Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between the ballet classes and the creative movement classes? What IS creative movement?

A: Progressing through the classes offered as part of the homeschool ballet experience, it would seem one begins in a ballet class, then detours into creative movement, only to resume ballet training a few years later. However, all the instruction for dancers under the age of 7 or 8 is actually focused on creative movement skills, with an eye on creating a ballet dancer. (Though these same skills can certainly and easily be applied to all forms of dance!) There are many reasons we are taking this approach. French ballet terminology can be confusing to little ears. More significantly, a sharp focus on correct ballet technique with it's disciplined form is not only developmentally inappropriate for younger dancers, but emphasized too young, can inhibit natural movement qualities and confidence in children. Creative movement tunes dancers' eyes and bodies to changes in dynamics, helps them recognize lines and various forms, and even acquaints them with a wider exposure of rhythms and styles of music! It wakes a body up - creates muscle awareness in young people just learning gross and fine motor skills. When the connections are made in the nerves to the ends of a dancers fingers and toes, it is much easier to tell the toes to point, for example, than to help a child point who may have not considered his toes previously. Beyond being developmentally appropriate, creative movement is fun and engaging, AND is used in major ballet schools around the country for dancers younger than age 7 or 8. Ballet is an art form enjoyed by all ages, and young dancers will be encouraged through all their classes to imitate beautiful balletic movement. When their minds and bodies are ready for the demands of ballet technique, the instruction and terminology will be fresh and exciting and they will be able to apply all their established habits and studies of movement in a more disciplined way.

Q: What is your refund policy? What if I miss classes due to illness or other unseen circumstances? Do you pro-rate classes and can I pay less if I already know I need to miss a class?

A: The homeschool ballet classes represent a short, 9 week commitment for parents and dancers, during which time our teachers are committed to helping each dancer in class have a wonderful experience and become a better dancer. We realize family schedules can be a challenge, and that illnesses and other issues may arise. However, it is unfair to the teacher and others in the class to have students stop in and pull out of classes, causing teachers to repeat concepts and being unable to plan for future classes appropriately. No refunds will be issued unless a class is not held on account of dangerous weather or circumstances which prevent a teacher from attending AND a make-up lesson is not scheduled. If a make-up class is necessary, it will be scheduled Wednesday, Dec 7, and it is the responsibility of the parents to make sure their dancers attend this class. In the case of class cancellations which are not made up, a refund will be issued by pro-rating for the classes and refunding only those classes which are not held.

Q: What about holding classes in severe weather?

A: Because the homeschool ballet classes are held in Cache Valley in October and November, we realize weather may be a factor in holding ballet classes. If the teachers decide to cancel classes, we will send an email and/or text notifying families of the cancellation at least one hour prior to classes beginning. If any class is cancelled, please be aware that our make-up will be Wednesday, Dec 7, with all classes being held at their regular times. If more than one class in our nine week session needs to be cancelled, refunds will be given for those cancellations.

Q: Are parents allowed in class?

A: The homeschool ballet classes will welcome parents to come and observe classes during two official parent watch days. We will notify families by email when those classes will be taking class. Outside of those, we ask that parents and younger siblings wait for dancers in the halls or playground areas of the Whittier. If your child needs your support, doors may remain open for the first few minutes of class time on the first day of ballet class so that parents and dancers can get a good feel for the teacher and atmosphere of the dance studio.

Q: How do I sign-up for classes?

A: Beneath each class description is a Register Me link specific to that class. Clicking the link will take you to the registration form, which must be completed. Registration is complete when classes are paid for. Payments can be made in person on the first day, before or after class. Make checks to Steffanie Casperson. Cash is accepted in an envelope with the total, the name of the student, and the name of the parent clearly written on the outside.

Q: What if I really want my child to try dancing, but he or she doesn't like it?

A: The homeschool ballet classes are a perfect tiny taste of ballet classes, and the short, 9 week commitment allows parents and dancers to get a good sense of their interest in longer commitments at the many ballet schools in Cache Valley. Because we are confident most children like the challenge of moving their bodies in new ways, and that our classes are fun and engaging, we encourage everyone to come for the first class. If, after the first week, it is clear the experience is not a hit with your child, you will receive a refund in full! So there is absolutely no reason to not come try! Payments for class are not processed until the second class, after which there is no refund.

Q: My dancer really enjoys dancing. What do I do for the rest of the year!?

A: Truly, ballet as an art form takes more than a few weeks, or even a few months to begin to grasp, let alone master. However, the homeschool ballet classes are an excellent opportunity to introduce young dancers to this form of dance. For those who have already begun their journey into ballet study, it can be a wonderful supplement to classes already being taken - concepts sink much deeper and at a much faster rate when a dancer can attend class more than once a week, and the homeschoool classes give students otherwise enrolled in other dance classes the opportunity to speed their progression. To any interested in continuing their dance instruction beyond these initial 9 weeks, we strongly encourage enrolling in the many dance classes around the valley. Talk to your dancer to find out what aspects he or she liked. Some dancers like just getting out and moving their bodies: they might enjoy trying a different form of dancing next. Others like the beauty and discipline of classical ballet, so let them stay at it as long as it holds interest. Steffanie Casperson is a teacher with Cache Valley Civic Ballet and recommends instruction there for dancers drawn specifically to ballet. They are the school of Cache Valley Civic Ballet who puts on the Nutcracker, among other ballets, for the local community. Their students also perform in a year-end recital. Registration for their spring semester begins in December. To find out more about the classes offered there, or to register, please visit: http://www.cvcballet.org/class-schedule/.