Question 1

All dance classes for children and teens are located at our NEW location - 722 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield CT

Accepted Answer

Adult Yoga and other classes offered via MindBody take place at 79 Danbury Rd location unless otherwise noted in MindBody

Question 2

How do I view the class offering ?

Accepted Answer

To view the class offering, click on the appropriate online calendar on our website - or - click on the DANCE REGISTRATION button at the top, enter your dancer's name and birth date, and click on SELECT CLASS at the bottom of the page. Use the search icon on the top left of the screen to apply filters for dance style, session etc.  The system will automatically reveal the class offering for her/his age group. Be sure to select the appropriate Session and year (Fall/Spring, or Summer)
If you do not see a particular class listed, please email us for assistance.
 
All registrations and enrollments must be done online and are considered pending until approved by the Artistic Director. This ensures that your dancer is placed in the appropriate level.

To view our current Fall/Spring Class Schedule HERE

To view our current Summer Class Schedule HERE 
​

Question 3

How do I enroll in classes ?

Accepted Answer

To enroll:
1. Click on the DANCE REGISTRATION button and complete the web registration form. This will include creating a login for our DANCE PARENT PORTAL, adding each student's information, and adding a payment method.
2. Log into the DANCE PARENT PORTAL
3. Select the student, and the desired class, and then click "Add to Cart"
4. Repeat this process for each class and student
5. To complete enrollment,  view your cart, and click save/ submit.

****Please ensure that all classes are in your cart before checking out to ensure that all eligible discounts are applied****

6. Classes are listed by level and age group and exceptions will be made where appropriate. In order to view more classes, please uncheck the age box. If you wish to enroll your dancer in a class outside of her/his age range - you will need to email us so that the Artistic Director can approve and process the enrollment.
7. Please note in the comments field whether you wish to pay tuition in full - otherwise the default is our 9 installment payment plan.  
8. All enrollments are considered pending, and no payments will be processed, until approved by the Artistic Director. This ensures that your dancer is placed in the appropriate level.

Question 4

How do I know what class is best for my dancer  ?

Accepted Answer

All of our classes are offered for specific age groups and technical levels in each dance style.
Most often - the age group is the proper criteria to follow when enrolling your dancer. There are also some guidelines in each class summary to assist you in selecting the proper class based on your dancer's experience.
 
However, should we feel that your dancer would be better suited in a different level class than was originally selected, we will contact you to make those arrangements.
 
DFR reserves the right to place or move dancers into the appropriate classes for their  level of technical ability.

Dancers are free to try classes before enrolling.

Question 5

What are the tuition costs and discounts ?

Accepted Answer

The pricing listed on each class in our online registration system reflects ONE installment on our 9 installment, monthly payment plan.
 
Tuition payments are processed monthly from September to May. There are no tuition installments processed in June for dancers who enroll in the Fall for Full Year and Spring Recital participation. Pro-rated tuition will be applied for dancers who enroll after September 30th and may include June installments.   Dancers who enroll after January 15th may not be eligible to participate in the Spring Recital.
Dancers who enroll after November 1st may not be eligible to participate in Winter Showcase.

All enrollments are considered "full year" (from registration through June) with June Recital participation unless expressly communicated via email to DFR by January 1st.

Winter Showcase requires enrollment via the "Winter Showcase class" in our online registration system. 
If your dancer is able to participate - please enroll them in this "class" - which is not actually a class - but a participation sign up and placeholder.
All choreography for Winter Showcase will be learned in regular weekly dance classes.

The only classes not participating in Winter Showcase are our Ballet Level I classes. These classes only participates in Nutcracker.
Likewise - our Pre-Ballet/Creative Movement "Toddlers in Tutus" class will only participate in Winter Showcase - they are not in the Nutcracker.

All of our Ballet levels I-IV participate in our annual Nutcracker. If your dancer is unable to participate, please notify us via email by October 1st.

Half Year enrollments can be arranged, please email us to set that up. 
Half Year enrollments, Summer Dance Classes and Camps, Master Classes and Competition Team Camps are not eligible for discounts and must be paid in full upon enrollment.

Dancers may un-enroll at anytime by emailing DFR,  and the payment plan will be reconciled based on classes attended, and terminated.

Tuition, costume, performance, competition and registration fees are non refundable.
 
Discounts available for Fall/Spring Tuition :
Enrollment in 3-4 weekly classes = 5% tuition discount
Enrollment in 5 or more weekly classes = 10% tuition discount
Siblings enrolled in 10 or more weekly classes combined = 15% discount

Question 6

Is there a registration fee ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is an annual registration fee of $70 per family which is processed upon registration. This helps to cover administrative costs and credit card processing fees. The registration fee is non-refundable.
Annual Registration Fees cover all enrollments from Fall to Summer of each school year.
Should your dancer enroll in Summer  - the fee will apply to all enrollments through Spring.
Should your dancer enroll in Spring - the fee will apply to all enrollments through Fall.

Question 7

What about Holiday and Storm Closures ?

Accepted Answer

All planned studio closures, performance dates and Session dates are listed on the IMPORTANT DATES page of the website.

All planned studio closures and several storm days are accounted for within the annual tuition structure.

Should we experience an excessive number of storm closures, the Dance Year will be extended further into June - much like the School system.

Specific make up classes are not scheduled for storm closure class cancellations during the regular Dance Year, much like the School system. 
Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the Director for extenuating circumstances.

Dancers are free to take makeup classes in any dance class appropriate for their age and level, for any missed classes or storm cancellations.
Full classes are not available for makeup classes.
Refunds are not provided for missed classes.
Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the Director for extenuating circumstances such as severe injury or illness.

Question 8

When will I be charged ?

Accepted Answer

Tuition payments are not processed until the enrollment is approved by the Director.
Annual Registration fees are nonrefundable and processed upon registration.
 
Our 9 month installment plan is the system default for full year enrollments.
Tuition Installment payments are processed between the 1st - 15th of each month from Sept to May - no tuition payment is processed in June for dancers enrolled in September. Pro-rated tuition will be applied for dancers who enroll after September 30th and may include June installments.   Dancers who enroll after January 15th may not be eligible to participate in the Spring Recital.
Dancers who enroll after November 1st may not be eligible to participate in the Nutcracker or Winter Showcase. 
 
You may also pay the Fall/Spring tuition in full by August 1st for an additional 5% early bird discount.
 
Half Year & Summer dance enrollments are not eligible for payment plans or discounts and must be paid in full upon enrollment.

Performance Fee Schedule:
Spring Recital Costume/Performance fees are processed in January
Competition Costume fees are processed in October/November
Nutcracker and Winter Showcase fees are processed in October/November
Competition entrance fees are processed in January/February

Question 9

When do classes start and end ?

Accepted Answer

Fall/Spring (full year) classes begin after Labor Day (September) and run through early June.
 
Unless otherwise expressly communicated via email to DFR - all enrollments are considered "full year". Once enrolled for Fall - there is no need to re-enroll for Spring.  Summer Session requires a new enrollment.
 
Recital costumes are ordered for all enrolled students in  early January. Dancers enrolled after costume orders have been placed may not be able to participate in the recital.  Costume fees are non refundable and are processed for all enrolled dancers in early January.
Should your enrolled dancer be unable to participate in the spring recital, DFR must be notified no later than January 1st of any given year.
 
Dancers may enroll for just the Fall or Spring Session (half year enrollments) by emailing DFR
Fall Session runs Sept through mid January
Spring Session runs mid January through early June
 
Summer Session begins after July 4th and runs through mid August and is a separate enrollment.
 
Please view the IMPORTANT DATES page on the website for exact start and end dates for the current dance year, Performance dates and planned studio closures.

Question 10

What attire and shoes does my dancer need for class ?

Accepted Answer

Jeans, dresses, pajamas and "regular clothes" in general are not appropriate for dance class. 
Loose fitting shorts are also not appropriate as they do not protect the dancer from "exposure" during stretches etc.
Loose fitting shorts should only ever be worn over a leotard.
Fitted dance shorts may be worn over leotards or on their own paired with a fitted sports top.

Ballet - all levels - "ballet pink" convertible ballet tights, pink ballet slippers or pointe shoes, 
Ballet skirts or black fitted dance shorts worn over leotards are allowed at all levels of ballet. 
Leotard colors by Ballet level:
Pre-ballet/Creative Movement Toddlers in Tutus - Pink
Ballet I - Light Blue
Ballet IIB - Light Blue
Ballet IIA - Lavender
Ballet IIIA/B - Burgundy
Ballet IV-V+ Black

Acro - Barefoot
Attire: any color leotard or fitted sports top, leggings or fitted dance shorts. Light Suntan convertible tights should be worn with leotards not accompanied by leggings or dance shorts.

Contemporary -  Barefoot 
Attire: any color leotard or fitted sports top, leggings or fitted dance shorts. Light Suntan convertible tights should be worn with leotards not accompanied by leggings or dance shorts. Tank tops and Tee shirts may be worn over sports tops or leotards.

Jazz -  Nude/tan slip on style jazz shoes, Light Suntan convertible tights should be worn with leotards not accompanied by leggings or dance shorts.
Attire: any color leotard or fitted sports top, leggings or fitted dance shorts.

Contemporary/Jazz fusion classes - These classes explore both styles. Barefoot is acceptable for class, however, nude/tan slip on Jazz shoes may be required for performances and it is recommended that dancers have these with them weekly as well. 
Attire: any color leotard or fitted sports top, leggings or fitted dance shorts. Light Suntan convertible tights should be worn with leotards not accompanied by leggings or dance shorts.

Combo classes  -  Nude/tan slip on style jazz shoes  and nude/tan tap shoes with velcro straps (no laces or buckles)
Attire: any color leotard or dance dress (leotard with attached skirt),  leggings or fitted dance shorts. Light Suntan convertible tights should be worn with leotards not accompanied by leggings or dance shorts.

Tap for ages 9 and over - Black "oxford style" tap shoes with laces
Attire: any color leotard or fitted sports top, leggings or fitted dance short. Light Suntan convertible tights should be worn with leotards not accompanied by leggings or dance shorts.

Hip Hop  - Clean sneakers - preferably black or white - outdoor shoes are not permitted in the studio classrooms. Please carry your hip hop sneakers in, and be sure the bottoms have been wiped clean. Outdoor shoes are stored in the lobby during class.
Attire: any color joggers, sweatpants, leggings, leotards, fitted sports tops, tank tops and tee shirts are all acceptable attire for hip hop class.

Hip Hop/Acro fusion classes - Clean sneakers - preferably black or white - outdoor shoes are not permitted in the studio classrooms. Please carry your hip hop sneakers in, and be sure the bottoms have been wiped clean. Outdoor shoes are stored in the lobby during class. 
Attire: any color leotard or fitted sports top, leggings or fitted dance shorts. Light Suntan convertible tights should be worn with leotards not accompanied by leggings or dance shorts.  Loose fitting tops (or pants) are not appropriate, because the Acro portion of this class will require upside-down postures and visibility to straight knees.

Question 11

Will my dancer be in any Performances ? What are the fees ?

Accepted Answer

DFR has several annual performances where your dancer will experience the magical energy of dancing on the stage of a beautiful,  professional Theater. The Klein Memorial Auditorium is our home theater and all DFR Performances are held there. The Klein has become the most sought after destination for dance performances in our area, and DFR is fortunate to have a long standing relationship with the Board, Theater Director and the incredible, professional Crew.  Audience members enjoy comfortable seating with great views from every seat, as well as the Concessions/Bar, private secure parking, and ample security (off duty Police Officers) patrolling the building and entrances to ensure everyone's safety.

Please take a moment to review the annual performance opportunities below, and please make note of the deadlines for participating or "opting out." as each performance has different criteria.

Competition Team Dancers are expected to perform in all DFR performances and will receive specific instructions via email.

All of our Ballet students Level I and over will participate in our annual production of The Nutcracker in December of each year.  There is a performance fee by participation level (ranging from $185-$365 per student) which covers the use and cleaning of our Nutcracker wardrobe,  assists with production and rehearsal costs, and includes digital access to download professional photos and video from the show.
There are some Full Cast Nutcracker rehearsals at the studio scheduled in November and early December. Schedule details will be emailed to all Ballet I-V parents but please see the online calendar for the scheduled dates and save those aside. Dancers do not keep the Nutcracker costumes, they are Wardrobe and remain with DFR.
 
It is understood that all Ballet I and over dancers will participate in Nutcracker unless expressly communicated via email to DFR by October 15th of any given year.

Our Pre-Ballet/Creative Movement "Toddlers in Tutus" class does not participate in Nutcracker, nor do our non-ballet dance classes. These classes all have the opportunity to participate in the Winter Showcase which takes place the same weekend as our Nutcracker. (see Winter Showcase below)
 
Should DFR receive notice after November 1st of your Ballet I and over dancer's inability to participate in Nutcracker, you will be responsible for the full or partial applicable Nutcracker fee depending on the circumstances  (Average fees by level are Ballet I $185, Ballet II $250, Ballet III-V $315-$350 - Lead Roles $365-$400) Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Winter Showcase occurs the same weekend as Nutcracker, and is an "opt in" registration. We hope that all of our dancers can participate in this special Winter/Holiday themed show which includes all of our dance classes except Ballet I. 
Dancers ONLY enrolled in Ballet I will only perform in Nutcracker. If a Ballet I dancer is also enrolled in other classes - they may participate in Winter Showcase with those classes, and must sign up for the Winter Showcase and the performance fee will apply.

All choreography for Winter Showcase will be learned during the regularly scheduled weekly dance classes. No additional rehearsals are required aside from a brief dress rehearsal at the Theater on the day of the performance - typically 2-3 hours ahead of the show start time.

Ballet II and over dancers will perform their Nutcracker Variations as part of Winter Showcase and are expected to participate in both. 
For dancers ONLY enrolled in Ballet II and over,  (and no other classes) there is no additional fee for Winter Showcase. Their Nutcracker performance fee will apply.  Dancers enrolled in other classes wishing to participate with those classes must sign up for Winter Showcase, and the performance fee will apply.

The Winter Showcase performance fee of $110 applies to any dancer participating in Winter Showcase with their non-ballet classes. This fee is per dancer (not per class) and includes the use of  the DFR Costume Wardrobe (dancers do not keep these costumes), as well as digital access to download the professional photos and videos from the show, and a cast tee shirt. The fee will be processed in October.

If your dancer is able to participate, please enroll them in the "Winter Showcase" class in our online registration system. This is not an actual class - it is a participation sign up and placeholder. There is not another class to attend - please ignore the day and time listed for  this "class" in our Jackrabbit registration system. Jackrabbit requires a day and time for all entries, so entering that information was unavoidable. Apologies if that is confusing. The easiest way to advise us if your dancer can participate is to sign them up for the Winter Showcase "class".  This will also allow us to email all who are signed up - more information about the show.
All choreography for Winter Showcase is learned and rehearsed in the regular weekly dance classes.

Should your dancer enroll after November 1st - they may not be able to participate in Winter Showcase, but we will do our best to make that happen.

All classes will perform in our Spring Recital performance in June.
There is a $110-$130 performance fee per dancer, per class (fee varies by costume cost and we do our best to keep it to $110) - which covers the costume (dancers keep these costumes), appropriate tights, props, hair accessories and assists with production and rehearsal costs. This fee also includes digital access to download the professional photos and videos from the show. These fees are processed in January and are non refundable. Dancers keep their recital costumes.
 
Spring Recital costumes are ordered for all enrolled dancers in early January.
 
If your enrolled dancer will not be able to participate in the Spring Recital - that information must be emailed to DFR no later than January 1st of any given year.
 
Should your dancer enroll after January 15th - he/she may not be able to participate in the Spring recital. Participation will depend on several factors such as choreography progress at the time of enrollment, and costume availability.
 
Should your dancer be unable to participate in the recital, and you inform DFR of that after January 1st - you will be responsible for the costume fees associated with her/his classes if the costumes have already been ordered. Costumes are "made to order" and cannot be cancelled. You will be notified via email when the costumes arrive, and can pick those up at the studio to use for Halloween, dress up etc.

Professional photos and videos of DFR performances are provided via digital download at no additional fee.

Audience and Livestream Ticket fees for all performances are additional, and paid directly to the Theater via online ticket purchase.
All seating for all DFR performances is reserved. You select your seats when purchasing tickets online.
Dancers are not permitted to sit on laps in the audience. If you wish for your dancer to attend a performance, they will require a ticket, as all seating is reserved. Our youngest dancers may be permitted to join their parent in the audience after they have performed. This generally only applies to our Rising Star dancers ages 3-7, and arrangements must be made in advance to collect your dancer from the backstage area during a show. They will also need a ticket, as all seats are reserved, the alternative option is to sit in any empty seat in the Theater with your dancer, but be prepared to relinquish that seat to the person who reserved it.

Livestream tickets are available for all DFR performances, so that those family members and friends unable to attend in person can watch the show at home.  The links cannot be shared and are only emailed to the email address entered at time of purchase. Livestream recordings are generally available to replay for a week after each show. Show videos typically take a couple of weeks to obtain, so if you or your dancer wish to watch the show video sooner, please purchase the Livestream.

All proceeds from all DFR Performances benefit the Susan Vallo Memorial Dance Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance to families experiencing hardship. Please stay tuned for additional fundraising opportunities to support this effort, named for our Director's late Mother, who was also a dancer. 
 
For additional performance opportunities - please consider joining our Competition Dance Teams ! 
Auditions are held each June, after the Recital. Please complete the online form found on the Competition page of our site to attend the Audition.
Email us for more information or to set up a private assessment if you are unable to attend the Auditions.

Question 12

What happens if the class I enroll in does not fill ?

Accepted Answer

All classes offerred will run based on achieving minimum enrollment requirements.
Should the class you have selected, not reach the minimum - we will contact you to select an alternative class for your dancer.

Question 13

Still have questions ?

Accepted Answer

Email us for assistance:
 
idance@dancefactoryridgefield.com

Question 14

Covid-19 Safety Protocols at DFR

Accepted Answer

Please click HERE for information

Question 15

Registration & Enrollment FAQs