Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what classes my child is eligible to take?
We offer classes for children in elementary school through high school. And much like regular school, dancers are promoted as their skills progress. The youngest dancers (as young as 3) take classes known as “Dance Fundamentals” which build a foundation of physical skills needed for all types of dancing. From there, students can move on to our Tech classes, which are appropriate for grade-school children though high school. These Tech classes teach the specific techniques for each type of dance.
We have five Tech levels, and students advance as they master the skills in each level. It usually takes two years or more to complete each level. Tech 5 students are typically high school juniors and seniors. Feel free to reach out to the director at director@factorystreetstudio.org to talk about the best fit for your child.
What are class schedules and times?
Classes are structured on a semester system, generally in parallel to Athens City Schools. Classes are held during the hours after school, and on Saturday mornings. We also offer summer classes/camps; offerings vary each summer.
How much do classes cost?
Cost per class typically ranges from $145 to $190, depending on the class, plus a $20 registration fee for a full semester.
Discounts are given for three or more classes: Take 20% off for the third through sixth classes. All classes after the 6th are free!
Do you have scholarships available?
Yes. We strive to provide dance classes to Southeastern Ohio youth, regardless of income. A limited number of scholarships and work-study positions are available. Applications are available prior to and during the first week of the semester. Applications are due by the second week of classes. Scholarships and work study are awarded on a needs and merit basis. Additionally, a limited amount of Parent Barter Positions (lawn care, housekeeping, piano tuning) exist. These positions are listed on a yearly basis; for more information, please contact the Artistic Director.
Can I get a refund if I drop out?
Full refunds will not be issued past the first week of classes.
If you choose to withdraw your student from classes after that date, any payments that have been made to the account may be applied as a credit towards the next semester at the discretion of FSS. Please notify the Studio Manager in writing (an email to admin@factorystreetstudio.org is sufficient).
When do I register my child?
Registration opens approximately 2 weeks before the start of the semester. It’s best to get on our email list by sending your email info to admin@factorystreetstudio.org.
What do the Tech level classes mean?
Tech levels indicate the skill level in combination with age/developmental level. Our goal at FSS is for students to be appropriately challenged in their dance classes, therefore it is important to distinguish technical skill levels for our students. Tech 1 & 2 are the fundamental, beginner levels of dance technique and are appropriate for younger children (ages 5-9 years). Tech 3 is an intermediate level appropriate for ages 9-12. Tech 4 & 5 are considered our more advanced levels and are appropriate for ages 11-18. Skill & age in combination are key. Our Tech 101 levels are perfect for beginners who are ages 13+. Some classes like Composition and Stretch & Conditioning are mixed levels, Tech 4 & higher.
Do you have pre-ballet or ballet for children younger than 8?
We do not currently have ballet classes for children younger than 8. At this time, we recommend that children ages 5-8 yrs take the appropriate class for their age group that we offer: Tech 1 Dance Technique (ages 5-7), Tech 2 Modern or Ballet (ages 8-9).
Do you have hip-hop classes for children under the age of 8?
We do not currently have hip hop classes for children younger than 8. At this time, we recommend that children ages 5-8 yrs take the appropriate class for their age group that we offer: Tech 1 Dance Technique (ages 5-7), Tech 2 Modern, Ballet, or Jazz/Hip Hop (ages 8-9). For the safety and future development of young dancers, we do not recommend more advanced classes at this young age.
What are the dress requirements?
Appropriate attire ensures the dancer can move freely and the teacher can see the student’s alignment and posture. Also, hair should be tied up.
Modern, Jazz – leotard, tank top or fitted t-shirt with tights, leggings, or dance pants, bare feet. Students in jazz classes may wear jazz shoes.
Ballet classes – leotard, tank top or fitted tee shirt with tights or leggings, canvas or leather ballet shoes.
Tap, Hip Hop classes – tank top or fitted t-shirt with leggings or sweatpants — please make sure legs are covered for floor slides; tap shoes are mandatory for tap class; sneakers are mandatory for Hip Hop.
Attire that is NOT permitted for dance classes:
Jeans
Short shorts
Baggy sweatpants
Pajamas
Dangling earrings, bracelets, or necklaces.
Where can I find dance wear?
www.discountdance.com and www.dancewearsolutions.com
How do I ensure my child gets to perform in a concert?
We have two fundraising concerts a year. One in April at the end of the Spring Semester, and one in December at the end of the Fall Semester. Class attendance and the discretion of the Artistic Director are the key deciders for participation. The Spring Concert is our biggest performance, showcasing graduating seniors as well as dancers in Tech 1 and above. All students wanting to participate will need to be enrolled in both fall and spring classes, as the skills taught in both semesters are needed to perform safely.
Seniors need to complete at least one Composition or Capstone class to be eligible to create and perform a solo. Please speak with the Artistic Director if you have any questions or non-adjustable conflicts.
Our Winter Dance Celebration features both faculty and student-led choreography. The Artistic Director selects which classes will be included. For classes that are not selected to participate, we invite families into the studio during the final week of regularly scheduled classes for the last 15 minutes of class to observe the dances and/or exercises your student’s class has been working on.
Can children try a class before committing?
We do not typically allow sample classes because clarity of enrollment is important for our organization from the start of the semester. In special circumstances and with permission by the Director, sample classes can be arranged if requested in advance via email or in person during office hours.
May I watch classes that my child is in?
Parents/caregivers are not permitted in the upper/lower dance studios during class instruction. However, once a semester we hold an “observation week” and invite parents/caregivers to watch the last 15 minutes of class. You will be notified via email when our observation week is taking place. Parents/caregivers are welcome to wait in the lobby or sitting room during their child’s classes.
What is your snow policy?
Our goal is to hold classes if we can safely do so. FSS staff will assess conditions just prior to 1:00 pm. If, at that time, Athens County is under a Level 2 or 3 Snow Emergency the studio will be closed for the day. Otherwise, classes will proceed on schedule. To make sure everyone is informed and can make necessary plans, FSS staff will email teachers, students, and families at 1:00 pm regardless of the decision. Even if road conditions are good in town, students living further out may not be able to safely get to class. So students who are not able to attend because of snow will not be penalized under the FSS attendance policy.
What is your attendance policy?
We emphasize consistent attendance for both physical safety and skill building. Your child could easily miss an important building block. If your dancer must be absent, please contact the office prior to class time. This is especially important for rehearsals and performances.
Note that if a student has two or more non-emergency absences during a semester, they may be removed from a concert (Winter or Spring Concert) or their participation may be reduced.
Please let the office AND the instructor know at the beginning of the semester if your student will be going on vacation or has conflicting performances or sports events.
Do you perform anywhere besides the Spring and Winter Concerts?
Yes, we do! We’re always looking for opportunities! These events mostly occur with our Composition and Capstone dancers. We’ve performed at the Athens City Farmers Market, Boogie on the Bricks, the Ohio Paw Paw Festival, Ohio University’s Nuit Blanche, and we’ve traveled to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to showcase our dancers. Please speak with the Artistic Director if you are interested in performance opportunities, or if you know of a possible collaboration with us!