FAQs

  • Level 1 = beginner

    Level 2 = intermediate

    Level 3 = advanced

    Beginners start at Level 1.

    For those returning to dance after a hiatus take into consideration how long you have been away, your fitness level, age, & learning style. Some folks love to be challenged as that push keeps them engaged. Other folks like to soak it up more slowly & take their time and that is what keeps them returning each week. How do you like to learn?

    If a phone call would help you talk it out please contact us!

    Whatever class you decide on, if we need to adjust the level, once you are registered you have priority and we can adjust your enrollment. In our experience we find students learn best in a class that is neither boring nor stressful but rather stimulating and encouraging.

  • Yes, please sign up for a drop in to try it out. If you register for that same class within the week, we will credit the drop-in fee you paid to your account. See our Policies page for more details.

  • Absolutely! The more hours you dance in a week determines the speed at which you improve. You see, you are developing “the dancer brain” which allows you to intake embodied information visually, verbally/audibly and proprioceptively. As well each class builds strength, flexibility and deepens your connection to your body.

  • Ballet – large range of choices: tights & leotards with chiffon skirt all the way to sweats and a t-shirt; ballet shoes required (canvas are less expensive; leather shoes which cost more but last longer). We recommend Toes n Taps on Cook St.

    Contemporary – loose clothes, bare feet, socks, layers

    Groove - loose clothes; clean, non-grippy inside (clean) shoes or bare feet; layers

    Flamenco – workout pants, layers, a skirt may be required later in the course for women & a vest for men; a heeled shoe, either character shoes (Toes n Taps, less expensive) or flamenco shoes (flamencowest.com, expensive but if you are hooked on flamenco you will want a good pair). Email Monique@rainodance.com for detailed flamenco shoe info.

    Hip Hop – loose clothes, clean inside shoes (in hand, not on your feet until you are in the studio), layers

    Jazz - loose clothes; clean, non-grippy inside shoes or bare feet; layers

    Bellydance - Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and bare feet or slippers.

    SASS/Heels - your sexy, flexy vibe, bring heels if you have & clean inside running shoes (in hand, not on your feet until you are in the studio), layers are always a good idea as your temperature & the studio varies.

  • To book a drop in: 1. create an account in our online portal 2. find the drop down menu in the TOP LEFT CORNER & select DROP IN 3. choose your class & date!

  • The monthly payments are based on 4 weeks per month over the course of 10 months with 2 weeks of at the Winter Holidays & 1 week at Spring Break. Some months have more weeks some have less but the fee is monthly. Here is Pricing & Policies for even more info.

  • Check out our fall SCHOLARSHIPS (Financial need & Indigenous)

    Inquire about our TRADES for dance email monique@rainodance.com

  • Any class in the Full Year Program that is not listed as OPEN is a Performance class that is building technique and a choreography to be presented in a theatre in our June Show.

    You absolutely can take a performance class and NOT perform. It is entirely your choice & you will simply need to let your teacher know as the year progresses so they know to not block you in the piece. Regardless the majority of the class will be building to show and this means that as it approaches there will be classes that give more time to its creation. You will still learn the piece & perhaps stand in for missing folks.

  • Contemporary dance was a response to the creative rules of classical ballet. For this reason it utilizes aspects of the incredible training of ballet yet opens all doors to each teachers creative stamp. Each teacher takes the music, movements and themes/qualities inspire to create their own style. Contemporary uses ALL kinds of music, which informs the choreography. From a gospel choir to solo guitar to wild experimental sounds to world beat, contemporary utilizes the music to inspire emotional story the body is telling.

    The biggest task is to find a teacher that you can relate to. Every teacher will have different things to offer. Not sure? Drop in to a class to check it out!