Though our dance emphasis is ballet, we also offer a variety of additional classes including various styles such as: beginner to advanced tap, all-ages lyrical, and beginner to advanced jazz, (hip-hop, acro) and pointe.
Our dance classes are roughly grouped by suggested age, however, this is only a guideline. At Grace, we customize training to every individual dancer. We know that each student progresses uniquely according to their natural gifting and the effort they apply in class, so we keep classes small and work with you to find the best placement.
We focus on the heart of the dancer.
Our Core Classes (Ballet/Worship-based) are named after gemstones to remind each student that they are valuable and a treasure to God, their family, their community, and us. No class or student is more special or more important than any other!
At the same time, we also seek to teach high-quality ballet in a safe environment that encourages students to work hard and progress naturally by levels. Over the past ten years, we have developed a detailed technical curriculum that emphasizes excellence, while maintaining an encouraging, non-competitive atmosphere.
Grace students often learn and rehearse with people of multiple ages and skill levels, and everyone is cheered on for the progress they make, by the teachers and more importantly - their fellow students. We live up to our name - being gracious and honoring to all as God's unique creations.
Ballet Dress Code
Great care has been put into forming a Dress Code that is both modest and safe for ballet class. Classical ballet requires discipline. One of the key areas of discipline each dancer must learn is how to dress for class. This is a life skill that will help students be ready for leadership, ministry positions, sports, and the workplace.
Girls: hair must be up in a tidy bun or ponytail, with no hair hanging into the eyes. No dangling jewelry will be allowed in class for safety reasons.
Each dancer must wear properly fitted leather or canvas ballet shoes (ballet pink for girls, black for boys) to every class. Dancers who arrive without proper shoes will be asked to sit out and observe, and will only be allowed to participate in parts of class where it is safe to work without shoes. No loose fitting/baggy shoes, shoes that are too long at the toe, or shoes with hanging drawstrings will be allowed. Our Core Class teachers will be happy to help you find an affordable shoe that fits well.
Young Ladies: Leotards must be properly fitted and modestly cut. Modest tank, short or long-sleeved leotards are allowed. No cami straps, no open backs, or bra straps showing. Older girls: please make sure no cleavage is showing in any position. Our dance program is very physical - - we are on the floor for conditioning and may even be upside-down. Check yourself in a mirror.
Ballet skirts must be worn over tights for a modest, elegant appearance. No frills, bright or neon colors, or fluffy tutus will be allowed. (Don't worry - we have party days for those!)
Tights must be of dance store quality and not baggy on the foot or ankles. We are able to provide great tights for just a few dollars, so please don't hesitate to ask for a new pair. Girls studying pointe will need transition tights.
Every dancer should have a dance bag to keep their things together.
Always bring a water bottle!
Diamonds (ages 3-5)
Girls: Ballet pink leotard, white or ballet pink skirt, white or ballet pink tights. Boys: Black or white shorts with Grace tee, or a solid black or white fitted shirt.
Emeralds (ages 6+)
Girls: Ballet pink leotard, green, black or ballet pink skirt, white or ballet pink tights. Boys: Black or white shorts with Grace tee, or a solid black or green fitted shirt.
Rubies (ages 8+)
Girls: Black leotard, ruby red or black ballet skirt, white or ballet pink tights. Boys: Black shorts with Grace tee, or a solid black or red fitted shirt.
Amethysts (9+ as approved)
Girls: Black leotard, purple/light purple or black ballet skirt, white or ballet pink tights. Boys: Black shorts with Grace tee, or a solid black or purple fitted shirt.
Sapphires (12+ as approved)
Girls: Black leotard, blue, light blue or black ballet skirt, white, black or ballet pink tights.* Boys: Black shorts with Grace tee, or a solid black or royal blue fitted shirt.
*For girls: if an extra layer is desired for modesty, black spandex or bike shorts may be worn underneath ballet skirts, and a black form-fitting tank top may be worn over your leotard. Delicate floral prints or watercolor ballet skirts are also allowed for Company Ballet; ask your teacher to approve.
All Other Dance Classes:
Attire for Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Acro/Hip-Hop is as follows: - hair up and out of your face - proper, well-fitted dance shoes (no socks, street shoes or house slippers are allowed) - Girls: modest leotard*, dance tights or leggings) with dance skirt or athletic shorts. (*a black, short sleeve leotard is recommended, as we often need black for performances).
For these programs basic dancewear is acceptable in a variety of formats, as long as they are modest, clean and neat, free from wording, slogans or images, (other than Grace T’s) and acceptable to the teacher.
REMEMBER: we have new and previously owned dancewear, including shoes, available for very reasonable prices, within our dance studio. Our staff are trained to fit shoes and all dancewear properly, and we are here to help. Every purchase made in house benefits both GWA and you!
Proper, well-fitted dance shoes (no socks, street shoes or house slippers are allowed)
Hair must be neatly secured up and out of the dancers face.
For Girls: A simple black leotard*, (dance tights are optional but preferred) paired with shorts, nicely fitted capris or leggings, trim-fitting joggers, a dance skirt, etc. (*a black, short sleeve leotard is recommended, as we often need black for performances).
For Boys: black or white fitted t-shirt, with blacks shorts or joggers.
** We have many pictures and videos online! Consult these first to get a better idea of what our students wear to class.
Registration Fees are non-refundable. Tuition for unused classes may be refunded in some circumstances, should things not work out for your family. You may submit a request with your reason for withdrawal to our board by emailing us at [email protected]