Frequently
Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about classes, registration, performances, and studio policies.
Registering at Elevation is easy! Summer registration typically opens to the public in February or March, and Fall/Winter/Spring registration opens in May. You can register online through our registration portal or contact us at info@elevationdancestudio.com for assistance with class selection and enrollment. For the Fall/Winter/Spring season, an annual membership fee of $90 is required to reserve your dancer's spot in class. Enrollment is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and some classes may fill quickly.
Becoming a member at Elevation Dance Studio means more than just taking class. It's joining a vibrant, supportive dance community. Here's what's included:
Priority Enrollment. Early access to fall registration, Nutcracker casting, workshops, and intensives, before the general public. Plus, we will rollover that enrollment for you so you don't ever have to set a timer again!
Performance Opportunities & Professional Show Video. Eligibility to participate in our Winter Production (Nutcracker), Spring Recital, and select community performances. Plus, every performer receives a professionally taped digital download of the performance.
Member-Only Events. Invitations to exclusive studio events, pop-up classes, holiday celebrations, and Q&A sessions with guest artists.
Progress Tracking & Teacher Feedback. Ongoing evaluations, placement guidance, and personalized support from our experienced faculty to help dancers grow with intention.
Dedicated Studio Communication. Access to the Parent Portal for schedule updates, absence reporting, billing, and direct contact with studio leadership.
Studio Merchandise & Dress Code Access. Convenient in-studio shopping for dancewear that meets studio dress code standards.
First Access to Studio News & Announcements. Stay informed and involved with newsletters, studio updates, and ambassador support.
Dancers ages 3 to 9 should enroll in the class that corresponds with their age as of September 1. For dancers ages 10 and older, placement evaluations take place each spring for the Junior, Junior II, Teen, and Senior levels. Placement decisions are based on more than a single evaluation and may include progress throughout the year, technical development and skill mastery, dress code compliance, attitude and work ethic, and attendance and commitment to training. Our faculty carefully evaluates each dancer to ensure both individual growth and strong classroom groupings. Placement is designed to provide the appropriate level of challenge while setting dancers up for success. Please note that it is common for dancers to spend two or more years in a level before demonstrating the strength, technique, maturity, and consistency required for advancement. Summer classes and intensives are strongly encouraged, as they help dancers continue developing their skills, maintain conditioning, and prepare for a successful start to the new season. We are always happy to help you find the best fit for your dancer.
No. Elevation offers classes for all ages and experience levels, from preschoolers exploring movement to high school dancers preparing for college and professional auditions. The studio has restructured class categories for greater inclusivity, requiring no prior experience at any age, with purposeful placement based on both age and ability.
Young dancers develop body awareness and coordination, musicality and rhythm, listening and focus skills, confidence and social skills, and creativity through self-expression. They learn that dance is enjoyable and that they are capable, valued, and welcome in our studio community.
Ballet provides foundational alignment, strength, control, and technique necessary for safe and successful contemporary training. This requirement ensures dancers progress confidently and avoid injury, while maintaining the integrity of their movement education.
Pointe readiness is evaluated individually by our ballet faculty, factoring in age, strength, and technique rather than a set timeline. Dancers must be enrolled in the required supporting technique classes alongside pointe to stay enrolled in the program.
Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a dancer's progress and success all season, but especially in the months just before performances. Each class builds upon previously learned skills, and frequent absences can impact both individual growth and the overall classroom experience.
All absences should be reported through the Parent Portal.
To report an absence:
We encourage families to report absences as soon as possible, especially for Company, Competition Team, Pointe, and performance-related rehearsals.
Make-up classes may be available pending class availability. Dancers who have reported an absence have 30 days from or after the missed class date to make up the class. Make-up classes are available until March 1st. Please contact the studio for assistance in scheduling an appropriate make-up class.
If your dancer will be arriving late, please notify the studio by contacting the front desk. For safety reasons, dancers who arrive excessively late may be asked to observe class rather than participate, depending on the activity and warm-up that has been missed. Dancers arriving 5 minutes or more after class begins may be marked absent and participation will be at the teacher's discretion.
Please keep your dancer home if they are sick, have a fever, or are experiencing symptoms that could be contagious. We appreciate your help in maintaining a healthy environment for all students and staff.
Excessive absences during performance months may impact a dancer's readiness for performances, evaluations, role assignments, level placement recommendations, and eligibility for certain programs, and may also result in changes to choreography. Attendance is one of several factors considered when assessing a dancer's progress and commitment.
Additional attendance requirements for specialized programs can be found in the applicable program agreements, handbooks, and performance agreements provided at the beginning of each season.
Our dress code promotes safety, professionalism, discipline, and proper technical training. Fitted dancewear allows instructors to accurately assess alignment, posture, and technique while creating a focused classroom environment.
Class-specific dress code requirements can be found on our Dress Code page, also linked under Parent Resources at the bottom of every page on the website. Requirements vary by age, level, and dance style.
Dancers are expected to arrive prepared for class in the correct attire, shoes, and with hair secured according to dress code guidelines. Repeated dress code violations may result in a reminder from the instructor or front desk and may be considered during placement evaluations for upper-level dancers.
Many required items can be purchased through the Elevation Boutique or from approved dancewear retailers. We recommend purchasing the designated styles and colors to ensure consistency within each class.
Yes! Our Boutique offers a variety of dance essentials, including ballet shoes (in stock), turning shoes and paws, jazz and tap shoes (by order), tights (in stock), leotards (in stock), and studio apparel and spirit wear. We can order additional dance necessities throughout the season. Inventory may vary throughout the year.
Appointments are recommended during peak registration periods to ensure adequate time for sizing and fittings. Please contact the studio for current boutique hours and availability.
Dance shoes should be replaced when they become worn, damaged, or no longer fit properly. Growing dancers may need new shoes multiple times throughout the year.
Hair should be neatly secured away from the face before class begins. A ballet bun is required for ballet and pointe. Hair styles for performances, evaluations, and auditions can be found in email communication leading up to those events.
Jewelry should be kept at home so valuable items do not go missing.
Our staff is happy to help! Please contact the studio or visit the Boutique for assistance with sizing, shoe fittings, and dress code questions.
Our annual recital takes place each spring and is the highlight of the season for most of our dancers and families. Every enrolled class performs a routine learned throughout the year. Tickets, costume details, and rehearsal schedules go out closer to the date.
Our Company and Competition Team programs are designed for dancers seeking additional training, performance opportunities, and a higher level of commitment beyond the regular class schedule. Auditions are held each spring, with team placements announced in June for the upcoming season.
The Company Program provides dedicated dancers with enhanced training opportunities, performance experiences, and a structured path for technical growth. The Competition Team is intended for dancers who wish to participate in competitive dance events in addition to their regular training and performance commitments.
No. Participation on the Competition Team requires enrollment in the Company Program. Dancers must first meet all Company membership requirements before being eligible for Competition Team placement.
Company and Competition Team dancers are expected to maintain consistent attendance, participate in required classes and rehearsals, and fulfill performance commitments throughout the season. Additional requirements are outlined in the annual Company and Competition Team Agreements.
Summer training is required for Company, Competition Team, and Pointe dancers. Summer training helps dancers maintain conditioning, continue technical development, and prepare for the upcoming season.
Tuition rates are for the full dance season (September-May, including studio holidays and/or closures) and are not based on the number of classes in a given month. A full season includes a minimum of 32 lessons. After registering and paying the $90 membership fee, tuition is collected monthly. The first installment is due August 15 and the final installment is due April 15.
No. While SDT uses an algorithm for determining award amounts, any family experiencing financial need should apply, as assistance considers various factors beyond income level.
Yes. A limited number of lockers are available for seasonal rental. Lockers provide dancers with a secure place to store shoes, dancewear, and personal belongings during the dance season. Locker requests may be submitted through our locker request form or by emailing edsstudiodirector@gmail.com.
Yes, we have a small area in the lobby with a TV to observe your dancer's class while classes are in session. We ask that all guests help maintain a positive and respectful environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Yes. The Parent Portal provides convenient access to class schedules, enrollment information, tuition and billing, absence reporting, studio announcements, and account management. Families are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date within the Parent Portal to ensure they receive important studio communications.
Important information is shared through email communications, the Parent Portal, studio newsletters, social media, and the News section of our website. Families are responsible for reviewing studio communications and staying informed about schedules, performances, deadlines, and policy updates.
Studio rental opportunities may be available for rehearsals, workshops, private coaching, fitness classes, community events, and other approved activities. Rental requests are reviewed based on studio availability, scheduling needs, and studio policies. Please contact Renee for pricing and availability.
Private lessons are available with select faculty by appointment, subject to studio availability. Pricing and scheduling details will be added here. Contact the front desk to inquire about booking.
Summer camps, intensives, and required company training are listed on our Summer page, along with live class openings pulled straight from our registration system.
We're here to help! Reach out to our team and we'll be happy to assist you.