The season begins on September 9th and ends on June 23rd. We also offer intensive classes during the winter break, spring break and summer break.
What types of classes do you offer?
Simply Ballet is a technique Training Centre with technique classes in ballet, pointe, variations, modern, jazz, flexibility and conditioning. We do have choreography as well in all disciplines and three theatre performance scheduled per year. Dancers may opt for just technique or both technique and performance, however you can not just register for performance without the technique!
Do you do competitions?
Competitions can be added to your training program with solos/duos/trio’s as well as selected small groups. These are done in addition to a training program.
My child has always done R.A.D. Ballet - Can I switch her to Cecchetti?
Yes – absolutely, changing to Cecchetti is not a problem. Ballet exams are done all over the world and the ballet exam syllabus is simply a series of exercises prepared for examinations. The Cecchetti Method is of the highest standard in all ballet methods and used at top Professional ballet school around the world.
How old does my child need to be to start classes?
We start our pre-school ballet at 3 yrs of age, however if you feel your toddler of 2 plus years old is ready and able to dance in a classroom environment we will not discourage! We do ask that all dancers be potty trained and are able to separate from the parent to be an active participant in the classroom setting.
Can I watch my child’s class?
We do not have viewing windows that classes can be viewed from. Simply Ballet encourage dancers to be fully invested in their classes and not distracted by viewing windows. We do have parent viewing week twice per year where parents are invited to watch the classes
Do you have drop in classes?
Yes, we do! This is part of our believe as a technical training centre open to all dancers from all over. You may drop in for a $20 fee. Drop in classes may be taken in any technique class in ballet, modern or jazz. Call/email ahead to ensure space in the class (the day of) or to find out what class would be good to try for your dancer’s level.
Is there a minimum number of classes that must be attended per week?
You can dance as little or as many classes as you like. Our program is a “design your time” or an “a La Carte” method. We do understand that families are complicated and time is valuable. Our schedule is designed for dancers to make a schedule that suits their needs, interests and goals to achieve through dance. If you would like to enter a ballet exam there are a required number of classes to take. Dancers wishing to do a Grade 1 exam would be required to do two ballet lessons a week, and increases as levels increase. We encourage all of our dancers to be well rounded dancers and push themselves to reach personal goals. This may be by adding our technique training to a current dance schedule at another studio or simply taking classes to train, progress and improve.
How much do classes cost?
There are a variety of options and pricing available depending on your and your child's interest. The tuition is based on hours of training with a declining scale, the more you dance the lower the hourly rate. Contact us for more information
Are you open during holidays?
No, we are closed for most if not all statutory holidays, similar to the surrey school district closures. For specific dates please refer to our Calendar of Events.
Does my child get to perform?
Yes, we hold an annual recital at the end of each season, the pre-school and Level 1 will strictly perform in the year end show. The recital will showcase the students in all disciplines and perform choreography prepared in scheduled classes. We are extremely proud of all our dancers and it is a huge highlight of the year to be able to showcase what they've learned. Dancers who are in the “choreography” classes will preform three times a year in theatre performances. They will learn a variety of choreography, multiple pieces in their choreography classes and this will be staged throughout the year. We have a winter show, Spring Show and Year End Recital.
Does my child have to perform?
We encourage all of our students to perform in our recital, however, if you know that you will be unable to do so, please inform the office upon registration. If you find out later on in the year that you are unable to perform, please inform the office as soon as possible to ensure a costume is not purchased. If a costume has been purchased you will be responsible unless instructed to the office prior to ordering.
How do I register?
We currently offer online registration for the lower level classes. However, levels III and higher do require an assessment and meeting with the Artistic Director. Please email, call or contact us through the website to register for classes. Our helpful staff is always ready to assist you in registering, or come stop by the studio.
Who teaches classes?
OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE HAND PICKED FOR THEIR SKILL, ABILITY AND HIGH LEVEL OF QUALIFICATIONS. ALL OF OUR INSTRUCTORS ARE PROFESSIONALS RECOGNIZED AND RESPECTED FOR THEIR TEACHING ABILITY AS WELL AS THEIR NURTURING, CARING AND DEDICATED MANNER. WE FOCUS ON TECHNIQUE AND THE TEACHERS THRIVE ON DETAILS, CHALLENGING DANCERS TO REFINE THEIR SKILLS AND MAKE CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT AS WELL AS PROGRESSION.
Do I need to buy a costume?
Yes, all performance/choreography classes require a costume either for the recital, community performances or events. We require all participants to purchase the costume and will be invoiced separately. It is difficult to determine what the price will be before the costume has been chosen to suit the choreographer's vision. The cost of costumes depends on factors such as where it's coming from, cost of materials, tax and difficulty. We hope to keep performance costumes at a responsible cost, approximately $60-$90, depending on age & level. The balance will be due before receiving the costume. Costumes are not to be worn at anytime besides studio appointed functions until after the recital. We want to avoid damage or loss to costumes which could affect the entire class.
Is there a dress code for classes?
Yes, there is a required dress list for each class. It is important that the students wear the proper footwear and dress in the approved clothing. The dress code requirements will be handed out with every registration package. Simply Ballet also requires hair to be tied up neat and tidy as required for each discipline. Students who continuously do not come prepared for class may be asked to sit and observe the class.
What are my payment obligations
Tuition fees are based on the total number of dance hours in the season then divided into 10 monthly payments. We require first and last months’ payment at the time of registration. The first payment being due on September 1st, as well as the June 1st payment. The following months October 1st through May 1st the payments will be processed monthly. Payment can be made by direct debit or pre-authorized credit card payment. There is a $75.00 NSF charge for all returned or declined payments.