Welcome to Oxford Center for Dance! We’re so excited to have your family with us.

Whether this is your child’s very first dance class or they’re already an experienced dancer, starting at a new studio can come with lots of questions. We created this guide to help you feel confident and prepared from day one.

Recommended Levels by Age
Age is a helpful starting point, but placement may also depend on experience, ability, and teacher recommendation.

AGES 3–4
Typical Class: Ballet
Recommended Level: Pre-Ballet 1

AGES 5–6
Typical Classes: Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz
Ballet → Pre-Ballet 2
Hip Hop → Hip Hoppers
Jazz/Tap → Beginner Jazz/Tap 1
Tap → Little Hoofers

AGES 7–8
Typical Classes: Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical
Ballet → Pre-Ballet 3
Hip Hop → Hip Hop 1
Jazz/Tap → Beginner Jazz/Tap 2
Lyrical → Lyrical 1

AGES 9+
Typical Classes: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop
Ballet → Level determined by teacher recommendation and dancer ability
Jazz → Level determined by teacher recommendation and dancer ability
Tap → Level determined by teacher recommendation and dancer ability
Contemporary → Level determined by teacher recommendation and dancer ability
Lyrical → Level determined by teacher recommendation and dancer ability
Hip Hop → Level determined by teacher recommendation and dancer ability

 

Class Levels from Beginner to Advanced

HOW PLACEMENT WORKS
Once dancers reach age 9+, there isn't a single level that automatically corresponds to their age. Each dancer is evaluated individually for each style. For example, a dancer may be ready for an advanced ballet class but need a different level in tap or hip hop. That's completely normal! Our teachers consider experience, technique, ability, maturity, and readiness when recommending placement. Not sure where your dancer belongs? Don't guess — ask us! We're happy to help find the right class. 


COME PREPARED
Dress Code - Proper dance wear allows dancers to move safely and comfortably while allowing instructors to clearly see their alignment and technique.

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• BALLET - Leotard, tights, ballet shoes, and hair secured away from the face in a ballet bun.

• TAP - Leotard, tights, and properly fitted tap shoes. Hair should be secured away from the face.

• JAZZ - Leotard, tights and required jazz shoes. Spandex shorts may be worn. Hair should be secured away from the face.

• CONTEMPORARY / LYRICAL - Leotard, and tights. Dancers will dance in either half soles or jazz shoes as specified by the instructor. Spandex shorts may be worn for contemporary.

• HIP HOP - Comfortable clothing that allows movement and clean, appropriate hip-hop dance sneakers.

• ACRO - Fitted dance wear that allows the instructor to safely observe body alignment and movement. Dancers typically work barefoot.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Your dancer's dance bag doesn't need to be complicated!
DANCE BAG ESSENTIALS:
✓ Correct dance shoes
✓ Water bottle
✓ Hair ties / brush / bobby pins
✓ Appropriate dance wear
✓ Any required class materials or props
✓ A labeled dance bag

TIP: Label everything! Dance shoes and clothing have a magical ability to look exactly like everyone else's. 


WHAT NEW PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

ARRIVAL & PICK-UP
Please arrive with enough time for your dancer to get ready and be in the studio when class begins. Younger dancers may need help getting settled. At pick-up, please follow the studio's designated dismissal procedures.

ATTENDANCE
Consistent attendance is important for progress, especially as dancers advance. If your dancer will miss class, please follow the studio's absence notification procedure.

CLASS OBSERVATION
There are TVs in the lobby to watch your dancer and are listed for Studio A, B, C, D (in order). There is a yearly Parent Visitation scheduled for all classes in December.

RECITAL & COSTUMES
Recital information, costume details, measurements, fees, and deadlines will be communicated by the studio.Keep those emails! Recital season can involve several important dates.

COMMUNICATION
The best way to get answers is to use the studio's designated communication channels. Please remember that instructors may be teaching during class and unable to respond immediately.

Dina Gazzerro-Kinney: DGazzerro@verizon.net - Studio Director

Lindsay Alvarez: lmalvarez0504@gmail.com - Office & Team Manager, Costume Coordinator

Emily Brown: EmilyBrown610@gmail.com - Backstage Coordinator, Photographer, Merch Sales

DANCE PARENT 101

A Few Things We Wish Every New Dance Parent Knew

1. EVERY DANCER STARTS SOMEWHERE. Don't compare your dancer's progress to someone else's. Dance development happens at different speeds.

2. THE RIGHT LEVEL IS ABOUT MORE THAN AGE. A dancer may be moved between levels as their skills develop. This is normal and is intended to put them where they can learn and thrive.

3. SHOES MATTER! Properly fitted dance shoes are important for safety and technique. Don't purchase shoes based solely on your child's regular shoe size.

4. DON'T STRESS ABOUT PERFECTION. Your child does not need to be perfect to enjoy dance. Mistakes are part of learning.

5. ENCOURAGEMENT GOES A LONG WAY. Ask your dancer what they enjoyed rather than focusing only on corrections.

Try: "What was your favorite part of class?"
Instead of: "Did you remember everything?"

6. DANCE IS A JOURNEY. Some weeks will feel amazing. Some weeks will feel frustrating. That's completely normal. Celebrate effort, progress, confidence, and the courage to keep trying.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DOES MY CHILD NEED PREVIOUS DANCE EXPERIENCE?
-No! Many dancers begin with absolutely no previous experience. Our instructors can help determine the appropriate class based on your child's age, experience, and developmental level. For experienced dancers, placement may be based on current technique and skill rather than simply their previous class or studio.
 

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HOW DO I KNOW WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
-Age is a starting point, but placement is based on several factors, including experience, technique, strength, coordination, maturity, and readiness. If you're unsure, ask us! We'd rather help you find the right fit than have your dancer feel overwhelmed or under-challenged.

WHAT SHOES SHOULD I BUY?
-The type of shoe depends on the class. Ballet requires ballet shoes, tap requires tap shoes, and jazz requires jazz shoes. Other classes may have different requirements. Please check the class-specific dress code before purchasing shoes. When purchasing dance shoes, proper fit is more important than simply buying the same size your child normally wears.

 

CAN MY CHILD TRY A CLASS BEFORE REGISTERING?
-Yes, we offer a FREE trial class to help us place your child in the appropriate level. Families should contact the studio for current availability and requirements. Trial availability may depend on the class, age group, and time of year.

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WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR TO THEIR FIRST CLASS?
-If you haven't purchased dance wear yet, don't panic! For a first class, your child should generally wear comfortable, fitted clothing that allows the instructor to see movement clearly and the appropriate shoes if they have them. Avoid jeans, restrictive clothing, or anything that could make movement difficult. Once you're enrolled, follow the specific dress code for the class.

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WHEN SHOULD I PURCHASE COSTUMES?
-Costume information and deadlines are communicated by the studio. Costumes are often ordered well in advance of recital, so pay attention to studio emails and deadlines. Missing a costume deadline can make last-minute ordering difficult or result in additional costs.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD MISSES CLASS?
-Life happens! If your dancer needs to miss class, follow the studio's absence notification procedure. Whenever possible, let the studio know ahead of time. Consistent attendance is especially important leading up to recital performances, competitions, and special events.


CAN PARENTS STAY AND WATCH CLASS?
-Observation policies vary by class and studio schedule. Some classes may have designated observation opportunities, while other classes may limit parent observation because dancers tend to focus better without an audience. If your child struggles when you leave, don't worry — this is extremely common with younger dancers and usually improves with time. Our studio has a spacious lobby with TVs for viewing all the classes in real time.


WHAT IF MY CHILD IS NERVOUS?
-That's completely normal! Starting something new can be intimidating. Give your dancer time to adjust and avoid putting pressure on them to immediately perform or make friends. A simple: "You don't have to be perfect. Just have fun and try your best." can make a huge difference.


WHAT IF MY CHILD DECIDES THEY DON'T LIKE DANCE?
-That's okay, too. We want children to have positive experiences with movement and performing arts. Talk with your child's instructor before making a decision. Sometimes frustration comes from being nervous, struggling with a particular skill, or needing a different class environment.

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WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO SIGN UP?

-September through January is a good time to sign up if your dancer wants to participate in our yearly recital. Recital choreography starts in January. Your child can be added to the class, but will have to catch up on any previously taught choreography.

-February onward we cannot guarantee being able to get a costume in time for recital. Your child can still take class and learn the recital dance, but will not perform in recital. 

-Or, you could wait until after our yearly recital and sign up in the summer for our 9 week summer session.


We're so excited to be part of your dance journey.  

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