FAQ for Parents
What benefits does dance have for my child?
Dance has been proven to have multiple benefits for your child, including
helps develop coordination, flexibility, rhythm, grace, and balance and a focus on physical fitness
helps develop creative expression, self-esteem, and confidence
helps develop a lifelong appreciation and love for dance, music, and all arts
helps relieve stress and develop positive attitudes
helps develop memory strength, cerebral & cognitive thought processes, and strengthens brain activity
helps develop relationships and teamwork
Why choose DBD Studios?
There are many things that make DbD Studios a unique place for your child to dance:
the owner & director has a degree in Dance Education as well as numerous years teaching and choreographing around the United States as well as an extensive performance background, including 6 years as a Radio City Rockette, multiple musical theatre shows, and cruise ships
a syllabus written by Ms. Carolyn (owner & director) & Team DbD and is consistently updated
teachers receive training and continued education
live viewing of your child's classes on Zoom
wholesome dress code, wholesome music, wholesome choreography, and wholesom costumes; we pride ourselves on being family-friendly & wholesome that all eyes and ears, from babies to grandparents, to enjoy our dancing
multiple performance opportunities
organized and clear communication through website, free app, email, text, phone message, social media, and more
no hidden fees/payments
dance opportunities for the whole family (ages 1 and up), even our dads
a professional style recital
dance opportunities outside of classes including dance camps, master classes, field trips, birthday parties, dance night outs, and more!
When does dance begin?
We offer our classes to match the school year August-May with 2 stage performances (Christmas Festival & June Recital). Dancers begin learning technique on day one and continue to train each week. Dancers have the opportunity to share what they are learning through their Christmas dances (performance at the NB Civic/Convention Center), Recital dances (performance at The Tobin Center, San Antonio), and Family Dance Weeks. Tuition is paid monthly and while students can drop a class (with two weeks notice) we encourage our students to commit to the full year to the benefit of themselves and their fellow dancers. Dancers remain with their class throughout the year to maintain the level of learning of their technique. Dancers will have the opportunity to move up levels/age groups for summer sessions or the following year.
During the summer we offer two dance sessions plus multiple dance camps and dance intensives.
What age can my child start dancing?
We offer classes for 12 months old to adults, starting with our Dance with Me classes (a mommy and me style class) to our Adult Dance Classes for older teens and adults. We also offer ballroom classes for a date night, private lessons, and choreography for competitions, first dances, Friday Fun & Movie Nights, Adult Only Pop Ups, dance camps, and more!
What styles of dance do you offer?
How do i know what level to place my child?
Our levels are first focused on age groups: Spark (ages 6-8), Ignite (ages 8-10), Shine (ages 10-16),Illuminate (ages 12-18), & Glow (ages 18 & up). Then they are split into dance levels (ex: Spark 1 & Spark 2). Dancers tend to learn and apply technique and corrections with students of similar ages. If a Team DbD member feels that a child should move up or down a level we will let you know and discuss the different options. It is always better to err on the side of the lower level than to have a child feel overwhelmed with a higher level and walk out of a class frustrated with themselves and dance. We want them to be excited to walk into class and excited about their growth as a dancer! “2” and “3” classes are taught to the higher levels in the class, move at a quick pace, and assume knowledge and proper execution of “1” class syllabi.
Can I come and watch a class? can my child try out a class before we register?
We'd love to have you come and visit our studio. Email us to set up a tour today. And an even better way to get to know us is to come and try a class! If there is room in the class (some classes are full with a waitlist) we'd love to have your child come and try the class firsthand. They are required to wear clothes they can move in (a fitted tee, leggings or exercise pants, and socks) with their hair pulled back in a ponytail or bun. Once you have decided to join the class your dancer will be required to follow the dress code.
What should i do if the class that works best for my family is full?
We understand that a family's schedule can get very busy. We encourage you to go ahead and register for the class and join the waitlist (there is no charge!) and to register for another class that's not perfect but still works. You can join as many waitlists as you would like; there are no charges until your child is officially part of that class. You can also send us an email letting us know of your situation and we will work hard to help you find that perfect fit.
When does registration start?
Registration opens in May for the following season. We highly recommend you register early to help you find the perfect class for your family. Some classes will fill up in under a day and we want you to get the class you want! Registration opens for our current students first and then opens up to the public. We want to thank you for your loyalty by giving you the best and first option for your dancer.
Are parents and/or family allowed in the classroom during a dance class?
Only our students and teachers are allowed in the classroom during a dance class. The only exceptions are Dance with Me and Family Dance Week. This allows our dancers the freedom to move and learn and the discipline to focus on the teacher and the technique. If you see your child not participating, following directions, misbehaving, etc please do not enter the room. It is very important that our dancers learn to respect their teachers and our teachers learn the best way to teach your dancer, this includes discipline and creativity. It is very important that you allow your dancer that growth to learn how to learn, how to adjust to the classroom space, follow directions, wait their turn, and dance with others. Our teachers will escort your child to the lobby if they become too disruptive for the class or if they are in danger of injuring themselves or others. Some children learn best by observing first and then participating. Don't worry; they are still learning so many of the important dance concepts and will probably be ready to show off at home in a more comfortable atmosphere.
How can i help my child prepare for the best dance experience?
We're excited you've chosen us to open your dancer's eyes and heart to the world of dance and want them (and you) to have the best experience! First, talk about the expectations for the class (follow directions, no running/screaming, no touching other dancers), show them their teacher and tell them their name and a little bit about them on our staff page; they also each have their own page with a get to know me video. If your child is crying the teacher will communicate the best step to take next, either you joining the class, sitting in the classroom, or letting the teacher settle down the child. Some dancers will need the consistency of coming every week for 3-4 weeks before settling into the routine and getting excited about dancing in a room with their friends. Our goal is to have your child excited about the world of dance and our dance studio!
what does my child need to wear to class?
All students must follow the studio's DRESS CODE. Dancers are required to purchase and wear tights and shoes from DbD Studios. This ensures that your child is wearing high quality and affordable dance wear and shoes that will compliment their dancing. It is very important that dancers have specific shoes that will allow them to fully stretch their feet while pointing, fit correctly while tapping with the proper sized taps that are placed properly on the shoes, execute turns, and more. Following dress code also allows our students to focus on their dancing and not their tights or shoes. Ms. Carolyn has searched for the best quality and affordable dance wear and is excited to share them with our dancers. The studio also has multiple sales through out the year to ensure even better pricing.
When does my child perform? what will she/he be doing?
Twos and Dance 101 classes will perform their Turkey dances the week before Thanksgiving in the studio during their normal class time. ALL classes will perform in our annual Christmas Festival held the first Saturday of December at the NB Civic/Convention Center. We love giving our dancers the opportunity to dance on a stage in a relaxed atmosphere.
ALL classes (except Dance with Me) will perform in the June recital. Costumes will be purchased for each class to wear for their performance, dress rehearsal, and pictures. Costumes are included in tuition (no extra payments required!). Our June recital is a fun experience for everyone from our dancers to our staff to our parents and their family and friends. It's a thrill to watch them on stage in their costumes showing off what they have learned throughout the year!
What kind of payments do i have to make?
You can find details for each payment listed on our website. They include our membership fee and monthly tuition (costume costs and recital performance videos & photos are included in tuition).
How much is the recital fee?
There is NO recital fee! Optional recital items include a recital tee, recital flowers, and a program ad. All these details can be found on the Recital Page.
why do I have to purchase a recital ticket?
We want your dancer's day to be as special as possible with a professional performing experience. The cost of your ticket includes the time of the DbD teachers and staff, the rental of the beautiful Tobin Theater in San Antonio, professional backstage and technical help, backstage helpers (so you can enjoy the show!), props/set/scenery, beautiful programs, and more! We keep our ticket prices competitive and give options for each budget.
Why is it reserved seating?
We try to make recital day as much fun with as least stress as possible. Reserved seating lets you feel comfortable showing up at a reasonable time knowing your family and friends will be sitting together. Showing up 2 hours before the show begins and standing in the Texas heat to enter the theatre and then fight to save seats for your family doesn't sound fun or stress free!
How can i dance in "Whimsical wonders"?
"Whimsical Wonders" is performed by Designed to Dance Company. Auditions are held in May & August and dancers must be age 4 by September 1st. WW cast members are required to dance throughout the summer in technique classes or summer camps and are required to attend extra weekly rehearsals on top of their technique classes. Find all the details here.
How can i dance in "AUrora ballerina"?
"Aurora Ballerina" is performed by Designed to Dance Company. Auditions are held in October & December and dancers must be age 6 by September 1st and enrolled in a Be a Light Ballet class (Spark, Ignite, Shine, Illuminate, or Glow). Find all the details here.
How can i register for an event, Field trip, or birthday party?
The easiest way is to download our free app. Click the "Events Registration" button on our home page. This will take you to the registration home page where you will answer the required questions (marked with a red *) and click submit. You can also register for an event by visiting the parent portal and clicking on "Events Registration". You can find our Events calendar here.