FAQ

How do we differ from other dance schools?

Not all dance studios are created equal!  We have some distinct differences from many other privately owned and operated dance schools.  All dance instructors and the owner of our school are college certified in their field, be it dance, voice, or musical theater.  Most of the other private dance studios in this area are owned, run by, or employ instructors who never studied dance or performing arts at the college level.

We believe in limited class sizes.  Our classes for ages 3-6 are limited to 8 students per class, with all other age groups limited to 12 per class.  When is it okay to cram upwards of 30 students in a class?  We think never…if you expect each student to recieve the individual attention he or she deserves and is paying for!

Although at the professional level competition for employment is a fact of life, contrary to popular opinion, it is not conducive to an artist’s chances of reaching her full potential to foster a competitive attitude, to compare oneself to others, or to worry what others might think.  Therefore, our classes are noncompetitive and we do not take our students to “dance competitions,” which are more about doing “tricks” than sound dance technique.  (More about this on the Why Siri’s page.)

We lead the way in our class offerings, being the first in the area to offer HipHop, Musical Theatre, and Zumba.  We also offer popular fitness classes like Yoga, Pilates, and BodyBlitz.

Can I sit in on my child’s class?

We understand the desire of parents to observe what their children are doing in class.  We have class observation day once during the fall term.  Otherwise, nobody is permitted in the studio to watch class.  We find that the students are easily distracted by observers.  When too many authority figures are present, the children’s focus is distracted looking for Mom and Dad’s approval, or students act out seeking a reaction or attention.  We encourage parents of younger children to wait in our waiting room so that if they are needed they are close by.

What do they do in Combo class?

Combo is the basic introduction to dance incorporating ballet, tap, and acro.  Students work on sequencing skills, remembering how to go from one step to another, and basic coordination skills, including all the skills they need to go into any of the other styles of dance when they are older.  They also work on a routine to perform in our year end recital.

What do they do in Yoga?

(Yoga is currently on hold due to an illness in the instructor’s family, we will update all relevant pages here when classes resume.)

Yoga classes are currently structured for beginner to intermediate students and are ongoing.  Anybody can drop in and take a class anytime.  The instruction in this class is directly influenced by the method of B.K.S. Iyengar, which emphasizes proper alignment, balance, and technique.  We practice all the standing asanas (poses), seated and supine asanas and twists, along with some inversions for intermediate students, and a series of relaxing and recuperative asanas.   Yoga classes are for adults (16 years and older) who are in good physical condition.  Those with any special medical conditions, injuries, or other questions should call Dan at 412-512-5525 before coming to class.

Normally, classes run for an hour and a half and are $10.00, or 6 for $50.00, but currently we have an hour long class on Friday mornings at 9:30 am for $6.00, or take both Yoga at 9:30 am and Body Blitz at 10:30-11:30 am for $10.00.  Wear comfortable non-binding clothing, do not eat immediately before class (an empty stomach is best), and please do not wear any strong scented perfumes.

What do they do in Musical Theatre class?

From September until December, students work on dialogue and one song from each of three or four different musicals.  There is movement or basic dance incorporated with the musical numbers.  Then, in January we choose one of the musicals which is best suited for that class and learn two additional songs from that musical, giving three numbers all together.  The dialogue and musical numbers are combined to create a mini musical which is then performed in the year end recital.  My experience has shown this class to be a very popular one.

What is Hip Hop?

Hip Hop is a street influenced style of dance.  It is what you might see in the music videos of artists like Janet and Michael Jackson, Will Smith, Britney Spears, etc.

What is Jazz?

As opposed to Hip Hop, Jazz is a more classical style.  It uses more upper body movement and the moves are more graceful.  You see the Jazz style in some of the funkier Broadway shows like “Saturday Night Fever” or “Fosse”.

What is Acro?

Acrobatic dancing is the artistic use of movements and tricks. Acrobatics emphasize strength, flexibility, balance, and control, while developing body awareness and placement, inner rhythm & self-confidence. Basic tricks include handstands, back bends, splits, and walkovers.

What is Zumba?

Zumba is a latin style dance exercise that requires no previous dance experience, will help you lose weight and stay in good cardiovascular condition, and its really fun! Come join the party!