Dance Theatre Fairbanks
Class Descriptions

1. Where are you located?
We are located in downtown Fairbanks at 656 7th Avenue. Our building is behind Sadler's and is easily accessed from Cushman St or Barnett St.

2. What is the studios contact information?
Our phone number is 907-452-1113. Mailing address is P.O .Box 72125, Fairbanks, AK 99707. Our Studio email is dancetheatrefairbanks@gmail.com. You can find all of this information and more on our contact.

3. What should a student wear to ballet class?
For young dancers girls should wear a leotard and dance tights with pink leather ballet shoes (which is really more of a pinkish tan color). Little boys wear a white t-shirt and black shorts with black shoes. Older female dancers wear black leotard and pink tights with ballet shoes. Older males should wear a white or black t-shirt, black shorts or tights, a dance belt/brief, and black ballet shoes.

4. What should a student wear to classes other than ballet?
Students should wear leggings or spandex pants (such as yoga pants, basketball shorts, or sweatpants) short enough not to trip on, stretchy enough not to restrict any possible movement, and tight enough for the teacher to see their legs. They should wear a tank top or t-shirt long enough to cover their belly buttons when hands are overhead, stretchy enough to not restrict any possible movement, and tight enough to see their posture. Women should consider wearing a sports bra for comfort.

5. Where can I purchase dancewear?
Most small children's sized tights and leotards can be found at either Wal-mart or Fred Meyer. Mo Holland Dance studio has a dancewear store in their building on College Rd. You can try online at Discount Dance Supply, Dance Depot, or Dance Distributors.

6. Where can I find dance shoes?
Payless carries a cheap version of leather ballet shoes, jazz shoes and tap shoes in children's sizes. Please do not purchase cloth "bedroom" slipper style shoes for dance even though some stores will market these as ballet shoes. They fit too largely and trip young dancers. A higher quality but still inexpensive shoe made by either Bloch or Capezio can be purchased online or in dance wear stores. Ballet shoes should fit snuggly with only half a thumb space at the end of the shoe to avoid tripping the dancer and falling off their feet in class. The higher quality shoes will stretch up to two sizes as your child grows. Tap shoes can fit a little more growing room but be aware your child will be swinging their feet in these shoes and they should not be so big they slide off their feet.

7. Can I watch or take photos of my child in dance class?
Every parent wants to see how their child is doing in class. However, watching from the doorways or peeking around corners will only distract your dancer and will hinder them from obtaining the maximum benefit from the class. We will have a parent observation week once per semester in which parents are invited to come into the classroom observe, video, and take pictures.

8. What should I do if my child is crying or upset?
Young children get stressed out too. Any number of factors can turn on the crying. As experienced teachers we recognize this is a normal behavior in young children. Do not assume your child is not ready for dance or does not enjoy it. If the teacher can pry a crying child away from a parent and have them join the class with the parent out of sight, often they will calm down within minutes and begin dancing with the other children. Dance class is a happy place! If the crying worsens, persists or the child simply won’t let go of the parent, often the teacher will invite the parent to come in and sit with their child to coax them along. If that doesn’t work, it is often best to simply try it again another day when whatever has caused the child’s stress has subsided.

9. Who do I talk to if there is a problem?
The first person you should go to with a problem is Dianne Christiansen, the Executive Director. You will find her on the first floor in the office. She can handle any type problem. If she is unavailable please talk to the front desk personnel. If they do not feel comfortable handling the problem or are unable to answer your question they will tell you when Dianne will be available. We try our best to handle all issues quickly and discreetly. We want Dance Theatre Fairbanks to be a safe, secure, and fun place where you can feel at home.

10. Where do I get the most up to date schedule?
The best place to get an updated schedule is at the front desk. They will have the newest information and will be able to make a copy if necessary. The website should be up to date with all schedules and anything posted on the studio bulletin boards should also be current, however we are not perfect and these are harder to keep on top off. When in doubt ask the front desk, then your teacher or rehearsal director.

11. When do I drop off and pick up my student?
A student should arrive a minimum of ten minutes before class. This gives the student time to get dressed, go to the bathroom, fix their hair and do all the other tasks they need to before class. For more advanced dancers thirty minutes is suggested so they have time to do all the mentioned tasks with extra time to warm up and stretch before class begins.

12. Why must someone stay in the building for students under 9?
A parent or guardian over the age of 16 is required to stay in the building with any student age 8 or younger. This is because it is common for young dancers to require the attention of a parent during class. They may become upset or need a bathroom break. Having a parent near means the teacher will not need to halt class to accompany students, teachers simply direct them to their parent who can take care of their needs. It also prevents a student being alone due to the parent being late, whether because of a misread watch, car accident, or long line.

13. What is Theater Week?
Theater week is the days or week leading up to a performance. It starts with a tech rehearsal, which is just the crew and directors setting lights and sound, followed by half and full dress rehearsals, these involve all cast, crew, and dancers. Each rehearsal typically runs the entire show in order with lights, sound, and costumes. During half dress the dancers only have to have costumes but are not required to wear make-up and do hair, during full dress they have to have their make-up on and hair perfect. Theater week often involves long nights and a stressful environment, dancers are trying to ensure they know their choreography, directors are getting everyone in the right place, and tech crew is setting lights, props, and sound. If you have a child performing expect to volunteer some additional time during the week to help where needed. The week will be a breeze if you carefully read your rehearsal schedule, listen to the instructors in charge, and remind your dancer that they are doing great!

14. Why does DTF need volunteers?
Dance Theatre Fairbanks is a nonprofit company that relies on donations and volunteer hours to keep its doors open. In order to keep the cost of classes down for students we have to rely on people volunteering their time.

15. What do volunteers do?
DTF's volunteers do a number of jobs including helping with sewing or altering costumes, maintaining the building, painting sets, organizing, manning tables at events, and heading up tasks and much more. A crunch for volunteers always happens close to show time, as DTF needs parents to watch young students during shows and help with backstage or lobby work. All of these tasks can require between a few minutes and many hours, but there is a task for every skill set and every time allowance. Check the sign up lists frequently to see when you can volunteer!

16. How can I volunteer?
You can volunteer by going to any of the teachers, directors, or office personnel and telling them you would like to help. There are volunteer signup sheets, especially around show time. You can even check online for notices of help needed.

17. What is Contemporary?
Contemporary dance is a genre that combines dance techniques and methods found in ballet and modern dance. It involves much more floor work than ballet and dancers are often, if not always barefoot. Classes are usually one hour long and move from a short warm up, to across the floor combinations, to center work.

18. What is Lyrical?
Lyrical dance is a combination of Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary. It is focused on conveying musicality and emotion through movement. It is commonly set to popular music with vocals. Classes are usually an hour long and move from warm up, to improvisation, then to a longer combination set to a piece of music meant to invoke a certain emotion. Lyrical is normally done barefoot.

19. What is Zumba?
Zumba combines Latin dance with aerobic fitness training. It is an hour long class done to Latin and international music. It is similar to Jazzercise, but employs more dancing than just exercise routines making it a great way to get in shape and have fun.

20. What is required to dance En Pointe?
In order for a dancer to dance in toe shoes they must be strong technically and physically. Their ankles have to be strong and their posture correct. Their ballet teacher will be the best judge of their readiness and instructors are the ones that will give a student permission to purchase and use pointe shoes.

21. What are the teachers like?
We have a variety of teachers from different places and backgrounds, but all are extremely qualified for their positions. Our discovery division teachers specialize in dealing with young children and modify their classes to best suit their little minds and bodies. Junior division teachers try to encourage students to further their dance education while helping them achieve a suitable level of technique. Senior division teachers push students to achieve their highest level of technical ability while helping them learn time management, responsibility, and team work. The best way to get to know a student’s teacher is to talk to them. They are all willing to answer questions about their background, techniques, and experience. You can also view their biographies online here.

22. How do I contact instructors or staff?
Besides stopping them when you see them at the studio you can send an email to their school address. You will find all of the staffs email addresses here. You can also call the studio and ask for the certain teacher you wish to speak with but this method is unreliable since most instructors are actively teaching while in the studio making them unavailable for telephone calls.

23. What does the board of directors do?
The board of directors does strategic planning and oversees the financial and legal aspects of the studio. They usually meet once a month to discuss issues that may have arisen or opportunities that may benefit DTF. They are the supervision for the Executive Director and ensure that all policies and mission statements are being followed.

24. Who is on the board of directors?
The President is Mike Walsh, Vice President is Barbara McCarthy, Secretary is Jane Monahan, Treasurer is Jack Harrison, and Member is Dan Ward. Currently we are seeking two more board members. If you are interested in playing an active role in the direction of this studio please approach Executive Director, Dianne Christiansen.

25. How much do dance classes cost?
We charge a monthly rate depending on how many class hours the student takes per week. Our rates are comparative or better than the average cost for children's activities. Please look at the rate table to find out how much you might pay.

26. What is the men's contract?
The men's contract is an incentive for male dancers to get involved with our performances and company. By signing the contract a male student agrees to participate in the pieces of the performances requiring men and to take the men's and partnering classes at the cost of $200. In exchange they are allowed to take other classes at no additional charge. The studio does this to increase the opportunities for our advanced female dancers. Without this contract there would not be as many men willing to participate in the performances which would limit the choreography that the girls are able to do.

27. What is the drop in rate?
The drop in rate for a one hour class is $20, for a one and a half hour class it is $25. In order to do a drop in class the studio must have all forms and information on file. This can easily be filled out before class, and is only basic information with waivers and permission slips.

28. Why isn't the monthly rate discounted for months shorter than four weeks?
The rate is not discounted for short months for the same reason that the rate is not increased for long months. Over the course of a year these short and long months even out. The unchanging amount makes monthly charges predictable for students and book keeping easy for employees.

29. Why must I pay an extra fee for a student to participate in the performances?
The $175 performance fee helps cover the cost of the production. This includes rental, purchase, care, and alterations of costumes, pay for the hours teachers spend choreographing and teaching during the sixteen weeks of rehearsal, theatre rental expenses, printing of tickets and programs, advertising for the performance, and much more. This fee is much less than would be charged by the monthly rate.

30. Why must I pay an extra fee for a student to participate in DTF's Performing Company?
The $250 fee is charged for many of the same reasons we charge the performance fee. It covers the cost of instruction for the eighty hours spent in rehearsal and it helps cover the cost of costumes. This fee is much less than would be charged by the monthly rate.

31. What is the babysitting fee?
The babysitting fee is charged on the third time that a child is left waiting at the studio for over twenty minutes after their class has finished. This $25 is to help cover the cost of the front desk person staying late to ensure the students safety and building security. We provide a safe and warm place for students to be, however, we are not a day care provider. If you are unable to provide timely transportation consider arranging a car pool with other parents. Parents and students can benefit from these arrangements and it will help ensure punctual pick-up.

32. How do I register for classes?
You register by going to the register page on our website, however you can only enroll in a class in person. You can also register and enroll at the same time in person, but the process is quicker if you register online first.

33. How do I pay for classes?
You can pay for classes by logging into your customer account online; all you need is the email address you used at registration. From your account page you can enter credit card information and make a payment. You can also sign up for automatic payments. Stop by the front desk and provide your credit card information and request that they place your account on autopay. Payments are charged on the 2nd of the month with statements going out the 1st and the 10th to check for account errors. You may also come into the studio and make a payment to the front desk person by cash, check, or card.

34. Can I try a class before registering?
Yes, you can try a class before officially registering for it. This does not mean you can try a class without giving us any information, merely that you may try your first class without committing to a month of tuition. Our policy is that you may try a class for the first time without charge. After that you may decide to simply be a drop in student ($20-$25 a class) or register for the class and be charged the monthly rate ( $5-$15 a class).

35. Where do I go to log-in to my account?
The login button is located on the top right corner of the home page and most other pages on the website. When you are redirected to the login page enter the email address you used to register, and then click the password button to have a password sent to your email or enter the password you had set up. Once logged in you should be able to access all categories of your account.

36. Why is my log-in not working?
Login problems are difficult to identify. Are you using the same email address that you used at registration? Have you tried resetting your password to ensure you are using the right one? If you have tried these basic actions email, call, or stop by the studio and a front desk person can help reset your account making you able to access it.

37. Who do I tell if there is a problem with the website?
You may email the webmaster for page errors such as files not loading or pictures not showing. You should tell the front desk personnel about factual errors like incorrect dates or missing information.

38. Can I change the information on my account?
You may change basic information such as names, birthdays or payment information at any time. Of course you can register for new classes at any time. If you would like to drop a class you must email a drop notice to the studio and personnel will confirm and drop your student for you.