back and sit on your knee for a snack or a drink means better value for money for you and better results for your child. Moreover, it helps the teacher to maintain their focus. We acknowledge unique circumstances and offer special approaches for those who may find separation challenging. At the end of a term we have ‘Watching-Week’ where parents can observe their child’s class and progress for the term. We appreciate your co-operation and understanding.
How can I check if my child is okay during class?
While the doors are occasionally closed due to weather or air conditioning. Parents can peek at their child’s class through: The glass windows at Beachlands Baptist Church. The sliding window-doors from the kitchen area at Beachlands Memorial Hall.
What if my Tiny Dancer (3 – 4 yrs) needs to go to the toilet?
Before class, we kindly ask that you ensure your child has gone to the toilet. We understand that children in this age group may still be in the potty-training phase. For this reason, we ask that Tiny Dancer’s parents stay close by while waiting outside during the lesson. If your little one needs the toilet during class, we’ll call you so you can assist them. Accidents happen—we never make a fuss if they do, and we’ll handle it with care and understanding.
What if my child doesn’t want to dance ?
Sometimes, fatigue, hunger, or not feeling well can masquerade as “I don’t want to dance!” Make sure your child has a healthy snack before class and that they are getting enough hours of sleep. Taking one class off is sometimes necessary. With years of experience, our dance teacher can usually assess if a child truly isn’t into the class and will suggest what’s best for them.
Do you participate in competitions ?
No, we are a non-competitive dance school, and we do not participate in the competition circuit. We encourage our dancers to compete against themselves, learn from their peers, make friends, and collaborate.
Why do I have to pay a registration fee?
Our yearly registration fee is essential to support our dance community and covers the entirety of the year. This a non-refundable fee per child, which is paid when registering for the year, helps to cover various costs such as administration, membership fees and levies for dance associations and governing bodies, Continuing Professional Development workshops and training, and purchasing dance syllabus.
How much does it cost?
Fees are charged by the term and are to be paid in full, prior to or by the due date. If you join mid-term, the fee will be adjusted to cover the remaining classes. Class fees are time-based, and private lessons or specialised classes come at a higher rate. All fees are payable strictly via bank transfer. We do not accept any cash payments. For a detailed fee structure, feel free to request one from us. Class tuition does not include the annual registration fee, uniforms, shoes, costumes, show fees, concert tickets, exam fees, rehearsals, private lessons, or other special events.
Do you offer sibling discounts ?
We regret we do not offer sibling discounts.
Do we have to re-register for each new term ?
Enrolment is an annual commitment, continuing from one term to the next. The enrolment window for the year concludes in December for a consistent dance experience. Your child’s spot is secure until such a time where you provide official notice in writing that you are canceling their classes. You only need to re-register for the new year.
Do I have to pay if we go away on holiday?
Enrolments will rollover each term and billing will continue automatically. This secures you child’s spot in the class even if the student is not attending. If you do not wish to pay during the time that you are away on holiday, you will need to provide four-weeks’ notice and cancel your classes by contacting us. This will mean that the open spot in class will be made available to new enrolments. You are welcome to contact us again to re-enrol, but we can’t guarantee that a spot will be available.
Can we try a class before officially signing up?
If you find yourself on the fence or uncertain, we encourage you to book a complimentary first trial. Our free trial allows you to make a confident and informed decision before enrolling. If you find that you are still unsure and want to have another trial, please note that any follow-up trials will be charged for per class.
Do you offer exams?
We are qualified and registered to enter students for dance examinations through the Association of International Dance Teachers and the Dance Academy of South Africa. The teacher determines a student’s readiness for exams, prioritising the child’s well-being. While we encourage exams, they are not compulsory. We carefully consider examination entries. Exams should never induce severe stress or anxiety. The exam experience is designed to be pleasant for well-prepared students both mentally and physically.
Do you offer adult classes ?
Currently, we do not have full-time adult dance classes. You are welcome to enquire about the availability of private lessons as an alternative option.
Do you do shows or concerts?
We are still a growing school in NZ, and while larger productions are a future aspiration, this will depend on school’s growth over time. We have held a low-key recital for our dance student’s families that was beautifully received by our dance families, and an opportunity for our dancers to be on stage and perform. In time, we will certainly be working towards making a concert available to our dancers. We have produced many dance concerts during our time in South Africa, and will definitely be using our experience to do the same here when the time is right.
Do we have to participate in the recital / concert / showcase?
Not at all! We don’t want to push a child into anything they feel
uncomfortable doing. Nonetheless, taking part in a performance can help students build their confidence. It’s a time where students and families truly connect as part of the community. It also teaches students how to work towards a goal and they get to show off to their friends and families! A concert is a rewarding experience and is usually the biggest highlight for any dancer!
Why Do you have a Cancellation Policy?
We operate as a professional business entity, and as such, we are committed to maintaining professionalism and upholding business ethics. Our cancellation policy is in place to ensure the smooth operation of our classes and to provide consistency and fairness for all our students. While we understand that cancellations may occur due to various reasons, our policy helps us manage our resources effectively and maintain the quality of our services. Please understand that our cancellation policy is not personal; it is a necessary aspect of conducting business responsibly. We appreciate your adherence to this policy.
What if I want or need to cancel my classes?
We understand that circumstances change. However, we do ask for your cooperation in notifying us in advance of any class changes or discontinuation. To withdraw from classes, parents/caregivers must provide four weeks’ advance notice in writing or via email. Class fees during this four-week notice period will be charged and must be paid. All tuition charges will stop after the four-week notice period, and any tuition paid for beyond this time will be refunded.
Students are welcome to continue attending their classes during the four-week notice period. Alternatively, if the student chooses not to attend classes during this time, the fees for the notice period will be forfeited. The four-week notice period applies whether or not your child attends the classes. Please note that refunds for the notice period are not available under any circumstances.
Do I need to buy the dance uniform before I enrol ?
Please wear something comfortable. For ballet and modern they may dance with socks or barefeet. For Hip Hop they can wear sneakers or trainers. Uniforms and shoes can be purchased directly from Dance Dynamix after your trial class by simply sending an email to Romanda. Uniforms should be ordered within the first 4 weeks of joining. We want our dancers to feel part of our community as soon as possible and don’t want our them to feel left out!
Is it compulsory to wear the uniform?
Yes, wearing the designated uniform is mandatory for all students at Dance Dynamix Dance School. This policy ensures a consistent and focused learning environment for everyone. The uniform contributes to the overall aesthetic of our dancers, helping them both look and feel the part, fostering a sense of professionalism and confidence. The uniform allows teachers to observe body alignment and posture accurately, facilitating effective teaching and correction during classes. Wearing our distinctive colours create a visual representation of our shared identity, promoting a sense of belonging within the dance school community.
Can I just buy ballet shoes from Temu or Kmart?
Our students are expected to wear the correct dance and ballet shoes as specified by Dance Dynamix. Please refrain from buying shoes from convenient stores—they affect your child’s intrinsic foot muscle development for dance and their ability to articulate properly through the foot. The teacher needs to be able to see if a student is pointing and shaping their foot correctly, preventing bad habits like sickling or scrunching toes. An ill-fitting or overly large shoe prevents the teacher from seeing the metatarsal arch and alignment. We want to ensure the development of strength, correct alignment and awareness of the joints to prevent injuries.
What if my child doesn’t want to listen to the teacher ?
We believe in setting clear expectations from the get-go, accompanied by transparent consequences. We explain class expectations in a nice and courteous manner, it’s important for dancers to understand that the teacher is in charge. In instances where a dancer seems uncooperative, the teacher may approach them to enquire if something is bothering them or if they prefer not to participate. If disruptive behaviour persists, the teacher may kindly ask the dancer to sit out of an activity, with an invitation to return when they are ready to participate.
Is class attendance really that important ?
Absolutely! Consistent class attendance is vital for the overall success and progress of each dancer. Without steady attendance and commitment, it’s challenging to achieve the desired results. Missing classes can impact a child’s development in dance, and they will start to feel lost and disconnected from their peers. Our goal is for all dancers to not just participate but to feel in control of their learning and dancing experience.
Do I need to read the Terms and Conditions ?
Rules and terms can be a pain. But, it ensures we’re all on the same page. Your child’s dance journey matters, and aligning expectations makes everyone happy. Our info is straightforward, preventing any hiccups. Happy parents make for happy teachers (and vice versa). So, a little reading now means a lot of joy later! Go make yourself a cup of coffee, start reading and make sure you are content with our approach and what we offer!
Does Dance Dynamix Dance School break for school holidays and public holidays ?
Term dates are estimated to align with the school holidays, but adjustments may be necessary at times. We do not conduct regular classes during school holidays and public holidays, unless otherwise communicated. However, classes continue as usual on school-teacher-only days.
Do you have a waiting area?
Beachlands Baptist Church: The Church’s auditorium has a large area where parents can wait. Beachlands Memorial Hall: Parents are welcome to take a chair from inside the hall and be seated either in the kitchen, or the foyer has a side room that offers a small space. Many parents take the opportunity to go for a walk, do their grocery shopping, or take out their laptop to continue working.
Don’t see the answer to your question?
Reach out to us!