FAQs

Yes, please sign up (link) 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.

Contemporary dance (sometimes referred to as modern dance) is as different as every teacher that teaches it. Each teacher takes the music, movements and qualities that they enjoy and creates their own style. The biggest difference between contemporary and other dance styles is the music. Contemporary uses ALL kinds of music, which informs the choreography.For example, in classical ballet classes, you can be assured that you will hear beautiful classical music; in hip hop, you are going to hear only hip hop music; but in contemporary, we use everything from a gospel choir to solo guitar to crazy experimental sounds to world beat, all to give us the emotional responses we want for the choreography.

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!

If you are a beginner you start at level 1. For those returning to dance after a hiatus we ask you sign up for the level you think will fit you with the understanding that in the end, the final decision will be made by the teacher to ensure the level is appropriate. 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.

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 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 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 - waiting for this