Academy of Dance FAQ

How can I register for a class?

You may register and pay for classes on our website or by calling 903-510-2483.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held in the Ornelas Health & Physical Education Center

When do your classes start?

All Dance classes begin in the fall and progress through the spring session. You should not register for a higher level in the spring session.

Which class should I register for?

For beginner and lower-level classes, new students should enroll according to the age requirements specified in the class descriptions. New students with previous training and any student with questions regarding proper class placement should call Carolyn Hanna at 903-510-2483 or email chan3@tjc.edu for information and director's approval before enrolling.

Are their class size limits?

There are minimum, and maximum enrollment quotas for each class. Enrollments are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Enroll early to guarantee entry, as classes will be closed when enrollment quotas are met. Late enrollments after the session begins will be accepted on a space-available basis only.

If a class does not meet the minimum enrollment quota, the class will be canceled. You will have the option to transfer into another dance class or receive an 80% refund.

How can I get a parking permit and/or OHPE ID?

Parking permits for classes located in the Ornelas Health and Physical Education Building and Fine Arts Building are mailed out when registrations are received.

The OHPE Building requires a green ID admittance card for dance classes offered there. These will be given out during the first week of classes to students whose names appear on our class roster. If you have not yet enrolled, you will not receive a new ID card, and will not be allowed to enter OHPE.

Are there makeups for missed classes?

Missed classes may be made up in a comparable or lower-level class at any time; ask your instructor which class to attend. Make-up classes cannot be "rolled over" into a future semester. Making up missed classes is optional. There are no refunds for missed classes, regardless of the circumstances.

Do you offer refunds or enrollment transfers upon non-attendance?

Students who discontinue attendance to classes enrolled may not transfer their enrollment to another student, and will not be given a refund.

What if a class is canceled due to instructor absence or inclement weather?

If a class is canceled due to instructor illness/absence or threatening weather, it shall be at the instructor's discretion to schedule an extra makeup class, or to have students attend another class already in session.

Can I substitute a class for another?

Students may not substitute optional classes for required classes, nor substitute classes from another level without the approval of the instructor/director.

Do you offer any discounts?

Students who enroll in three classes will receive a $50 discount.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is the same for Pre-Ballet through Adults:

• Hair: All students with long hair must wear it in a bun, tightly secured with no stray hairs. For short hair, secure with barrettes/pins off the face. Boys may use a one-piece bandana to tie short hair back.
• Girls/Women:
  • Ballet:
    • Plain leotards, colored according to level, without sequins, flowers, prints on them. Style is the choice of the student, but when in doubt, ask your instructor before purchasing. See dress code graphic for color specifications.
    • Footed or convertible pink tights, either with or without the seam down the back.
    • Pink ballet slippers
    • Pointe shoes for Ballet 3 and Ballet 4 when approved by the director
  • Modern & Jazz:
    • Black leotard, black tights, jazz pants or shorts, hair pulled away from the face, and jazz shoes.
  • Just Dance:
    • Comfortable clothing, jazz shoes, clean sneakers (that have not been worn outside), hair pulled away from the face. Optional: ballet slippers.
  • Differently Abled Dance: 
    • Comfortable clothing, clean shoes, hair pulled away from the face. Optional: leotard, pink tights, ballet slippers.
• Boys/Men:
  • Form-fitting exercise pants, biker shorts, or black men's tights (heavy weight).
  • White T-shirt, form-fitting
  • Dance belt, an undergarment similar to a jockstrap, for safety. (mandatory)
  • Men's ballet shoes
  • T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and legwarmers are not allowed in ballet technique or pointe classes.

Do you suggest buying from certain dance attire distributors?

• Discount Dance