CLASS PLACEMENT INFORMATION
Ages 8 & under = NO placement needed, sign up for classes by age
Beginner dancers of all ages = NO placement needed, sign up for classes by age
Ages 9 & up with dance experience = placement needed before registering
Performing Group Auditions (Company, Ballet Ensemble, Hip Hop Crew) = closed for this year, auditions for next year will happen in May 2025
Questions regarding placements? Email kaitlyn@performingdancecenter.com. Check your junk folder as her emails sometimes get sent there.
Please allow a few days for us to respond after filling out the form.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding placements:
What is my class placement for the summer?
Dancers should sign up for their current class level for summer. I.e., if they are in level 4, they should sign up for the level 4 this summer. Classes continue to work on and refine elements of our curriculum in the summer. 2023-2024 class placements will be sent out after dancers do placements.
If I want to audition for a performing group, do I also need to do a level placement?
Yes! The level placements are for class levels, such as ballet 3, while the Performing Group audition times are for those groups.
If I am in the highest level currently offered, do I need to come to a placement?
Yes! We reassess our class needs each year and therefore may offer more classes in the future if we feel it is needed.
What is the process for my student being placed in classes?
If your student is 8 years old or younger, they should be registered in classes by age. Although we understand there are varying levels of dancers within these young dancers, classes for these age groups are designed to address the appropriate developmental and emotional needs of children. For older students with little to no dance training, we also have classes that families can register for based on the age of the student that do not require a placement.
Once students are 9 years or older and have previous dance experience, they may request a placement if seeking to be placed in levels 3 or higher. The following process will occur for a placement:
Parent fills out a sign-up for a placement
Parent will receive an email from kaitlyn@performingdancecenter.com to arrange a time for a placement
The dancer should come prepared to dance in the styles requested on the form.
Once complete, the parent will receive an email with placement information and class recommendations.
How long will a placement take?
Placements typically take about 10-15 minutes if done individually, or up to 60 minutes if done as a group. Our program has detailed curriculum for each of our levels and we are able to identify the technical level of dancers by seeing them perform various skills with our assistant director. Once the placement is done, our assistant director will contact families via email with information regarding placement.
What things go in to determining class placements?
Teachers look at a variety of factors when determining class placements, including age, maturity, skill level, attendance, work ethic, attitude, flexibility, and strength. All of these factors vary from child to child and students naturally advance at different paces.
They have friends that dance in a different level than my child was placed, can't you keep them together?
Class placements are based on the level of the individual dancer’s ability. We spend a lot of time looking at each individual dancer to ensure the best pathway for them to be successful in future dance classes. From a young age, it is best to emphasize the joy of dancing rather than focusing on level placements. It is natural for some dancers to progress more quickly than others. Often, students have better focus when not distracted by friends. Please encourage your child to celebrate their success and not to compare themselves to other dancers.
Can they try a higher level to see if it would be a good fit?
We have found that when dancers follow our recommendations and work hard, they will be successful and continue to progress. Students who try to move to a level that they are not ready for will never truly refine the details that they are missing. We do not want children to try a level that is not their class recommendation, as it is devastating to be moved down if the teacher believes the lower level is better. We continuously reexamine class placements to ensure that students are getting the most out of their training, and we will let you know if we decide to move your child up after the initial recommendation.
What does a level that ends in ".5" mean?
A “.5” level, such as “level 3.5” simply means that students are slightly more advanced than someone entering level 3, but who are not quite ready to move to level 4. Often, students who have been in level 3 would progress to level 3.5 before moving to level 4.
What if my child wants to do a style they've never done before?
Great, we encourage students to try other dance styles! Please email so we can tell you the correct class to try or schedule a placement if that is needed. If a child has been placed in a certain level for some styles, they may not be in the same level if they are trying a new style that they haven’t been training in. We encourage children to take as many styles as they would like but to refrain from genre-jumping each year, as this slows progression.
What if I'm questioning my child's class placement?
Most importantly, it is important that you trust us to make the correct decision to ensure your child’s success. We have all of our students’ best interests at heart. Our teachers have years of experience in training, dancing professionally, and teaching, and are consistently training to improve their skills as educators. We continuously reexamine class placements to ensure that students are getting the most out of their training, and we will let you know if we decide to move your child up after the initial recommendation. Parents should not approach teachers to discuss class placements, but should instead email info@performingdancecenter.com should you have any further questions.
What is the best way for my child to improve?
The more your child dances, the faster his or her progress will be! We recommend that students maintain good attendance and add more classes if they are looking to improve faster. PDC also offers private lessons for select ages in various genres, and this is a great way for your child to improve in addition to taking their regular classes. Private lessons are very helpful so that teachers can give more individualized feedback and target areas that your child needs to work on specifically. Schedule your one-on-one lesson by visiting www.performingdancecenter.com/classes.