Everything you need
before your first class.

Classes begin at age 3 with Creative Movement and progress through Ballet and Jazz Pop classes for elementary, middle, and older dancers. Age ranges are a guide; placement may occasionally be adjusted based on experience, maturity, and technical readiness.

No. Beginners are welcome. Our curriculum is designed to build skills progressively so dancers can develop a strong foundation whether this is their first class or they have previous training.

The fall focuses heavily on technique, vocabulary, coordination, strength, musicality, and confidence. As the year progresses, choreography is introduced while technical training continues. The season culminates in our spring performance.

No. Dancers may take one class per week. Families can also choose the same technique twice weekly or one Ballet plus one Jazz Pop class each week. Ballet + Jazz Pop is our recommended option for the strongest, most well-rounded foundation.

Ballet develops turned-out technique, posture, alignment, control, strength, balance, and classical vocabulary. Jazz Pop works primarily in parallel and develops turns, leaps, jumps, musicality, dynamics, and performance quality. Together they create a broader technical foundation.

Yes. Dancers are welcome to join late as long as space remains available in the appropriate class. Tuition will be prorated based on the dancer’s start date, so families will not be charged for classes that took place before enrollment. Closer to the spring performance, placement may depend on how far a class has progressed with choreography.

The spring performance is an important culmination of our school-year program for performing classes. If your dancer cannot participate, please contact the school as early as possible so we can discuss enrollment and class expectations.

The Fall 2026 Creative Movement session for ages 3–4 will not participate in the spring performance. Young dancers who would like to perform will need to enroll in the Spring Creative Movement session.

No. Performance costumes are separate from tuition. Most costumes are expected to cost approximately $60–$90 per class, although exact prices depend on the costume selected. Tights, shoes, or accessories may be additional.

Proper dance attire allows instructors to see alignment and helps dancers move safely. Ballet students should wear appropriate dancewear, tights, ballet shoes, and hair secured neatly away from the face. Jazz Pop students should wear fitted movement-friendly dancewear and the required shoes.

We recommend canvas split-sole ballet shoes once developmentally appropriate. Please contact us before purchasing if you are unsure about style, color, or sizing.

Consistency is important, especially once choreography begins. Occasional absences happen, but repeated absences can make it difficult for a dancer to progress with the class. Three or more absences may affect participation in the spring performance.

Classes are designed as a focused learning environment. Parents generally do not remain inside the studio during instruction. A small waiting/lounge area is available, and families will have opportunities throughout the year to see what dancers are learning.

Door County School of Dance is focused on dance education rather than competition. Students are challenged to develop strong technique, artistry, musicality, discipline, creativity, and confidence at an age-appropriate pace.

Not at all. High-quality dance education benefits every student. The discipline, creativity, confidence, coordination, musicality, teamwork, and perseverance developed through dance extend far beyond the studio.