Q: Can there really be top-quality dance instruction being
given in a small town?
A: Yes, definitely. Deborah Messinger-May,
owner, is a former ballerina w/San Francisco Ballet Company. Please read the
bio’s of our other instructors. We have highly qualified, professional
staffs that enjoy teaching in an area with such “small town charm” and
beauty!
Q: Since you offer hip-hop dancing, what type of music is
played? Is the music or the moves objectionable for kids & teens?
A: The music for hip-hop is the rap style that’s
so popular now, BUT IT’S ALWAYS THE EDITED VERSIONS. No bad words allowed. Even
if a song is played on the radio sometimes we still won’t use it! The
moves also are always “age-appropriate”.
Q: When am I allowed to watch my child’s lesson?
A: Anytime & All the time! Our parents observe
classes thru viewing windows in our parent lounge area. Most dance studios only
allow the parents to watch once a month or so, & then they generally have
to sit in the classroom with the students. We feel this causes quite a
distraction to that days’ lesson.
Q: Is there a family discount plan?
A: Yes, of course. See Polices section.
Q: Do you offer classes year round?
A: Definitely. We have a school year term Sept thru
June, a summer term of 7-8 weeks in July & part of Aug.
Q: Do we offer recitals & competitions for students to
perform in?
A: We put on
a holiday performance in Dec. and our big show is toward the end of June.
Throughout the year, there are competitions. We usually have students who elect
to compete in those 2-3 times per year. In the summer, we have several
performances at such places as: Clark Co. Fair, Oaks Park etc. etc. NONE OF
THESE ARE REQUIRED.
Q: What else sets Deborah Messinger's Dance Schools apart
from other dance schools in the Portland/Vancouver area?:
A:
*Atmosphere is family-oriented, warm,
loving, & fun for the “just walking” through adults - boys & girls.
*We offer children’s combination classes such as
“Ballet/Tap/Tumbling” for our young ones and many “back-to-back classes” for
our older students so that they can get a sampling of several forms of dance.
*We offer classes for
beginners through professionals as well as private
instruction.
*Our classes are designed for students who come to us for fun,
exercise and recreation as well as for the serious dancer.
Q: Why are Deborah Messinger Dance Schools’ classes a bit
more expensive than some dance classes in the area or more than a “Park &
Rec. Dept” type class?:
A:
*First, our teachers are highly qualified people who don’t just
teach dance as a hobby. They have spent many years learning their craft
& they constantly continue to study with professionals from NY & LA –
the 2 dance centers of the US – in order to keep up on all the most current
trends in dance & dance teaching.
* Most importantly they do their job in a loving,
positive way to make every student feel special. Expertise in training your
child in a safe, healthy activity is well worth a couple of extra $ per month.
