When does the season for dance classes begin and end at Collierville Arts Academy?
For children enrolled in Mommy and Me Ballet, Little Steps, and Dance Discovery classes, the term is a 10-week session. For Primary Level (age 6) and beyond, we follow a 40-week calendar, beginning in August and ending in June. We also offer a Summer Session during June and July. Please call for exact start dates for any course in which you are interested.
What types of dance are offered at Collierville Arts Academy?
The Collierville Arts Academy has a robust schedule squarely centered on classical ballet. However, we also offer classes in lyrical jazz, modern hip-hop, musical theatre, and Broadway tap.
What types of performance opportunities does Collierville Arts Academy offer?
Students have the opportunity to perform in Collierville Ballet's annual presentation of The Nutcracker and other Collierville Ballet productions. Our annual CAA Student Showcase is held each June. Periodically, we present community demonstrations and small performances and students may participate in these as well. Students age 12 and up may audition for our Collierville Ballet Company for additional performance opportunities.
Does Collierville Arts Academy travel to dance conventions and have competition dance teams?
We are not a competition-oriented school. Our students learn proper technique, are taught common dance terminology, and understand that Dance is an art form and a mode of expression, not simply a way to win trophies. Instead, as mentioned above, we offer community-oriented performances such as The Nutcracker and our annual Student Showcase to give students that chance to display their talents. For students interested in pursuing a professional career in the entertainment fields, we can offer many more opportunities to 'get discovered' through MOVES Models and Talent.
What is the Registration process for Dance classes and is there a fee?
Registration for all regular, ongoing Dance courses takes place in person at the front counter. Once per year, a Registration Fee is charged to CAA accounts. Our basic Registration Fee (for one student) is $25 and the Family Registration Fee (for 2 or more students from the same family) is $45 total. Registration Fees are due at the time of enrollment.
What if I don't sign up at the beginning of the dance season?
If you did not sign up at the beginning of the season, you may still apply for a spot in one of our classes. Please contact us and we can walk you through the enrollment process.
At what age does CAA begin to offer dance classes?
We start our Dance program at age two and a short course called Mommy and Me Ballet. Students must be the appropriate age by September 1st of that school year to participate in the Mommy and Me and Creative Movement Division (ages 3 to 6). Students age 7 go directly into Level I while students age 8 and up must take a placement class. We also offer classes up through Pre-Professional Level. Our Open Division offers classes to older teens and adults who wish to start or refresh their dancing experience in a recreational format.
How do I know what class(es) or level to register my child(ren) for?
Students ages 2 to 7 are placed according to their age in classes at CAA. At age 8 and up, students are placed according to their technical abilities and the discretion of the Director. Placement classes are therefore required for students in this age range. Placement classes are free and must be scheduled through the front desk calendar. Please arrive at least ten minutes before the placement class to fill out the necessary paperwork. Once the class is completed, you will be informed of which day(s)/class(es) your student(s) will attend.
How many classes must my child(ren) take?
Typically, students ages 2 through 8 attend dance class once per week. Students ages 9 and older will usually attend a minimum of two classes per week. Students at Level IV and higher are recommended to attend three or more classes per week. Pre-Professional level students will attend four or more classes per week.
What about class uniform/dancewear? When and where do I have to buy these items?
Once a student signs up with the Dance program, we will provide a link for purchasing the exact dress code and dancewear for their level. These reasonably-priced items must be purchased through this link as we do not keep them in stock and we want a consistent, uniform look for all students.
You seem to offer a lot of courses my family might be interested in. Do you offer discounts for multiple family members?
Yes, we do. We offer several types of discounts.
1) The Class Frequency Discount. When a student takes more than one class per week, their tuition becomes discounted in keeping with their frequency. Instead of paying two times the single class/week rate for two classes a week, a discount is applied to make studying at the Academy affordable.
2) The Family Member Discount. CAA offers a discount of 10% off the second or more student from the same family. The Family Member Discount is calculated using the lesser tuition amounts for the discount, no matter which family member enrolled first.
3) The Basic Family Value Plan. No matter how basic discounts are designed, if a family wants to involve more than two students at the Academy, the tuition totals can quickly add up. Therefore, CAA offers a special flat rate that covers a Family in full for any regular courses on our schedule for as many members are in your family. If this option interests your family, please ask us.