In an effort to make your experience here at Fairytales and Tutus as magical as possible, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and our answers. If your question is not addressed here, please do not hesitate to call our office or email us. Thank you!
702-489-3603
info@fairytalesandtutus.com
1. Do you teach real ballet or is this just a dress-up and play program?
We teach basic, beginning ballet, using a proven ballet curriculum. We warm up the body gently and move into basic ballet positions and movements. 3 and 4 year olds can expect to learn such things as Plies, Tendus, Piques, Retires, Releves, 1st and 2nd Positions of the Feet and arms, Temp Lies, Sautes, and more. In the 4 to 6 year old class, the positions and movements from the 3 to 4 year old class continue to be taught, with the addition of Spring Pointes, Fondu, Ballet Skips, Temp Leve, Arabesque a Terre, Echappes, Emboites, and short combinations of these, and more. The children learn the proper French Terminology for these steps as well as the technique that is demonstrated. Along with the important technique, the children learn grace, poise, agility, control, and rhythm.
2. Why do you use stories and costumes and how is this incorporated into the class?
Classical Ballet is a theatrical art form usually telling a story through ballet dancing. We use this very method as a way of capturing the child’s attention and giving them a framework in which to learn classical ballet. The first part of class is technique and the last 15-20 minutes is storytime and storydances in costumes. It is during this time that the children are taught how to use the technique they have been learning in class along with acting out the stories in character.
3. Can I pay the session tuition with monthly payments?
Currently our sessions are 11 weeks long. When you register, you are agreeing to the entire session at the cost listed. So, payment for the entire session is expected at the time of registration. However, we also understand that these are tough economic times. So, we do occasionally make payment arrangements on a case by case basis. For example, we have let payments be split into two. However, even on a payment arrangement (e.g., month to month), you are still registering for the entire session of 11 weeks, and will be billed for the entire session, even if you leave after the first month. We do give refunds, but only within the first 3 weeks of the session (this is also specified on the registration form). After that, you are responsible for the entire payment for the 11 week session.
4. My daughter is shy or has never been in a class setting before now. I’m nervous to put her in a class only to find out she won’t participate. How should I handle this?
Our main goal is that children feel safe and welcomed here! If your child is age 2-3, you may want to consider a semester of the Mommy and Me Storydance Class. We have had children ages 20 months up to age 3 ½ in that class. This class prepares children to be in a class on their own. There are a few things you can do to prepare your child for her first day of class. One thing you can do is to bring her here during the week prior to her class and we will show her around the studio. Sometimes it’s helpful if you can observe or try a class first so she knows what to expect. We also will post a list of the weekly stories so you can read that story to her the week of her class to get her excited for class. Occasionally a parent may sit in on the beginning of class and then gradually leave. This may take a week or two for some children. Everything we do at the studio is designed to give children a magical experience from the way our studio is decorated to the way our teachers are trained in how to work and speak with children of these young ages. In most cases children actually have the opposite problem and don’t want to leave! In the rare case that that your child is not yet ready for class, we will hold any tuition paid as credit toward a future class, party or camp.
5. My child is 4 yrs old. Which class should she go into?
If your child is younger than 4 ½ we recommend that she/he go into the age 3-4 class. If your child is older than 4 ½ she can go into the 4-6 class but it is not required. There is no rush to move up to the next class. Some differences that are in the 4-6 class are more skipping-based movements and directional changes, and slightly longer combinations. The stories are the same for both the 3-4 and 4-6 year old classes.
6. Do I have to purchase any costumes?
You will never need to purchase any of the costumes. The costumes are part of our well-maintained wardrobe and are used in classes, parties, and camps. The only requirement is that the students wear ballet attire in class. This means, leotard, tights, and ballet shoes with a leather sole, and hair must be pulled back away from the face.
7. Do you put on recitals?
We do not put on a traditional recital on stage. We offer an alternative to the traditional recital-based program. Each week is an opportunity to wear a costume and learn new, fun and exciting dances. In a traditional class that performs recitals, much time is needed to learn and rehearse the dance that is to be performed. This usually takes place in January and goes through May. This time spent on the dance routine sometimes takes so much time away from the regular class and the children can get bored of going over the dance for so many months. The way that our classes are structured in learning new storydances each week, there is no time left to then also learn a dance and rehearse for a big performance. Also, we have found that in most cases, children ages 2-6 tend to get such stage fright that they end up just standing on stage. There is also a lot of money that parents spend when their child is in a recital. Each studio is different but you can expect to possibly pay fees for recitals, tickets, costumes, and photos. However there is an opportunity for your child to perform at the end of each semester here at our studio. On the last day of each child’s regularly scheduled class you are invited into the classroom to observe class in its entirety. The students will show their favorite ballets stretches, steps, and short combinations that they will have learned throughout the semester as well as that week’s storydances. During this Parent’s Day class you may bring a couple family members with you and you may take pictures.
8. Why does your tuition seem to be slightly higher than other studios?
At first glance our tuition may seem to be higher than other studios. But, most other studios are competition or recital-based programs in which the fees for the recital or competitions add up and may include recital or other fees (varies by studio), costumes fees which tend to range from $50-$90 per costume, ticket fees of around $10 per ticket for each family member, and optional photo fees. Our classes include the cost of all costumes. Our class sizes are also very small. We only allow 10 students enrolled per class. Another factor is that we have a 1 to 5 teacher/student ratio. If there are 6 or more students in a class there are two teachers. This allows for more careful attention to each child, an orderly classroom and assistance in helping students with learning the ballet steps. We do our very best to make our program affordable for all families.
9. Where can I buy ballet shoes and other ballet attire? Do you have a color preference or dress code?
Students do need to wear ballet attire such as leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. Hair must be pulled off the face. For your convenience, we have our Tutu Sweet Ballerina Boutique here at the studio where we specialize in carrying small sizes of ballet shoes, leotards, tights, and a few princess accessories and tutus. You may also purchase ballet attire from a few other stores here in town. For the 2-6 age group classes, there is no color requirement. We know that children of this age love to wear their favorite color whether it’s pink, purple, black or a mix of them all!
We know there are a lot of choices for families and we want to provide you with the very best quality classes and environment for your child. Please feel free to call or email with any additional questions.
