Ask SDDA
How old does my child need to be to begin classes at SDDA?
We offer classes for students ages 2 through adults. For a complete listing of class offerings, click here.
What is the typical dance season?
SDDA offers two seasons during the year, a “school year” season and a summer season. The “school year” season typically begins in August or September and culminates with a recital at the conclusion of the school year. The summer season typically runs during June and July only, with a week off for the July 4th holiday.
My child is 9 years old, and this will be her first year in dance class. Will she be in a beginner class with much younger students?
Your student will be enrolled in a class with other students near his or her age and ability level. Most of our elementary classes have both new and returning students enrolled. Your child is sure to make friends with another student who is also a beginner.
Can I enroll my child mid-season?
Yes, in many cases. We welcome students any time through late November; however, after that time, our students are preparing for our year-end recital.
SDDA often offers six-week, or half-year, sessions beginning in January each year for new students, and these classes often become recital classes.
Please contact us if timing is an issue, and we will do our best to accommodate your student.
Are parents allowed to observe classes each week?
SDDA offers a high-definition video observation system so you can watch from the comfort of the lobby. This approach helps our younger students to attain self-sufficiency while offering them the reassurance that a parent is waiting right outside, “watching them on TV.” Also, we host two in-class parent observation days per year: the last lesson before Christmas break, and a mid-spring class during costume week.
How do I know in which class to enroll my child?
Returning students will receive a list of pre-approved classes each season.
New families, with beginner students ages 2-and-up, are welcome to choose a class that best fits your family's schedule from our list of recreational early-childhood, elementary, junior and "intro to" classes without pre-approval.
Experienced new students, who desire to dance in our pre-professional program, should always call Mrs. Michelle to discuss placement and/or to schedule an evaluation.
My daughter wants to wear her favorite princess dress, tutu, or casual clothes to dance class. Why do you have a dress code?
Our dress code exists because we want our students to avoid the distractions associated with individual costumes and frills. It is also important for the teacher to see how the dancer is implementing the technical aspect of the dance being taught. Finally, a classical dress code builds respect and discipline for the art form. Please see our dress code here for more details.
How much does a dance class cost?
Tuition is charged monthly and is based on the number of hours per week in which your child is enrolled. Please see our tuition chart here for more details. Special note: other fees may also apply, such as registration fees, recital fees, and costume charges.
Tuition is due on the first of each month. A $10 late fee is applied to any unpaid tuition on the 6th of each month. We accept all major credit/debit cards, cash, or checks. Payments may be made in the studio or on our parent portal. For your convenience, we offer automatic credit/debit card draft.
Tuition is non-transferrable and non-refundable. Full monthly tuition is charged for each month of the season, even when a month is short due to holiday breaks. Monthly tuition is designed to cover an entire season, equally divided into 9 payments.
Do you offer a competition team?
Yes. However, SDDA is a “technique first” studio. This means we treat competition as an invitation/audition-based extracurricular program. For more information, contact Mrs. Michelle.
What performance opportunities will my student be afforded?
All classes will perform one or more dances in our spring recital, with the exception of our non-recital classes (pre-pointe, acro, stretch and body conditioning, and turns, tricks, and skills). In addition, some classes may be asked to perform at other times during the year, such as charitable Christmas performances, special projects, Arts Fest, Kids Fest, Toad Suck Daze, etc.
Can my child make up a missed class?
Yes! Students can take a make-up class in the same or lower level class designation but must do so within two weeks of the absence. Please notify the office in advance.
Do you have an inclement weather policy?
Yes. SDDA follows the Conway Public Schools stance on inclement weather. If the schools are closed, the Studio is closed. This does NOT apply to late-start days. Also, if the weather worsens after school hours, SDDA will make a cancellation decision, erring on the side of safety, and alert all families in a timely manner via email, Facebook, and Instagram. Be sure to like or follow us on all these mediums.
What is your teacher-to-student ratio?
SDDA staffs all classes with more than 8 students with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher in order to provide personal attention to every student.
Do you provide feedback, conferences, or progress reports to parents?
Yes! SDDA provides thorough progress reports for each student near the end of the season. Parents desiring a live conference may schedule one through our office, or we may contact you to talk live.
How soon should I register?
Registration for Summer classes begins in March. Registration for School Year classes begins in July. Classes often fill quickly, and the earlier you register, the more options your student will have. For your convenience, SDDA offers online registration.
How do I sign my child up for a FREE trial class?
Any student new to SDDA is welcome to try a class for free! To coordinate, simply call our facility at 501.585.7205, or email Mrs. Michelle (michelle@stagedoordancearts.com). We can't wait to meet you!