FAQs

You can find all of this information at the PDF linked below! If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to Miss Tiffani at tlawrence@mcfetridgesportscenter.net.

Dance Studio Policies

For Ballet:

Kids -  Students need a black or pink leotard and pink or skin colored tights, or students may wear black or navy shorts and a white t-shirt that is fitted enough to not get in their way when moving. All children need ballet shoes and hair must be out of the face. Ballet skirts are optional.

Adults - Please wear athletic clothing you can move freely in. We recommend nothing too loose fitting. Leotard and tights are welcome but not required. 

For Jazz: Students need a leotard and tights of any color, or should wear black or navy shorts and a white t-shirt. All children need jazz shoes. Hair must be out of the face.

For Acrobatics: Students need a leotard and tights of any color, or should wear black or navy shorts and a white t-shirt. Students may wear jazz or ballet shoes, or bare feet. Hair must be out of the face. A low bun is recommended for long hair. 

For Musical Theater: Students should wear comfortable clothing that they can move around in. All children will need jazz shoes.

For Tap: 

Kids - Girls need a black or pink leotard and pink or skin colored tights. Boys need black or navy shorts and a white t-shirt that is fitted enough to not get in their way when moving. All children need tap shoes and hair must be out of the face. Ballet skirts are optional.

Adults - We recommend any athletic wear. All students need tap shoes. You can tap in any style of clothing, but we do get a workout, so keep that in mind!

For Hip Hop: Students should wear sneakers, loose fitted bottoms and a t-shirt. Students should wear what makes them feel good to move in. Clothing should be movement appropriate. NO jeans and flip flops.

For Latin Dance: Students should dress comfortably in clothes that do not restrict movement. Dancing shoes are optional.

Many of our families find it easiest to order what they need from Amazon.com. That is always an option and they have a wide range of styles and price points to choose from.

Another popular online option is Discount Dance Supply. Our Teacher ID for DDS is TP 136705, use this code when you check out to support our studio! Though they often take longer to ship, they have quality items.

If you would prefer to shop in-person or online through a local store, there are a few to choose from:

• Chicago Dance Supply – store in Andersonville, available online
• Plie Dancewear – store in North Park, available online
• Allegro Dance Boutique – stores in Barrington or Evanston, available online

The leveling system for dance is evolving with our program, so we understand that this can get confusing.

Tot Ballet 1 and 2 are based entirely on age. Only students over 4 years old can enroll in Tot 2, because the class moves a little faster and is a little more challenging in order to keep older students engaged. However, the classes are the same in essence.

Tot Tap 2 currently requires Instructor Approval. This approval is given after the students pass the Tot Tap 1 Assessment.

Youth 2 classes all require Instructor Approval and passing an assessment in order to move up. These classes are considerably more difficult. Students will likely be in Youth 1 for at least a year unless they are on the older end of the age range. It is often most productive for students to stay in Youth 1 until they have mastered the basics, so don’t be discouraged if your student doesn’t move up!

We are now offering Teen/Preteen Level 2 classes for Ballet and Jazz, and students must pass the assessment to move up to level 2. As with youth classes, it will take a while for students to move up if they are just starting out or still need to focus on more basic skills. Students shouldn't be discouraged if they don't move up, it just means we want them to focus their energy without being overwhelmed.

If you are interested in the assessment requirements, you can find them below.

Teen/Preteen Advancement Requirements

Youth Advancement Requirements

Tot Tap 2 Advancement Requirements

Our Program holds assessments 3 times a year. They will be at the end of Summer Session 2, Fall Session 2, and Spring Session. Information about assessments will be sent to students in the applicable classes closer to the assessment date.

See our policies on Bathroom trips, Late Pick-ups, Advancement, and Private Lessons at the link in the first FAQ.

Due to the way registration works with the park district, we can’t guarantee you a spot in your preferred class. However, before registration we will send out an email with the schedule including the teachers names, so you know which classes to attempt to register for.

You can also email the program coordinator at tlawrence@mcfetridgesportscenter.net for this information at any time.

We do! You should speak directly with the instructor you are interested in having a private lesson with, or you can email Miss Tiffani to help you find a teacher. 

See our policies on Bathroom trips, Late Pick-ups, Advancement, and Private Lessons at the link in the first FAQ.