About Home | Locations | Faculty | FAQ Q: What is the age range of dancers at the Isabelle School of Dance? A: While the majority of our students are elementary and high school students, we truly do have dancers of all ages and skill levels at our studio, with classes specially suited for each age. Our youngest dancers can begin as early as 2-1/2 years of age (they should be 3 by December of the dance year). These children need to be potty trained, and they need to be comfortable with being away from their mother for the duration of the class. Our adult dancers include a number of ISD alumni, and also many older dancers, including first-time dancers and lots of parents of student dancers.

Q: What can I expect my three-year-old to learn? A: They will work on locomotor skills, pre-ballet, tap basics, creative movement and social interaction. Sometimes young children may enjoy the rhythms of music at home, but it takes time for some of them to be ready for organized group activity. At this age it varies a lot from child to child when they are ready. In class, the teacher will encourage them to join in and have fun and help them become a part of the class.

Q: How do I know if my child is progressing well in class? A: In our waiting rooms, we have observation windows so that you may watch their class whenever you wish. As far as your child's advancement - the individual teacher is the one who can best judge that in relation to the rest of the class. If you have concerns, we recommend that you schedule a time to meet with the teacher.

Q: I don't know anything about dance, except that I'm not a dancer. Will this have a negative impact on my child's ability to grasp dance concepts and develop dance skills? A: Well, you can take adult classes and have fun at home with your child, but if you choose not to, just encourage your child to show you at home what they are working on. Don't force a regimented practice schedule on them at an early age. It is supposed to be fun.

Q: Where do I find dance shoes for my child? A: There are many dance supply stores located in the Capital Region. Target and Wal*Mart supply leotards and tights for our younger girls. Tap and ballet shoes may be found at Payless Shoes (near Target or in Crossgates) and Wal*Mart also carries some shoe styles. To see what is required of your child for class, please see our Dress Code page. When purchasing ballet slippers - please make sure you are purchasing dance shoes, not slippers meant to look like ballet shoes. Ballet slippers should be made of leather or cotton and will have a leather sole with functioning ties. If your child is hard to fit or are is a member of our Competition Team, we will personally recommend the best place to find the proper shoe. As always, call the studio if you have questions before purchasing shoes and dancewear.

Q: Do boys dance? A: Boys and girls alike can benefit from better coordination. Many coaches have even noticed the difference of students who dance and play sports. Although there are too few male dancers, the ones who come to our studio are here because they love it. Several of them are among our top award-winning performers. Many popular singing groups have dance training. Dance training is valuable for coordination, rhythm, and confidence.

Q: Do you have a dance "team" that takes part in competitions? A: Yes, we have a performing Competition Team. Participation in the ISD Competition Team occurs by audition, with the teaching faculty determining annually those students who exhibit the dedication, attitude and proficiency to represent the studio in public performances and competitions. In addition to attending several classes per week, Team members perform in shows and exhibitions around Capital District. They also regularly attend dance workshops and competitions throughout the region, having traveled in recent years to Massachusetts, Syracuse and surrounding areas. In 2004, our Team participated in a National Competition held in Las Vegas, NV.

Q: When do classes begin? A: All our classes mirror the school year and run September through May (we open Saturday, September 8, 2007) with a recital early in June. While we do accept students later in the year, it is to the student's benefit to start at the beginning of the session. Of course students with some dance experience will naturally adapt faster to joining a class part way through the year (When in doubt, please stop by or call us.) We also offer a separate Summer Workshop and Dance Camps during June and July.

Q: How do I register? A: Simply call us at 518-477-2441!