Frequently Asked Questions

Spring Concert of Dance

Each MPA student has the opportunity to be a part of our end of the year recital and showcase what they have been working on with their classes. Participation is optional, not required. A signed and filled out Spring Concert Participation Form is required, along with costume fees for each class. A signed Participation Form is still required if you choose to opt out of the Spring Concert. 

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The Nutcracker

Dancers who are age 5 and up as of September 1st are eligible to audition for The Nutcracker, a magical holiday tradition for students, families, and audience. Nutcracker Prep classes, offered during the first week of September, are highly recommended, but not required, to audition for The Nutcracker. Dancers work on technique, choreography, and audition etiquette to prepare them to audition at their best! Dancers rehearse on Saturday afternoons September-December, and in-theatre on weekday afternoons the week of the performance. Performances are held in early-December and tickets are available for purchase to the public typically in October.

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Youth Performance Groups

MPA's Youth Performance Groups, affectionately known as "YPG", are groups of dedicated dancers who want to broaden their dance horizons and gain pre-professional and performance experience. These young dancers work together in classes and rehearsals, work with guest choreographers to prepare for multiple performances throughout the year, and gain valuable experience that can help launch them towards a professional career in dance if they so choose. YPG performance opportunities include but are not limited to: Winter In-Studio Showcase, Concert for a Cause, Spring Concert of Dance, and Art Fair on the Square. YPG dancers also attend festivals throughout the season, including Dance Festival for a Cause and Cathedral Dance Festival. YPG admittance is by audition only for dancers ages 8-18. Please check out the YPG page for more information and how to audition.

No. MPA does not attend any competitions. Students who wish to attend competitions such as YAGP may schedule private lessons with MPA instructors in order to prepare on their own time.

Visit our Descriptions and Levels page to best determine your child's placement. Current students will receive evaluations, customized recommendations, and placements before the next school year registration. If you are unsure or have any questions, please reach out to us at office@mpadance.com. We can also schedule a placement class to help determine your child's level.

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For summer enrollment, current students are to register based on their current level during the current School Year Session. Students will register in their new placement level beginning in the next School Year Session.

Yes! We offer a free trial class per genre for new dancers. Not only will this allow your child to try dance, but helps us determine their correct level placement. Look at our Dress Code to know what to wear. After the trial class, we will then discuss with you on the next step of registering for classes. Note: We only offer trial classes during School Year Session and Summer Session.

Create or manage your account online with MPA's Akada DanceWorks Parent Portal, which can also be found in the top menu labeled 'Danceworks Login'. The Parent Portal is used to register for classes, update contact information, pay tuition, and more. We recommend using this online registration for class selection and for the easiest registration process, but we are also happy to assist you in person or over the phone. In order to finalize your registration, you must have a valid card on file and you must agree to MPA's Studio Policies. Once you submit your registration, MPA office staff will process registrations in the order in which they are received. We ensure that dancers are enrolling in their appropriate level, and that all requirements are met (e.g. Pre-Professional program and YPG). Once classes are approved by MPA office staff, you will receive two emails: a class confirmation and statement. We will automatically run your card on file only if no payment has been received by the specified tuition deadline date.

The Pre-Professional Division challenges the dedicated advanced level student both technically and artistically. This division requires each student to be enrolled in ballet at least 2 times per week, modern and jazz at MPA in the Pre-Professional level classes. Pre-Professional Level 7 dancers must be enrolled in 3 ballet classes per week. Pre-Pointe and Pointe classes are only available to dancers in the Pre-Professional Division. This division’s requirements are designed for dedicated dance students and will prepare these dancers for the potential next step in their training, either in a college program or in a professional setting. 

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Students in this division are placed in their level by instructor recommendations only. While ages and grades are considered, we also look at each dancer's technique, ability, focus, work ethic, and leadership skills. We individually place each student in their correct level that best suits them that will equally challenge them and set them up for success. While there is no specific age or level that must be achieved to begin the Pre-Professional program, we begin looking at dancers between the ages of 8 and 11.

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Are you or your child interested in joining this program? Please message the School Director for more information.

Yes, absolutely! The school year at MPA begins in September and ends in late May/early June. MPA classes are structured on a full year syllabus, making it extremely important for students (and parents) to commit to enrollment for an entire school year. However, we understand that interest and scheduling changes happen and you want to sign up for dance when you can! We keep our enrollment open until February 1st. Dancers that join later will be prorated for tuition starting from their first day of class.

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If you join in between late November and February, you will also need to determine if you would like to participate in the Spring Concert of Dance. Dancers are measured for costumes mid-fall and we order costumes in late fall/early winter. Dancers start to learn their dance routines when they return from Winter Break in the new year. If you would like to participate in the Spring Concert of Dance, you will need to fill out a Participation Form and hand in costumes fees (including late fees) when you sign up. Participation also determines if costumes are available for your dancer when signing up late.

Yes! The Student Assistant Program has a dually beneficial foundation. The student gets training in how to work with children and how to teach the art and technique of dance. The teacher is able to be more hands on with the students as the assistant is in front demonstrating exercises. The assistant can guide the students to the restrooms, first aid kit, hair kit, tie shoes, throw away gum, (and anything else you can imagine) so the teacher can remain in charge of the class. If the teacher is busy, the assistant can spot and help a dancer who is struggling. The assistants may also experience the gratification of being a role model to young dancers.

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Requirements:

• Student assistants must be 11 years old.

• Student assistants must be enrolled in a minimum of four dance classes at MPA.

• Commitment to the whole school year is required (2 excused absences allowed.)

• The student assistant must exemplify the highest standards of technique and class etiquette.

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If you are interested in assisting or would like more information, please email the School Director.

Yes! We sell a variety of leotards, tights, and other apparel at the studio, including pink ballet shoes (both in leather and stretch canvas), black jazz shoes, MPA required hip hop shoes, and black tap shoes (up to a woman's size 8). Tan jazz shoes can be ordered by request only. We also sell other items such a PBT Thera Bands, nude leotards, and more. Be on the look out for our Sidewalk Sale during the first week of September for new designs and deals!

Please be sure to check and read other pages for your answer before reaching out. If you don't see the answer you need, please reach out to either office@mpadance.com or the School Director and we will gladly help answer any questions you may have.