FAQ:
RECITAL:
DBSD holds an annual Recital at the end of every season at the Centennial Concert Hall. All dancers Little Stars and up will participate! Costume measuring and deposits begin in November in preparation for the show. Most classes have a costume made by Deb at Dance Plus with some exceptions. If your class is not having a costume made by our seamstress, you will be notified of what you will need.
There is a rehearsal as well as the show for Recital. Families are welcome to watch rehearsal from the first 8 rows of the theatre. We send a comprehensive Recital package for all families prior to the show. Tickets go on sale about three weeks prior to the show.
If you are interesting in volunteering for the show please email us: dbsdoffice@gmail.com
COSTUME FEES:
A costume deposit of $75.00 per costume will be collected in the fall, with the remainder of the fees due upon costume pickup. All costume deposits and fees are paid directly to Dance Plus unless another method of costuming has been chosen by the teacher. Costumes start at approximately $95 for studio steam and younger dancers, this amount will be higher for competition stream and older dancers. PRICES VARY BASED ON COSTUME DESIGN. Extra competition pieces may also require a new costume, your choreographer will confirm this with you.
Once we choose the discipline, how is the class time chosen for my child?
We try to offer a weekday and weekend option for all of our Little Stars, Mini Movers, and Junior programs. Some class placements will be decided based not only on a child’s age, but also on their ability and skill level. We often encourage dancers to try a number of classes before a final decision is made, this makes choosing a class easier and guarantees a perfect placement. Email us to set up a trial.
Will my child be advancing to the next level every year?
YES, even when your class time stays the same from year to year dancers are always progressing by levels. We try to keep our schedule the same year to year for your convenience. Dancers who want or need more of a challenge on top of their own class may ask about placement in an extra challenge class.
Why should we include ballet in my child’s dance program?
Ballet is a perfect partner to many classes we offer. For dancers who hope to move up to the competitive level of dance, ballet is a must, especially in Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary. Ballet is a helpful foundation for a dancers technique in many disciplines as well as being a beautiful dance form in its own right.
Can parents observe classes?
YES, we have two open houses during the dance season where you are invited into the studio to watch a class. Two family members per dancer will be invited per open house class. Cameras and video cameras are welcome as long as the content you post is solely of your own child. We do not allow outdoor shoes, food or drink (other than water) in the studios.
Are there additional performance opportunities in addition to the year-end recital?
In addition to the year-end recital many students also participate in one or more dance conventions and competitions during the dance season. If you think your child may be interested in this opportunity we hold auditions in June. We also hold a yearly show in winter called “NEW WORKS” participation in this show is by invitation. Information will be emailed out and posted on our instagram @dbsd_official.
My child is interested in participating on the competition teams, how do we go about getting involved?
The first step is to speak to the director Ms. Barb and let us know you are interested! Auditions for all teams will take place in June at the end of the season.
The next step is to take extra classes to bring the dancer’s technique up to a higher level. Adding a Ballet class at this point is a must for Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary dancers. We recommend competitive dancers take two Ballet classes per week. We also offer Jazz and Tap technique class for both senior and junior dancers. These classes are open to everyone and are a great way to increase technique, strength and flexibility.
My child is interested in becoming a class helper, how do we go about getting involved?
The Teacher’s Assistant Program has been a part of DBSD since 1966. This is the main way to become an instructor at DBSD. Junior T.A.P. starts at age 10, if you are interested please contact Ms. Barb. T.A.P team members are encouraged to dance in multiple classes, and in a variety of disciplines, and will be required to take dance exams when available. Students should send an email to bbottle@shaw.ca stating what they hope to gain from the program, what they feel their strengths are, and why they want to become an assistant.
Are there additional expenses I should be aware of?
$75.00* registration fee: This covers administration and your year end Recital video and photo digital downloads. This is a one time payment per season per family.
Recital Tickets: Prices vary year to year through centennialconcerthall.com
Competition Entry Fees/Event Fees/Choreographer Fees: This applies only to Competition Stream dancers and will be broken down for you in your competition offer
Convention Fees: If your child participates in one of the conventions we offer there are entry fees (fees vary based on each opportunity)
ADAPT Exam Fees: Exams are by invitation and have a small fee associated
Costume Fees: See costume fee explanation above
*fees are subject to change
How do I report an absence?
If a student is unable to attend class, please report it through your studio director account or email dbsdoffice@gmail.com