Contents
New Student Questions
What is the minimum age for a dancer to enroll at CSDC?
We accept students as young as two-and-a-half years of age.
Why don't you offer classes for three and four year-olds in the evening?
Because we find that they are too tired and cannot focus.
Do you have any male students?
CSDC has several male students, and also has a few classes dedicated just to male students on Friday nights.
Why doesn't CSDC offer beginning classes for students over age eight?
Because there is no room in our full schedule of classes.
Where is your Class Schedule?
We do not publish it. Instead, we give out the information on an individual basis.
Can parents stay and watch their child's class?
Yes, parents may stay and observe class. Occasionally classes for older students become so large that parents are requested to observe only the first lesson of each month, but this is not usually necessary.
Is there a registration fee?
There is a registration fee due each year.
Is there a performance at the end of the year?
For predancers there is a Mini Show. For all other dancers there is a major production called the Mayer Theatre Show at Santa Clara University's Mayer Theater.
How many dance instructors does CSDC employ?
All classes are taught and supervised by the CSDC Director, Mary Muntz. There are also Assistant Teachers and Student Teachers who assist her.
How long has CSDC been in business?
CSDC has been in business for 23 years.
What type of dance classes are offered at CSDC?
CSDC currently offers ballet, tap, jazz, and theatre arts classes. We do not offer hip-hop or competition dance at this time.
Why doesn't CSDC participate in dance competitions?
Because dance is an art, not a sport.
Does CSDC accept credit card payments?
We are not equipped to accept credit card payments at this time.
Where do I put my tuition check?
Tuition Checks and all other fees should be placed in the mailbox inside the studio.
Who do I make checks out to?
Checks for all fees should be made out to "Center Stage Dance Company".
Does CSDC offer Saturday classes?
CSDC does not offer Saturday classes, but Saturdays are sometimes used for rehearsals and make up classes.
Where should I park when I come to the studio?
If you wish to park at CSDC, you may do so in the parking lot behind the studio building and on Malone Road.
Can I drop off my student early? Can I pick up my student late?
Yes, but please park and enter the studio.
Are there regular classes in the summer?
No. Our regular season lasts from fall to spring. But we sometimes offer camps in the summer.
Current Student Questions
What if I miss a class? What if class is cancelled? Are there makeup lessons?
See Dancer Information under Absences, or Pre-dancer Information under Absences.
I don't like the class I'm in. Can I change it?
We carefully weigh many factors when placing a student in a particular class. Hence, students may not change their class assignments.
Why do all CSDC dancers have to take ballet?
We feel that it is vital that all dancers possess ballet technique: it develops strength, mental discpline, and good overall dance habits.
What should I wear to class? What is the CSDC dress code?
Dancers should consult the Dancer Class Dress Code, and predancers should consult Pre-dancer Information under Dress.
Do boys have to wear leotards?
No. CSDC male dancers wear black jazz pants or dance pants, and T-shirts or dance shirts.
Why can't I wear my jazz shoes to ballet class?
Ballet shoes are softer in construction and allow much more movement than the standard jazz shoe.
Why don't female dancers wear underwear?
Female dancers don't wear underwear because it is unacceptably distracting.
Why do dancers have to wear their hair pulled back?
Dancers must have their hair pulled back so the instructor can see her or his face. Tying one's hair back prevents the development of such bad habits as flicking one's bangs and tucking one's hair behind the ears.
Mini Show Questions
Does my child have to participate in the Mini Show?
Predancers are not required to participate, however most choose to.
What do predancers wear for the Mini Show?
See Mini Show Information under Costumes.
Where is the Mini Show?
The Mini Show takes place at the Center Stage Dance Studio.
Mayer Theatre Show Questions
Do I have to participate in the Mayer Theatre Production?
Dancers are not required to participate, but most choose to.
Where is Mayer Theatre?
Mayer Theatre is located at Santa Clara University.
What does the production fee cover?
The production fee coveres many important aspects of using Mayer Theatre.
When is the costume fee due?
The costume fee is due on April 30.
What kind of tights do I need for the Mayer Theatre Show?
There are several styles of tights that are acceptable.
What kind of shoes do I need for the show?
Classes have specific shoe requirements.
When do we get our costumes?
Usually, but not always, we hand out costumes the week before dress rehearsal.
How do I get a 5 or 10 year trophy if I have earned one?
Dancers are responsible for ensuring that they receive a trophy if they deserve to. If you have danced for five or ten years and you wish to receive a trophy, you must write your name on the trophy signup sheet on the bulletin board during the month of March.
Why is the Show in July and Not June?
Mayer Theatre is in high demand in the early summer.
What is blocking?
At blocking, younger dancers familiarize themselves with the theatre, and all dancers practice their dances for the first time on the Mayer Theatre stage.
Do I have to be at dress rehearsal?
Yes.
Why do we have three shows?
We believe that dancing on stage in front of an audience is so rewarding that all dancers deserve to do it more than once each production.
Do I have to be in all three shows?
Yes.
What can I do to help during recital time?
Parents who want to help can ask and may be given a job. Let us know what relevant skills you have. People with expert sewing skills are especially in demand during recital season.