Frequently Asked Questions
Some children take a little time to get used to new environments. This is very normal. To help them gain confidence, we will work with you to gradually transition from needing Mum or Dad in the dance room, to be able to do the whole lesson all by themselves. This may take 2 or 3 sessions but is perfectly normal with young children.
If your student has a diagnosis that requires a transition plan (ex anxiety disorder), please speak to our team and we will work with you and your dancer to create a transition plan that works for you.
Our waiting area has glass doors and a TV monitor of the studio. It is the perfect place to allow your toddler to stretch their legs, without distracting your dancer in the class. You will still be able to see your dancer in action. We do request that you keep toddlers away from the studio door. Little people banging on the door while class is in progress means our dancers take their focus away from the teacher. Why not enrol your Toddler in the 2 year old Toddler Program too?
During the trial period, it is fine to wear your own dance clothes from home, so long as they are firm fitting and not too baggy. A t-shirt and leggings are best, depending on the style of the class. For ballet, non‐slip socks or bare feet are best. For Jazz and tap, white soled runners are recommended. Once enrolled for the term, you will need to purchase the correct uniform. Wearing a uniform helps the students focus on the lesson, rather than comparing their outfit with everyone else, or being distracted by loose-fitting clothing that hinders the movements required. Uniform information will be supplied to you upon enrolment.
The best uniform suppliers are:
Energetiks Ivanhoe - Shop 4 ‐ 5, 63 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe Ph: 9497 2933
We sell ballet skirts at our studio and can order leotards for you if you can't get to Ivanhoe.
Pop into our office and we will be happy to assist you.
Yes, all ballet students in levels Junior and up with long hair are required to have their hair in a ballet bun, for safety and to avoid dancers developing the subconcious habit of hair-tucking. Students of all other styles are required to have their hair in a neat ponytail.
Leap N Learn and Primary level students do not need ballet buns initially. We understand doing more complex hairstyles on a young child can be a challenge, and so your student can wear a ponytail to class, working towards dancing in a ballet bun at concert time.
Don’t worry, you can do anything when you know how. Our senior students and teachers will happily teach you the skills required to do a ballet bun. You will be responsible for purchasing hair nets, hair ties, and hairpins. We will teach you everything else you need to do. With a little bit of practice, you will soon be an expert. PS. At age 10 ‐ we set a goal for the children to do their own hair all by themselves for class! Mum and Dad are off the hook from now on! Watch our video below to see some pointers on doing a bun.
There is plenty of parking in the large Morewell Avenue car park directly outside the studio driveway - please take note of the parking signs (2hr and 5hr). Please do not drive down our driveway as this area as students use this driveway to walk to and from class. If your student is in levels Intermediate or lower please do not drop and run as we want to ensure the safe pickup of your child directly from the premesis.
You are welcome to wait wherever is comfortable for you and your student. Some parents prefer to wait onsite, others prefer to walk to Watsonia shops and sit at a cafe, or visit the library, or head home and return for pickup. Please note that whatever you choose to do we expect you to be on time to collect your child right at the end of class.
Enrolments are on a termly basis. If you are absent, there is no refund. We expect students to attend every week. Absences cause your dancer to lose confidence and fall behind their class standard. Muscle memory is a critical part of becoming a strong dancer. Missing just one lesson will have an impact on the speed of progress.
Classes are billed on a ten-week term basis, as per the Victorian School Term dates. If you choose to be away during the term, you are welcome to attend make-up classes once you return, however we do not offer refunds or partial fees.
The Essentially Dance annual concert is scheduled between mid-November and mid-December, with the exact date depending on venue availability. The concert showcases all dance styles practiced at the studio, and is divided into two sections: ballet, and theatrical performances. Every second year features a full ballet production, such as well-loved classics like Alice in Wonderland or Coppélia. In alternating years, the concert highlights individual dances performed by each ballet class, allowing students to present a variety of pieces that reflect their unique skills and progress. This structure supports our mission to nurture a love of dance in a supportive environment, celebrating the achievements of dancers from tinies to teens with both ensemble and solo performances.
No, you do not have to do exams or competitions. This is not for everyone. Students can choose the best pathway for them.
We encourage all students to complete exams. Working towards a goal makes the dancers push themselves further in their classes. It also helps them be confident in school exams later in life.
Competitions are an optional extra class. A number of criteria must be met, including additional hours of training beyond the weekly classes, and commitment to practice at home.
Click the Book Classes button and sign up through Class Manager then enroll into your desired class. If you get a little lost please don't hesitate to contact us on the contact form or by email and we will help you with the process