“Welcome to Danceworks!”

Posted on May 24, 2013 by 10Web Support

Hannah, Jolie and Jessie Mae say,  “Welcome to Danceworks!  Have you been here before?  How can we help you?”

The ladies at the front desk get asked a lot of questions every day, and before our summer classes for adults and youth begin on June 3rd, I thought I could take a few minutes to answer some of the most popular ones:

Hannah and Jolie

Jessie Mae

I’ve never danced before – can I come and try an adult beginner class?

Yay!  Yes!  Good for you!  Danceworks is known for offering classes to people of all ages and abilities.  We are here to help you get moving!  We have lots of beginning adult students who make the move through our doors for their first dance class and get hooked by the fun and new friends they make as much as the dancing.

What do I wear?

Well, the dress code is this: we want you to be comfortable.  You don’t need a new wardrobe — just wear something that is easy to move in for Tap, Hip Hop and Jazz.  The same goes for Ballet but be aware that the teacher needs to see your ankles and feet — leotards, tights and leg warmers are fine but so are leggings and sports tops.  Layers are good and can be removed as you warm up.  For Dance Fitness classes, wear anything you would work out in.

Speaking of Dance Fitness, do I need to bring a mat or weights with me for the workout?

Nope!  We provide the mats, weights, bands and balls.  It’s a very thorough workout, by the way –- a little cardio, arm work, abs, hips and legs. You can always count on some stretching.  (It’s my own once a week workout.)  Professional dancers teach the classes so you’ll never get bored with the routines.

What kind of shoes do I wear?

Ballet Slippers, Tap and Jazz Shoes

If you don’t have any ballet slippers, tap or jazz shoes, you’re in luck.  We sell them on site.  For Hip Hop, we ask that you wear clean tennis shoes.  For Barre Workouts you can wear ballet slippers, socks or go bare footed.

Do you have Pole Dancing?

No.

I really want to try a class but I’m nervous about it.  Can I just come and observe?

Absolutely!  Just let Hannah, Jolie or Jessie Mae know and they will introduce you to the teacher and help you get situated.

I’m worried I will be older than everyone else.  What is the age range of the students in your adult classes?

Danceworks believes dance is for everyone.  Our oldest student is 87!  Even in our 50+ classes, we don’t card.  These classes are geared at the mature mover and flow at a gentler pace, providing more time for corrections and explanations — but people under 50 are welcome. Students in our general adult classes can range in age from mid-teens to mid-70s.

I’m going to be gone the first week of class and I’ll be in and out throughout the summer.  Can I still join in?

Yes!  We work with adults’ busy schedules and offer ongoing enrollment — you can start at any time.  We also offer flexible payment plans, so you can pay for a single class, purchase a class card of 6 or more classes or sign up for a full session.  The more classes you buy at one time, though, the cheaper it is.

Melissa Feldmeyer takes care of the money. If you have questions about your payment she can help you.

Where do I park?

We have a parking lot open to students after 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays.  Weekdays before 5:00, there is plenty of free street parking available. There is also a bike rack available in the northwest corner by the river.

Do the adult classes have recitals?

No worries there.  If you are interested in performing though, we have some opportunities.  Check out the Summer DanceLAB!

So, those are a few of our most asked questions. Did I miss one?  Let me know and I will be in touch with you asap.  I really hope to see you this summer and would love to hear about your experience.  We’re rooting for you and hope you find a home at Danceworks!  –Deb Farris

Our lovely Ali is moving on to bright things. We will all miss her but wish her the very best.