FAQ
My child wants to try dance but not sure what genre, how can I decide?
At TDDC, we want everyone to love their dance class. We can help guide you toward a genre and we always let everyone have a free trial class. You may have to take a few different classes to find the right fit, but don't worry we will make sure you love your dance class!
What would you recommend to start with?
We have a variety of styles to suit the different personality traits of children. Our Twirlz & Toez and level 1 classes cater to the musicality and interests of younger children who are new to dance. For older students, we have a variety of options depending on their interests. Feel free to send us a message and we will be happy to help you decide! EMAIL thedancedepartment@gmail.com or you can give us a call at 405-732-7722
Are classes divided by ages?
Classes are not done by age. We are an ability based dance studio. We believe children mature and learn at different rates and they will do the same while learning dance. We want our dancers to always be learning and growing, as the world of dance continues to change and grow. There are certain skills dancers need to move up in levels. To find the right level for your dancer, you may have to try two separate ones, but our staff will help make sure you are in the correct class. The goal is to be challenged but not overwhelmed.
What ages do you serve? Is there an age limit?
At TDDC, we welcome students of all ages. Our current students range from 2 years old to 65 years old. We offer creative movement for toddlers and up to adult dance classes. There are no age limits. We believe that everyone can enjoy and benefit from dance, regardless of their age.
What types of classes does the studio offer?
BALLET
The ballet classes at our dance studio in Midwest City tap into your student's poise and grace. Whether your child dreams of a career in ballet or is just looking to express themselves, our classes will work with them. As with all of our programs, we offer dance lessons for kids of all ages and abilities.
JAZZ
Our jazz classes mix traditional dance with modern innovation. Our dance studio treats jazz dancing with proper respect while also acknowledging the power of the free expression it offers. Jazz dance lessons are perfect for dancers flexible with being both in the spotlight and in supporting roles.
TAP
The traditional tap dance classes offered at our dance company are ideal for young dancers who possess a good sense of rhythm. We also offer jazz classes for those who want new and unique opportunities for expression.
HIP HOP
Our hip-hop dance classes are one of the highlights of our dance studio. They are excellent for kids with a sense of rhythm who like to make up their own moves. We also like to introduce students to contemporary dance movesin these dance classes.
LYRICAL
Whether you’re looking to learn new dance moves or hone in on your existing talent, this class is what you are looking for. The instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward.
ACROBATICS
Led by a dedicated team of instructors, this class will have you learning new tricks in no time. Many of our dancers love taking this class, as it gives them the opportunity to learn new movements and easily showcase their talent.
MODERN
Modern dance is a form of contemporary theatrical and concert dance employing a special technique for developing a use of the entire body in movements expressive of abstract ideas
ACRODANCE
This curriculum focuses on physical literacy. The focus of this program includes learning the acro positions, locomotive skills (jumping, hoping, etc), balance skills, classroom behaviour skills, movement concepts, cooperation and social skills. It is a class where they start building the foundation for basic acrobatics used often in dance.
TWIRLZ & TOEZ
Twirlz is a class where we are exploring creative movement and setting the foundation for locomotive skills. The dancers learn things like skip, hop, march, to walk on their tip toes etc. These skills evolve into gallop and chasse etc. All of this sets the groundwork for us to move into basic ballet positions. The dancers are also learning basic stretches, how to make shapes with their bodies and helps improve their balance and coordination. T&T is a very interactive class and includes movement around the classroom exploring formations of dance while continuing to learn more ballet positions and skills.
Also they rotate through tap. They learn basic tap moves that help them expand upon the balance and coordination they have learned in ballet. Tap also helps them start to embrace rhythm and patterns.
They learn additional tap moves that help them grow and develop patterns, rhythm, tempo and musicality.
See more Twirlz & Toez information here.
Can my dancer try a class before we commit?
If you would like to come try a class for free and see if your dancer likes it, we would love that!
Please call ahead of time to make sure you have the right time for class.
How do I register for class?
You can register online here. Payments can be made in full upon registration, or in monthly installments. A signed registration form is required before a child can take a class. Included in your tuition are costume and picture fees to cover associated expenses.
I’m enrolled, what do I need for class?
Please check with the front desk on the type of shoes your dancer may need for their class. It is also always good to bring a water bottle. Also make sure you check the dress code for what specific genre your dancer is taking.
What does Registration cover?
Registration is an annual fee. It covers the cost of making your account viewable online among a few other software perks that are available through your online account.
What are my Payment options?
We accept online payments via credit card, cash, personal check, Venmo and PayPal. NOTE: There is a fee to use a credit/debit card.
How often am I charged tuition?
Tuition is a monthly payment. It is calculated based on a 10-month season (Aug-May). There is an annual cost and it isdivided into 10 monthly payments. The monthly classes vary depending on holidays, but this does not affect monthly tuition. Tuition is non-refundable but is transferrable on a case by case basis. Tuition can be paid using cash or credit card. NOTE: Tuition is never pro-rated as it includes your costume and end of season pictures. When you enroll you will be charged a costume and picture catch up fee for the months not attended.
Is there a late fee?
Tuition is due on the 1st of each month. On the 5th of each month, it is considered late and your account will incur a $30 late fee. If a student’s account is not paid by the 10th of each month, the parent must come in and speak with Ms. Shelby in order for the student to continue to attend class. Any student whose account is 30 days past due, will not be permitted to take part in class until their account is in good standing. Any student whose account is more than 60 days past due, forfeits their place in class and will be required to pay all past due tuition and fees and then they can enroll as a new student, if there is a space in their desired class(s).
*Please ask us about setting your account up on Auto draft to avoid unnecessary fees.
What is the dress code?
A proper uniform can help students learn proper movement, and is crucial for instructors view and ability to correct technique. Depending on the movements required, they may interact with their uniform in different ways, and could be impeded by embellishments on the clothing. Additionally, they may spend too much time and attention playing with adornments like flowers and sparkles instead of listening to the instructor, and enjoying their dance. Not to worry, your dancer will get plenty of opportunity to dance in their fancy costumes during recital season!
Yes, special attire is required for most of the classes, including Twirlz and Toez. Dance class involves physical activity and we must ensure comfort and safety of the child. Please refer to our dress code on our website.
Do classes include bathroom and water breaks?
Policy varies depending on the class your child takes. For our Twirlz & Toez, classes do not include a break due to short class time. If a child must leave or needs water during class time, the child may leave with assistance from a parent. Instructors do not leave the room at any time during classes, and are not permitted to take your child to the bathroom!
Classes that are 60+min do include typically one short water break, but these will not exceed three minutes.
For all classes, please be sure your student visits the bathroom before class, otherwise they will miss important exercises and disrupt the lesson for other students.
Can parents/guardians be present during the class?
At TDDC our classes are closed. Dance class is a new and exciting place for your dancer to explore, and all students must be comfortable and feel safe in their environment for them to flourish. For this reason, family members are not invited into the classroom. There may be occasional opportunities to peek into your child’s class, as well as performances like ouryear end recital, where all family members are invited to attend and celebrate the dancers growth and success!
Is my child ready for the next level up?
At TDDC we believe in a solid foundation for our dancers, and follow a progressional curriculum for all of our dance styles. This means that students must be able to correctly perform and comprehend a set of level appropriate knowledge, skills and technique before they can move to the next level. Most often this lines up and classes are similar ages, but hard working and/or more mature students may achieve this a little bit faster than others.
Once the instructor feels your student is ready for the challenge of the next level, the studio will recommend the next appropriate class. We strongly believe that all students should be given an opportunity to challenge themselves and progress, but we do not want them overwhelmed. Moving up a level too soon will almost always lead to feeling uncomfortable and insecure in class. Your dancer deserves a challenging and safe environment. We believe the ability based approach provides this.
If you have questions about your child’s progress, please contact TDDC. We will be happy to answer any questions about our different genres and how they apply to your child’s best dance education!
When is recital?
TDDC has one recital per year. Generally it is in late May, early June. This date is set in advance and based on venue availability.
What does the recital fee cover?
Recital Fee is $50 per dancer and includes a recital T-shirt. The Recital fee is non-refundable and not transferrable. Tickets can be purchased if the dancers account is in good standing. It also helps cover the cost of the venue rental.
Why does my student require a recital costume?
There are many views on recital costumes, and here is ours:
Year-end recital is a very special performance event for your child. Recital dance performance requires a costume; otherwise it would be a demonstration and we believe they deserve much more for all their hard work!
Costume prices consist of two components the Price and the Handling effort. The Price consists of the following: sale price ($85-$120 USD) plus taxes, shipping, import duties, custom broker fees, and replacement parts for costumes damaged during use. The Effort cost includes the following: measuring each student, selection, sourcing and ordering the appropriate style of dance costume, handling of costumes, matching accessories, fitting, adjusting, rhinestone t, distributing and labeling.
Costumes are selected for a specific recital and/or dance theme. We realize costume fees come at a bad time of year, right after the Holidays and before the summer. So we include our costume fee over the course of the 10 month tuition payments. By including it in your regular tuition payment, which we hope will also help your monthly budget, will enable
us to make this event a true celebration for your dancer year after year!
What if I miss a class?
If you miss a class, you are able to attend a makeup class. Please check with the front desk and we would love to schedule you for a class in a similar style. Sometimes you can make up in another genre and that is always fun for the dancer!
What happens when a class is cancelled?
If the circumstances are in our control we will make every effort to find a substitute instructor. If classes are cancelled due to studio reasons we will offer a make up class. If the cancellation is weather related, there will not be a makeup class.
Cancellations will be posted on our facebook and instagram pages. We will also send an email and in some instances a text message. Please make sure you subscribe to TDDC emails and texts.
I’m interested in competing, what do I do?
TDDC Competition Dancers are an elite group within the The Dance Department Company. Auditions for placement on the Competition Dance Team(s) are held every July/August. At auditions, apanel of adjudicators come in to evaluate the students who wish to compete and become a TDDC Competition Dancer. Being a TDDC Competition Dancer requires a dedicated work ethic which includes a positive attitude, excellent attendance and proper dance school/theatre etiquette.
What holidays does the studio observe?
The studio observes most federal holidays. However, studio closures vary from season to season. Make sure you follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram to see any postings of scheduled closures. We also email out the information.
Most holidays we observe are: Labor Day, Fall Break (not the full week), Halloween (only if the city observes it on a weeknight we have dance), Thanksgiving Break, Holiday Break, Spring Break and occasionally Memorial Day. We do take a Holiday break in December. But this is made up throughout the season. Spring Break
What is the best way to get a hold of Ms. Shelby ?
Ms. Shelby is a very busy lady. What you don’t know is that she has a full time job, another dance studio and is a mom. She is very active in her daughter and her nephews lives. She prides herself on being able to juggle it all, but she does realize she is just human and sometimes is pulled in many directions. The best way to reach her is when she is at the studio or via email. Sometimes at the studio she is teaching and isn’t available but if she is, feel free to pop in and visit! She can be text at (405) 458-9001. However, if you do text or email her, know that she will respond within 48 hours. Please feel free to ask Ms. Sherry or Ms. Sheridan your questions too. But if you want to speak with Ms. Shelby, she does love getting to know the dancers and their families. Please know she is busy but that she asks for your patience. She tries very hard to stay in touch with everyone, please send her an email or text with your questions and/or concerns.
We are currently enrolled in the class. Why do we need to re-register for each new semester?
Schedules may change depending on the time of the year, enrolment, and your feedback. Your emergency contact information such as email and phone numbers may change as well. Your child may decide to try a different style of dance, or may discover their love of movement a little bit later in the year. For these reasons we ask you to complete our online registration prior to each season.
What are the differences between group classes/private lessons?
Group classes are lessons taught by an instructor where you learn alongside other students. Private lessons, on the other hand, are one-on-one sessions with your instructor. They provide an exclusive and personalized learning experience
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, we offer private classes and choreography work. Please email us with your goals, style, age, timeframe and any other information that may help us direct you to the right Instructor. Private lessons must be approved by the studio director prior to booking. Private Lessons are scheduled and agreed upon based on the instructor and the dancer/parent schedule. When an Instructor has to cancel they will reschedule at another time around the dancers/parent schedule. If the dancer has to reschedule, the instructor must be notified as soon as possible so a makeup lesson can be planned. If the private lesson is missed/no-show, the missed lesson will not be made up nor refunded. Make every attempt to notify the studio in advance of your dancer missing a private lesson.
When do students start pointe work?
The age at which dancers start pointe work varies from student to student. Strength is paramount in being able to wear pointe shoes for extended periods of time. Premature wearing of pointe shoes or insufficient training can result in serious injuries and/or disabilities. We are strongly committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our dancers.
It’s important to understand that pointe work is specific to a dancer’s strength and skill level, not to an age, syllabus, or methodology. However, children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to perform on pointe. Qualified teachers must decide as to when a student is ready for pointe work and the studio director and parents must first discuss and agree before a student is to progress to pointe work. In addition, students must take pointe conditioning for a minimum of two years before progressing to dancing on pointe and a minimum class requirement of two ballet classes at respective level which must be continuous. For more information on this topic, please set up a meeting with Ms. Shelby.
If I wish to withdraw from a class half way through the semester, is it OK not to pay my tuition for that month?
No, our tuition payment plan is offered for your convenience. The monthly tuition fee payment is not optional. In addition, withdrawal must be completed on the studio end, so please talk to us before you decide to leave class. We always want make sure that, even if you decide to withdraw, you have no unaddressed problems or concerns.
All registered students are required to pay in full every month, and students are considered registered until a request is made to be removed from class. Please see our refund policy for more information.
If I wish to withdraw from a class, can I get a refund?
Refunds are on a case by case basis and dependent on the time during the month your withdraw. Please refer to registration policy for details.
How many students are in the class?
To ensure quality instruction, we limit the number of students for each class. We have waiting lists for the classes that are at the enrollment limit. Depending on the genre and level determines the student/teach ratio.
I missed the registration, can I start the semester late?
We make every effort to always find your dancer a dance class and never turn away students who want a danced experience. Bringing in new students late in the year will impact the student’s ability to catch up, and could impact on the rest of the group. Late enrollment is on a case by case basis. Any feelings of “being behind” may negatively affect students attitude toward the class and dance activity in general. Awareness of this fact along with setting correct expectations will help if students have to begin later in the season.
We signed up after the month already started. Can our tuition be pro-rated?
The tuition fees cover the knowledge and skills acquired in the course of the semester. If the student starts late the instructor spends a considerable amount of time and personalized attention to bring the student up to the level of the class. We expect all students to receive an equal value of dance instruction by the end of the year. Thus we do not offer discounts or pro rate tuition. for late start. NOTE: After the first 3-4 weeks, If it becomes difficult to catch up because the dancer started late, it puts the overall class progression at risk, and we will make sure we address that with the parent and dancer.
What special events does TDDC have and how will I know when they are?
We occasionally hold “Open Class” weeks, Parent Observation classes, and Shows/Recitals, along with fun seasonal events. We always post announcements on our website, in-studio, and through newsletters and email announcements (if you provide your active email address).
How many classes are in the semester and how long are they?
Classes last for anywhere from 30 min to 1.5 hours depending on the group age and class type. Classes and registration are offered on an annual basis. Depending on the calendar year the semester may be 8-18 weeks long.
My child is young and tried dance class before. She/he sometimes cries and has a difficult time staying in class without a parent. What can be done about it?
This is one of the questions and can make or break your child’s interest in dance. Our experience shows that following a few simple rules can make a world of difference in this situation.
First, on your way to class explain to your child where they are going and what they will be doing, and about the new friends they will meet.
Second, always bring your child 5-10 minutes early. Give them time to change, and get into the atmosphere of the class.They can use the restroom and be prepared before class even begins. Bringing a child late and pushing them into the class after it started almost always results in confusion and a feeling of being put on the spot. This leads to crying in many cases.
Finally, and contrary to logical thinking, if a child sees a parent during the class he/she will almost surely want to be with them, and not with other kids dancing.
At the Instructor’s discretion, they may invite the parent into a class for a few minutes or may take the child outside for a parent to calm them down. Please follow the instructor’s suggestions, and your child will have the best experience. It usually takes 2-3 classes at most for young children to become comfortable with their new friends and the atmosphere.
We understand this can be a difficult situation for both dancers and parents, but ask that you please respect the rules of the class for your student. Dancers who are not encouraged to follow the rules of the classroom set the example for the rest of their peers, which can sometimes lead to bad feeling between students. If your dancer will not stay inside of the classroom, please speak to your instructor about staying in the room for one or two classes, or leaving the door open slightly.
Rest assured that all TDDC instructors have experience with shy students, and this behavior is completely natural and common.