Recreational classes
At The Dance Slipper Academy, we offer classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop and Acrobatics. For children of all ages looking to move, shake, jump, and have a good time, our recreational program has something for everyone!
Our classes are open to any dancer interested in learning new skills and proper technique while having fun! We believe that taking dance classes from an early age can help children connect with (and develop) their bodies and minds. We believe that confident kids turn into confident adults. At The Dance Slipper Academy we don't just teach classes. We offer experiences that spark growth.
All TDSA students are given the opportunity to participate in our year end recital where they get to wear fun costumes, perform for an audience of friends and family, and have the chance to feel like a star!
Studio rules:
Please do not enter the dance room or distract dancers while class is in session.
Children should not be left alone at the studio without supervision before or after a class. We ask that Parents/Guardians remain during the class if their child is unable to use the restroom without help.
Please be respectful of other dancers, parents/guardians, and staff at all times. Anything to the contrary will not be tolerated, and you may be asked to leave.
Students are allowed to have water bottles in the dance rooms with the understanding that they will be left on the side of the room against the wall. Absolutely no food or phones are allowed in the dance rooms.
Classes run from September through the date of the recital. Payment for the recital costumes is separate from tuition and made in 2 installments.
There are no refunds on missed classes.
We follow the Southwick Public School System calendar for holidays and vacations but not necessarily for snow days.
In case of snow or bad weather, please call the studio, or check this website or our Facebook page: The Dance Slipper Academy. We DO NOT necessarily cancel classes when Southwick Public Schools have snow days or early releases.
It is the sole discretion of the faculty to place students in classes based on their interests, ability, and attitude. This also applies to solos, duos, trios, and company classes.
Tuition
Our tuition is calculated on a yearly basis and not on the total number of weeks or total number of classes in our season. For convenience, tuition is divided into 9 monthly installments and does not vary whether there are 3, 4 or 5 weeks in a month. Our fee structure also includes major holidays, reserves 3 weeks for school breaks (Christmas vacation, February vacation and April vacation) and allows for the occasional cancelation due to inclement weather. There are no refunds for missed classes. In the event that a student is unable to attend a class they may make it up by attending another class within their age level during the regular season (September-May), as long as there is space available.
Tuition is due the first of each month. We allow a grace period until the 15th. Any payment not received by the 15th will incur a late fee of $10.00. If account balances become more than 1 month overdue, the student will be asked to observe the class and not be allowed to participate until the balance is paid.
A charge of $25 will be applied to all account balances for returned checks. After 2nd returned check, you will be required to enroll in auto pay.
Attendance
All students are expected to keep good attendance records. Students who are repeatedly absent, will be asked to attend more regularly or be dropped from the class. Improper and sporadic attendance creates a difficult learning atmosphere for all parties involved.
Communication
Our main form of communication with families is through email so please make sure we have an up to date email address on file for your family. There is also a bulletin board located in the lobby of the studio. All notices for upcoming events and dates are posted there. Please check your email and the bulletin board on a regular basis to ensure you are aware of any information involving your child.
RECITAL
All TDSA students are given the opportunity to participate in our year end recital. The recital will be held May 31st, 2025. There is a full dress rehearsal the day before. We utilize an online ticketing service to sell our tickets and they are all reserve seating. The date for the start of the online ticket sales and a link for the site will be emailed to each family to give ample time for you to purchase the tickets. Ticket prices range from approximately $18-$24. Students who will be sitting in the audience for the show, when they are not performing, will need to purchase a ticket.
RECITAL T-Shirts and COSTUMES
Recital costumes are $65.00 and are paid in 2 installments. The first installment of $40 is due in November with the final payment of $25.00 due upon receipt of the costume. Measurements will be taken of each student to ensure proper sizing of the costumes. The recital costume price does not include tights or shoes if either is required. We offer a souvenir recital t-shirt for purchase. Each year’s t-shirt includes a color graphic design of the recital theme on the front and a list of recital students on the back. The t-shirts are optional and are approximately $20.00.
PICTURE DAY
We schedule a picture day at the studio each year with a professional photographer to capture the year’s memories. The date of the picture day will be posted on our social media pages and on the studio bulletin board around March. Pictures are usually taken sometime in April.
FIVE, SEVEN AND TEN YEAR AWARDS
There are special awards presented to students who have danced at The Dance Slipper for five, seven, and ten-years consecutively. These awards are presented during the recital.
Snow Days
The studio does not necessarily follow the Southwick schools cancelations for weather. If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, it will be announced on our Facebook page.
Studio Closures
For the 2024-25 dance season the studio will be closed on the following dates:
October 31st - Halloween Nov 26th- Nov 30th (Thanksgiving)
December 23rd - January 5th (Christmas and New Year’s)
Feb 17th - Feb 23rd (Feb Vacation) Same week as Southwick Schools
April 21st - April 27th (April Vacation) Same week as Southwick Schools May 26th (Memorial Day)
Class Size
If there are less than 4 students registered for any particular class, TDSA reserves the right to cancel that class or reschedule it to a different day and time.
If you have any questions, please contact the studio at 413-569-3896.