Below you will find answers to many of the most common questions we are asked.
If you have any questions or need more info, please just let us know!
May I register for classes at any time?
Surrendered School of Dance has open registration during the school year.
Our school year starts in September and ends in late May or early June with our Spring Showcase Fundraiser. Students may register for classes online or in person at our main Tacoma campus.
Do students move up a level each year?
Surrendered School of Dance follows the American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum® to guide students through different levels of training. We consider students’ knowledge, skills, physical, and cognitive development when deciding on their progression. We want students to progress at their own pace, becoming the best dancers they can be. We don’t rush through levels; instead, we focus on artistic growth in a safe and healthy environment.
Our curriculum takes students from no experience to professional dancers. Each level takes 2 or more years to master before moving on to the next. Some students may progress faster, while others may take longer.
The only exception is for our youngest dancers, ages 3 to 8. Dancers in Pre-Primary Ballet, Primary Ballet, and Ballet Foundations are assigned their class based on their age. Dancers ages 3 to 5 will be in Pre-Primary Ballet. Dancers ages 5 to 7 will be in Primary Ballet. Dancers ages 8 and older will be in Ballet Foundations. Students stay in the level they started in at the beginning of the school year until the start of the next school year.
Once a student is in Ballet Foundations, they will progress to the next level based upon their demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills learned in each level and and not by their age. As technique is taught linearly, each level of instruction builds upon the skills learned in the previous level and what is taught from the beginning of the current school year through the end of the school year. When a student is kept in a level for several years it is because we want them to continue growing as a dancer and to succeed in reaching their fullest potential as an artist in their chosen art form.
Dancers over the age of 8 with previous training from other studios will be evaluated in a trial class before being assigned a level of instruction.
Do you offer adult classes?
Adults, those over the age of 18, are eligible to enroll in classes designated as “Teen Adult.” Currently, we provide two classes per week specifically tailored for adults.
Ballet Foundations – Beginning Teen Adult Ballet:
This introductory ballet class is designed for dancers aged 12 and above with minimal prior ballet training. It provides an accessible opportunity for individuals who have long aspired to learn ballet but have lacked the necessary exposure.
Intermediate / Advanced Teen Adult Ballet: This class is for dancers in SSD’s Intermediate Ballet C and above as well as dancers with at least 5-years of previous ballet training. This class is a great ballet maintenance class that will help you to keep up on your technique. This class is taken on flat and not intended to be taken en pointe.
May my child take a pointe class?
Pointe classes are by teacher placement only.
If a young dancer starts pointe work before they have developed enough physically and in their ballet technique, they risk serious physical harm and injury to their bodies. Dancers at SSD are not permitted to start training in pointe work until they have reached Intermediate Ballet Level C and are attending classes a minimum of three days per week.
If your student is new to Surrendered School of Dance, they will need to be evaluated by one of our instructors before they will be permitted to enroll in a pointe class, even if they have previously taken pointe at another studio.
May I watch my students class?
We want you to be able to enjoy your student’s growth as a dancer! We know that watching your student dance is one of the greatest joys of putting them in a dance class, but we have found that allowing observers inside the studio often distracts the students and hinders their growth. So, we have come up with some ways that you can watch your student as they learn.
Depending on which campus and studio your student is taking a class, we either have live video observation or a viewing window.
Tacoma
To ensure minimal disruption to classes, we have installed an observation window in Studio 1 and a Closed Circuit Television Monitor with screens in the lobby and kitchen. These monitors provide visual access to classes in Studios 1 and 3.
Orting
In Orting parents may observe their students through the open door between the waiting room and classroom.
After School Enrichment Programs
At this time, we do not offer class observation opportunities for students enrolled in our After School Enrichment Programs taught at private schools. However, the participating schools typically have a chapel where students dance in worship and parents are invited to attend. If you are currently enrolled in an After School Enrichment Program, please direct your inquiries to the school directly regarding the end-of-session chapel.
How do you screen your teachers and staff?
All staff, volunteers, and teachers are required to complete a Multi-State Criminal and Sex Offender background check, pass an Abuse Awareness Training Course, and undergo reference checks.
All dance instructors additionally undergo an extensive interview and background check process, in addition to demonstrating competency and sound teaching practices for their dance style, before being permitted to work with minors.
Will my family get to watch my child dance?
Absolutely! Families my watch classes from the observation area in our lobby. We also have a few showcase fundraisers each year for students to dance in worship while sharing from the stage what they have been learning!
Spring Showcase Fundraiser:
Every year, we have a Spring Showcase Fundraiser in late May or early June! Students get to dance in worship on stage as they share what they learned during the past year with their family and friends.
If you want your student to participate, they need to be enrolled in classes before March 15th so they can start learning their dance. Students may still enroll anytime after March 1st, but they wont be in the showcase. Please keep in mind that the last few minutes of each class will be for rehearsing the dance. Your student can watch and learn, but they won’t be performing.
Christmas Showcase Fundraiser:
In December we often have a Christmas showcase fundraiser where students will have an opportunity to dance in worship on the stage as we celebrate the birth of Jesus together!
In order for students to participate in the Christmas showcase, students will need to be enrolled before October 15 to allow enough time for rehearsals. Students may still enroll any time after October 15 but please note that the last few minutes of class will be for rehearsing their classes dance. Your student can watch and learn, but they won’t be performing.
Do you have changing rooms?
We ask that students arrive for class already in their dance clothing on under their street clothes or wear warm up clothes over the top; however, if needed we have a one stall changing room available at our main Tacoma campus.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We know that everyones situation is unique and we do not want resources to get in the way of any student who wants to learn to dance. If your family is experiencing financial difficulties, please complete a financial aid application on our website under the Resources tab.
What is the schools relationship to Paradosi Ballet Company?
Surrendered School of Dance is the dance school of Paradosi Ballet Company, the Pacific Northwest’s first professional Christian ballet company that was founded in 2007. Surrendered School of Dance and Paradosi Ballet Company are one organization operating under one financial umbrella. Paradosi Christian Ballet is a Washington based 501(c)3 nonprofit religious organization.
The organization operates with a singular focus and mission, and the school is an integral component of its fulfillment. All organizational endeavors are aligned with our mission that: Through the arts we will worship God, love people, share the Gospel, and make disciple of Jesus everywhere we go.