FAQ

History of Ballet! Ballet! Summer Dance Camps

I have been teaching ballet in the form of EXPLORING the great ballets for almost 4 years. The idea was born from watching my own children leap around to music after being taken to the ballet. They didn't seem to want a ballet class or instruction on "how to do it right" as much as they wanted to have a fun experience imagining themselves on the stage and wearing the beautiful costumes they had seen. 

Previously, I have taught beginning ballet classes in workshops - classes held once a week for 4-6 week stretches that have covered the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Giselle. These have been a delight to both my own children, and the students who have had the unique opportunity to participate.

Putting these classes together in camp form is new this year. Our family's summer schedule is packed, and this year both my oldest son and oldest daughter will be participating in summer programs offered by Ballet West. As an effort to raise money for those, as well as continue to expand ballet study for my second daughter, I am excited to offer these ballet camps! I hope their condensed structure will be a delight to the dancers and be a manageable commitment for the busy summer schedule for families.

Learn more about me, Steffanie, HERE.

How do I register?

Registration is a two step process. Step one is to visit the registration tab to chose the camp time you prefer, click the tab, and fill out the form. Step two is payment which saves your space in the camp. After reading the information on the registration page, pay by clicking the payment sidebar. (To the right.)

Go to the Registration Page now.

The registration fee is new. What is it for?

After a few years of offering ballet classes, I've realized much of the work happens OUTSIDE the ballet class. Your registration fee helps me to plan for classes and purchase crafts, snacks, and costumes BEFORE our classes begin!

Are there additional fees?

The dance camps cost $50 if you pay in advance of the first day, or $55 if you pay ON the first day. Outside of the $10 registration fee, there are no additional snack, craft, or costume fees! It's all included!

Do you offer refunds if my dancer is unable to attend a class or decides he or she doesn't like it?

These dance camps are opened to a limited number of students and fill quickly. They are a unique opportunity for parents AND dancers to take a small bite of ballet to see if it's of continued interest. As such, I cannot offer pro-rated classes or refund money after the first day. (The registration fee is non-refundable.)

Can parents stay and watch?

Generally, ballet classes are closed to parent observation because parents become a distraction to some students. If you have a child who may be hesitant with strangers, you may linger 'til the child feels comfortable on the first day only. Other helps may be to invite an older sibling or friend to participate with the younger child. If any anxiety persists, you may work with me to find arrangements that will work for everyone. In the 4 years I've been offering classes from my home, this has never been an issue.

Where can parents wait for their children during class?

The Monday-Thursday classes are held in my home, where I have 4 children. Parents are not invited to stay in any part of my home. However, there is a park directly across the street where siblings may play and parents can relax and chat if they prefer not to leave during the duration of the camp.

Why is this camp held in your home? And why is the last day at the Whittier?

My home is a comfortable and inviting space for young dancers just starting out. Classes are better suited to meet needs when they are small, and my home accommodates as many dancers in a class as is ideal in a ballet studio. PLUS, teaching from home, I am able to keep my kids involved in the process, from helping me with classes and crafts, to participating in them. And it shortens the total time I am away from them. That being so, dance studios with barre's and mirrors, is where ballet instruction moves beyond introduction, imagination and play. It's where dancers learn and perfect their craft. So while home is convenient for me, I want dancers in my camp to experience being in the ballet studio - it's an exciting place too! Also, the studios will more comfortably seat our guests for our final performance.

Many Summer Camps last all day. Why is this one just 1.5 hours?

This camp is geared for children as young as 3 years old who may find it difficult to be away from parents for long stretches. While we also do crafts and other activities, beginning ballet classes for young students are generally approximately 45 minutes. Keeping camp relatively short will hopefully ensure your dancer is excited to return for back to back days!

What should my dancer wear?

Dancers are invited to class in whatever they can comfortably move in. (Wearing tights for girls or shorts for boys will help your dancer receive body specific instruction for him or her to improve ballet technique.) For our final performance on Friday, tights and leotards will help your girls look best in my costumes. Your dancer may also chose to perform in a favorite costume he or she owns. Ballet slippers will help keep your dancer safe on my floors and at the ballet studio. But if you don't want to make that up-front investment, socks and bare feet work too. I have pants for boys to perform in. They are welcome to class in shorts.

I have a child who wants to participate but he/she is too old/young.

Because these camps are 1.5 hours each day, dancers younger than 3 are not invited. Dancers must also be potty trained. These camps should be a happy introduction to ballet and not cause any separation anxiety to little ones. Dancers older than 8 may participate with the understanding that they will be in class with very small children. They can assist younger dancers when asked, and remember some of the activities and stories are geared for little ones.

If my child loves this experience and wants MORE dance classes, what then?

Cache Valley Civic Ballet, whose studios we will use for our final performance, offers a summer session beginning June 15 and going through July 16. Classes are offered twice a week in the summer. This 5 week commitment is a perfect next step to find out if your dancer wants more class! Go here for more info. If you are all danced out for the summer, their fall classes begin approximately the last week of August. For beginning dancers, these classes are once a week. CVCB is the best ballet training in Cache Valley, and they run a wonderful program. I am out of the country this fall, so I may or may not hold my Nutcracker Ballet Workshop this December. It is likely I will hold a spring workshop (covering La Sylphide) in March, though exact dates are TBA. And I may repeat these summer camps next year with a whole new line-up of ballets to study. I hope you join me for all of it! Happy Dancing!