Select a category below to view Frequently Asked Questions related to each topic. Feel free to contact us at (540) 463-3436 or rockbridgeballet@gmail.com for additional information.
| New Students | Tuition and Payments |
| Dress Code and General Policies | The Pre-Professional Company |
| Performances |
New Students: Getting Started at TheStudio
At what age can my child begin taking dance classes?
We recommend children begin at age 3 with our First Steps program.
My child is older and has never danced before. Is it too late to start taking classes?
It is never too late to start loving dance! In addition to introductory level teen and adult classes, we also offer private lessons to help introduce dance to your child, as well as to help them progress more quickly.
Can my child try a class before committing for the full season?
Yes! Dancers new to TheStudio are welcome to one free trial class.
Can my child receive private lessons?
Private lessons are a great way to improve your dancer’s technique in a one-on-one setting. They are also available to help your child catch-up to their age group in a particular style. Please contact our Assistant Director, Kitty Burke, at rockbridgeballet@gmail.com for more details.
Tuition & Payments
What fees should I expect beyond the monthly tuition?
There is registration fee of $35 per student or $45 per family. There is also a required recital costume fee of $60 per costume.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Please contact our office manager, Joanna Smith: rockbridgeballet@gmail.com, to set up automatic card payments.
Is scholarship/financial aid available?
Yes! As a non-profit organization we do offer need based tuition scholarships. Please email rockbridgeballet@gmail.com to request a scholarship application.
Dress Code & General Policies
What is the Dress Code?
View our dress code policy
Where can I purchase Dress Code items?
- The Hip Joint in Charlottesville
- Carolina Connection in Lynchburg
- Dance and Feet in Roanoke
- Tickle Pink in Buena Vista (please contact them for store hours and to see if they carry the merchandise you require)
When will my child get pointe shoes?
Pointe shoes are a rite of passage for many young ballerinas — however, due to the risk of serious injury, it is important to ensure your dancer is ready. There is no set age or level that determines pointe readiness. Technical proficiency, physical strength, health, attendance, and maturity are all factors that affect pointe readiness. Our faculty will work to prepare our pre-pointe students to be ready to safely go on pointe.
What is the inclement weather policy?
In the case of inclement weather you will receive closing notices via email and social media. We no longer follow the closings of any specific school system. TheStudio will close as needed on a case by case basis. Safety is our top priority.
The Pre-Professional Company
What is the relationship between the school and the company?
The Rockbridge Ballet is the name of the pre-professional company comprised of students. Dancers must audition to join the pre-professional company. TheStudio for Dance and the Arts is the official school of The Rockbridge Ballet. Students range in age from 3 years old to adults. No audition is required for the school.
At what age can my child audition for the company?
Age 10
Performances
How many shows are there each year?
The Rockbridge Ballet, the pre-professional company, produces two mainstage productions each year. TheStudio for Dance & the Arts, the school of The Rockbridge Ballet, has one year-end production.
Company dancers perform in a total of three shows each year, and non-company dancers perform in one spring show.
Will the shows sell out?
We recommend that you purchase tickets as soon as possible after they go on sale. The spring show for non-company dancers frequently sells out due to the high number of family and friends purchasing tickets.