Our teaching approach and curricula engage the imagination and nurture the journey of creative exploration. Our students gain a strong technical foundation in dance as well as the confidence and self-discipline essential to learning the art of dance.
Live music is an essential component to classes for young children (through first grade) to develop the students’ musicality and to allow for spontaneity and creative freedom.
Our state-of-the-art facility is located in downtown Homewood and includes five studios, each with two-way glass observation areas. Our spring performances for dancers enrolled in our September to May 3 year old classes and older are held each May at the Alabama Theatre and are free for family and friends to attend.
2024-2025 Season (Sept-May) classes are closed for registration. Short-term classes (Moving Together, Hip Hop for 2nd-5th grade, and Adult classes) are open for registration. Summer registration will open Feb. 3rd.
An overview of our class and summer camp offerings are below. To register, create an account in our student portal and select the class(es) you want. A registration fee of $50 per family will be charged for the school-year session (no registration fee for summer classes/camps), and the first month tuition will be due before the first class. Summer classes are paid in full at the time of registration.
1 – 2 years Moving Together
For one and two year olds and their favorite grown up. Share movement and music activities designed to nurture your toddler’s physical and mental developmental growth. Class is offered in short-term sessions of six weeks each and is led by a creative team of dancer and musician. Students must be the class age by the start of the session.
2 – 4 years
Movement-To-Music
Our unique curriculum for young children offers an imaginative environment to move and explore dance concepts appropriate for each developmental stage. Classes are accompanied by live piano music. Students must meet the class age by September 1, 2024.
Age 5-10 Adaptive Learning, Movement-To-Music (Short-Term)
Movement to Music classes specially designed for the student who needs a little more support in a smaller class. Class provides a creative environment for having fun, improving gross motor skills, building strength and coordination, and working together with friends providing adaptations as needed for each student. This class is a great option for students who have Autism, Down Syndrome, or other circumstances where they would benefit from a more flexible class while having fun with music and movement.
K – 2nd grades Young
Dancer Program
The Young Dancer Program is designed to build creativity and dance fundamentals such as proper posture and alignment. Basic Ballet vocabulary and Modern dance concepts are introduced using imagery to enliven technical understanding. With each year of training, students build upon dance and rhythmic skills. Starting at the Kindergarten level, students have the option to enroll in Tap.
3rd-12th grades Dance
Artist Program
(DAP)
In the Dance Artist Program, strong technique and artistry are achieved through focused and committed study over the students’ 3rd through 12th grade years. Classes are offered in Ballet, Pointe, Modern Dance, Tap, Musical Theatre, Jazz Dance, Hip Hop, Dance Improvisation. The program is designed to foster physical, cognitive, social, and creative aspects of learning. Each student is assigned a level placement for each dance genre. New students are welcome and should contact the Program Director for level placement.
Age 9-15 Adaptive Learning
Dance Artist Program
Explore the foundations of both ballet and modern dance in a safe and positive environment. Classes is taught with attention to the unique needs of each student participating. Modifications to movement and choreography are provided. Learning happens at the pace of the group so that each student feels challenge, accomplishment, and joy in dancing. Students should be able to follow along in a group setting with a moderate level of independence. The school-year class session includes participation in the Dance Artist Program recital in May at the Alabama Theatre.
Age 18+ Adult Classes
Classes are offered in short-term sessions of six weeks each and may include Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop and Modern. Choose the level class that is a best fit for you.
Summer Camps entering 4K through 12th grade
Half-day camps are offered in June and July and include: Once Upon a Fairytale for 4K and 5K, Once Upon a Ballet for 1st-3rd grade, Adventures in Enchanted Lands for 1st-3rd grade, Dance Exploration for 3rd-6th grade and Dance Workshop for 6th-12th grade.
Class Attire
We strive for every student to feel welcome and included in our classes. If the attire recommendations below pose a challenge for your dancer, please contact the program director to discuss alternatives.
Hair should be secured neatly and tightly away from the face and off of the neck (bun, braid(s), ponytail(s)).
Your dancer may pick the class attire option described below for their age group that best fits their identity.
Dancers may wear traditional pink ballet tights and pink ballet shoes or tights and ballet shoes that match their flesh tone. Tights and shoes should match (all pink or all flesh tone) to provide the best appearance of the dancer’s leg line.
Moving Together (toddlers) & Movement To Music, Adaptive Learning
Students are encouraged to wear clothing that does not impede movement (play clothes and athletic wear make good choices). Class is taken barefoot. Participants may not wear street shoes in the studio (contact Program Director if this presents an obstacle for your dancer). You are welcome to have your child wear a leotard and ballet shoes if you would like, but it is not required. Participating adults in the Moving Together class should also wear athletic or comfortable clothes and bare feet. (or sock feet).
Movement To Music, Ages 2-4
Girls’ Attire:
Leotard: any color/style leotard, skirt optional
Tights: pink or flesh-tone tights (light or dark brown).Tights should be convertible or footed.
Shoes: ballet shoes that match the color of the tights (pink or flesh tone).
Boys’ Attire:
Shirt: solid color t-shirt
Pants: black knit shorts or pants,
Shoes: black ballet shoes
Satellite Classes (off site classes) Attire:
Dance Foundation t-shirt ($15), bike shorts, leggings, or knit pants they can move in, and ballet shoes (pink for girls and black for boys). Shirts can be purchased here.
Young Dancer Program(YDP), Kindergarten-2nd Grade
Hair:
Hair should be secured neatly and tightly away from the face and off of the neck for all classes (bun, braid(s), ponytail(s)). If possible for the individual’s hair, a bun is preferred for ballet classes. The goal is to have the hair off the neckline in a style that does not move around.
Girls’ Attire:
Leotard: color based on grade level, see below. Skirts optional for ballet and tap, no skirts allowed in modern.
Kindergarten: any color/style leotard
1st Grade: lavender leotard
2nd Grade: light blue leotard
Tights: convertible tights in pink or flesh tone (light or dark brown). Black leggings allowed for modern
Shoes: Ballet shoes – match the color of tights (pink or flesh tone), Tap shoes – black, Modern is taken barefoot
Boys’ Attire:
T-Shirt: solid color t-shirt, K/1st – any color, 2nd grade – light blue
Pants: black knit shorts or pants.
Shoes: Black ballet shoes, black tap shoes, bare feet for modern.
Hip Hop, 2nd grade and older
Express yourself in any age-appropriate style (ie. leggings or pants and t-shirt) and flat bottom CLEAN sneakers that you do NOT wear outside. Pants that cover the knees or knee pads are recommended. Dancers also need full coverage of their back. If the dancer has another dance class right before/after, bring something that can be pulled over their leotard.
Dance Artist Program, 3rd grade and up
A dancer’s attire greatly determines their attitude toward class work. Therefore, we require the standard of appropriate neatness be observed at all times.
Hair should be secured neatly and tightly away from the face and off of the neck for all classes (bun, braid(s), ponytail(s)). If possible for the individual’s hair, a bun is preferred for ballet classes. The goal is to have the hair off the neckline to create an elegant line in a style that does not move around.
- Correct shoes are required for each class. All shoes worn in the dance studio may NOT be worn outside.
- No jewelry, except small earrings, is preferred.
- Bras are permitted for additional support if needed; bra straps should not show.
- Ballet skirts, fitted ballet sweaters, and fitted dance shorts are optional over leotards.
- Baggy outerwear is not to be worn in class.
- For male dancers, supportive undergarments (briefs or a dance belt) should be worn under tights, leggings, and dance pants.
Female dancers – solid black leotard with – see below…
Male dancers – solid black fitted shirt with – see below…
Ballet:
Convertible tights (pink or flesh tone) with matching canvas or leather split-sole ballet shoes. Tights and shoes must match (all pink or all flesh tone). Male dancers should wear black dance pants and black ballet shoes. Pre-pointe and pointe shoes will be selected for students in the Preparation for Pointe and Pointe classes, only as the dancer’s physical capabilities develop.
Modern:
Convertible/footless tights in pink or flesh tone or black leggings; bare feet. No skirts.
Tap:
Convertible tights in pink or flesh tone (light or dark brown) or black dance pants, black bike shorts, or black leggings. Black tap shoes (oxford, lace-up style, preferred). No-show socks are optional.
Jazz & Musical Theatre:
Convertible tights in pink or flesh tone (light or dark brown) or black dance pants, black bike shorts, or black leggings; tan split-sole jazz shoes for girls; black split-sole jazz shoes for boys.
Hip Hop:
See above
Ballet/Modern, Adaptive Learning:
Female dancers should wear a solid black leotard; convertible or footless tights in pink or flesh tone (light or dark brown) or black leggings. Male dancers should wear solid black shirt; black dance pants. Dancers should have ballet shoes that match the color of their tights. Dancers may be asked to wear ballet shoes or be barefoot.
If these attire recommendations pose a challenge for your dancer, please contact the program director to discuss alternatives. Hair should be secured neatly and tightly away from the face and off of the neck (bun, braid(s), ponytail(s)).
*Students in Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre may wear any color leotard.
Student Calendar
- Sept 1 – First month tuition due for 24-25 season
- Sept 3 – First day of 2024-2025 Season classes
- Sept 9 – Student Ensemble auditions
- Sept 3-Oct 14 – Session #1 short-term classes
- Oct – Grandparent Month
- Oct 4 – Bargain Costume Closet KICK OFF SALE
- Oct 4-19 – Bargain Costume Closet open during regular business hours
- Oct 21-Dec 6 – Session #2 short-term classes
- Oct 26-31 – Dancers may wear a costume to class
- Nov 1 – Deadline to decline participation in spring performance; First half of the recital performance fee due
- Nov 15 – First half of spring performance fee AUTO-DRAFTED from account card on file
- Nov 15-16 – The Dance Foundation presents FREEFORM
- Nov 25-Dec 1 – Thanksgiving Break / no classes
- Dec 23-Jan 5 – Winter Break / no classes
- Jan 6-Feb 14 – Session #3 short-term classes
- Jan 24-26 – Alabama Dance Festival
- Jan 27 – Student Ensemble auditions
- Feb 15 – Second half of spring performance fee AUTO-DRAFTED from account card on file
- Feb 17-April 4 – Session #4 short-term classes
- Mar TBA – Photo Call (dancer portraits during classes)
- Mar 24-Mar 30 – Spring Break / no classes
- April 7-May 16 – Session #5 short-term classes
- April 25 – 3rd-12th grade studio rehearsal
- May 1 – 3rd-12th grade tech rehearsal
- May 3 – 3rd-12th grade dress rehearsal
- May 3 – 3rd-12th grade classes spring performances
- May 3-4 – 3 year old through 2nd grade classes spring performances
- May 5-10 – 2 and 2 1/2 year old spring performances
- May 5-10 – Last week of 2024-2025 Season classes
Spring Performance
DanceStudio nurtures thinking dancers in developing dance technique and the creativity, confidence, and commitment needed to thrive in dance and life. Our program offers creative, student-centered curriculums for all ages and abilities to encourage a lifelong connection with dance.
2 year old classes
Fee: $80
2 and 2 1/2 year old class showings: May 5th-10th (the last week of classes)
3yrs-2nd grade classes
Fee: $190
K/1st Tap additional fee: $70
2nd grade additional class fee: $ 95
Performance Dates: May 3 & 4, 2025
3rd-12th grade classes (Dance Artist Program)
Fee: Each student pays a performance fee of $210 plus $90 per additional class the student has beyond the first (excluding Ballet “2nd and 3rd classes,” Pointe/Prep, and Repertory classes).
Rehearsal and Performance dates:
Friday, April 25, 2025 – evening studio rehearsal at The Dance Foundation
Thursday, May 1, 2025 – evening technical/dress rehearsal at The Alabama Theatre
Saturday, May 3, 2025 – morning dress rehearsal at The Alabama Theatre
Saturday, May 3, 2025 – evening performance at The Alabama Theatre
DAP Class Attendance: Your dancer will have the most enjoyable recital experience overall if they are as prepared as possible. Therefore, consistent attendance in class is required in order to learn classwork and recital choreography with classmates and be confident on stage. We emphasize that absences from class should be limited to illness and emergency only.
Please visit the student portal on iclasspro for your child’s recital letter, issued in September 2024, that includes dates, fees and details: Student Portal. You must be logged into your account to see the recital details.
Tuition/Policies
The 12 class discount continues for 12 or more classes.
The application window for tuition assistance has closed for the 24-25 season. Tuition assistance applications for summer 2025 programs will open in February 2025.
Registration Fee, $50 (Anniversary Fee)
To enroll in class for the September – May season, students will be charged one annual, non-refundable registration fee per family. No registration fee is charged for enrollment in summer classes or camps.
Tuition Payments
Tuition payments for September – May classes are due on the 1st of the month. First tuition payment is due by September 1 and the last of the 9 installments is due May 1. Payments received will be applied to the oldest outstanding fees. A $10 late fee will be assessed on the 11th of each month to all accounts with an outstanding balance.
Summer tuition is due in full at the time of registration and will be charged to the card on file within 24 hours.
Accounts with any outstanding balance must be paid in full to register for additional classes or a new season. Students with any unpaid fees may not participate in The Dance Foundation productions, including the spring performance.
Tuition is not prorated or refunded if the student(s) does not attend class.
The registrant is liable for any and all fees and costs associated with collecting any past due balance including attorney fees and court costs.
Tuition Assistance
Performance Fees
Spring performance fees cover costumes and production costs. Two equal payments will be charged on November 1 and February 1. Fees vary depending on the program and number of costumes; details will be given prior to each due date. If the registrant chooses not to have the student(s) participate in the spring performances, the registrant must notify The Dance Foundation office by October 28 or the non-refundable first half of the fee will be assessed and collected on November 1.
Communications
Upon supplying your email address to The Dance Foundation, you agree to receive communications via email which include program details and general marketing. Please note that The Dance Foundation will never make your information available to third parties. The Dance Foundation uses email as our primary method of communication. It is your responsibility to keep your email address updated in the Parent Portal. IF YOU OPT OUT OF EMAIL BLASTS, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE IMPORTANT CLASS INFORMATION INCLUDING RECITAL DETAILS. If you opted out of receiving email communications during your registration process, you may go to your account to opt back in. At least one email address per family should opt in for email blasts to receive important information.
By supplying your cell phone number to The Dance Foundation, you agree to receive text notifications periodically for closings, delays and other timely information. WE DO NOT TEXT MARKETING OR PROMOTIONS.
If you choose to opt out of our emails or texts, you will no longer receive important communications from The Dance Foundation. It is highly recommended that at least one phone number and one email address per family has opted in to text messages and email blasts. Additional email addresses may be added to an account for payment or informational purposes. At least one phone number per family should opt in for email blasts to receive important information.
Waitlist
Students on a waitlist will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis.
Drop Procedure
Registrant must notify The Dance Foundation in writing at least 30 days in advance in order to drop a student from class. Without notification, the fee obligation continues, whether or not the student attends class.
Summer – Should your plans change after registering, 50% of the summer tuition is refundable prior to the first day of summer classes upon written notification of The Dance Foundation office. No refunds or credits will be provided on or after the date of the first class.
Should a student miss four consecutive weeks of classes without notifying the office, The Dance Foundation reserves the right to remove that student from class. The registrant is liable for all accrued unpaid tuition and fees prior to their removal from class. The student may re-enroll if space permits and the account is current.
Tuition Discounts
Tuition discounts are provided for multiple September – May classes taken within one family. See the tuition grid on our website for a breakdown of fees and discounts for school year classes. There are no discounts available for summer classes or camps.
Tuition may be paid in one annual payment (receiving a 5% discount) or in 9 equal installments, September through May, regardless of number of classes per month. It is a requirement to have a debit or credit card on file to be enrolled in classes and the card on file will be charged for any unpaid tuition and fees on the 1st of each month of the 9-month season.
Cancellation and Makeup Class Policy
The Dance Foundation may cancel classes and events without any fee reduction or refund due to circumstances beyond its control including weather delays and closings, facility issues (power outages, etc.) as well as community health mandates.
Tuition is not prorated for missed classes and make up classes will not be possible.
Pick Up
Students must be picked up within 5 minutes of the end of class – please call with extenuating circumstances. Repetitive late pick up may impact participation.
Participation
The Dance Foundation expects each student to have the ability to safely participate within an age-appropriate group setting. We reserve the right to ask a student to leave class if they are disruptive or cannot participate in an acceptable manner.
Student class placement is at the discretion of The Dance Foundation program staff. Program staff will also review class placement and revise accordingly as the year progresses.
The Dance Foundation strives to include students of all abilities in our studio classes, but may not have the necessary staff or resources for each circumstance. The Dance Foundation reserves the right to dis-enroll a student if appropriate staffing and support are not possible for the student needing additional assistance. Accommodations will be explored with program staff on a student-by-student basis. If a student has any challenges which may be of concern, parents or guardians are encouraged to share information about their student with program staff when enrolling for class.
The Dance Foundation has the discretion to cancel a class and accommodate students in other classes to the best of The Dance Foundation’s ability. Students who cannot be enrolled in an alternate class and choose to withdraw their registration before participation will have any prepaid fees refunded.
Student Privacy
Privacy is highly valued at The Dance Foundation. We do not share, trade or sell student information.
Anti-Discrimination Policy
The Dance Foundation values diversity for our employees, volunteers, participants, supporters and collaborators irrespective of differences, and strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. We promote the inclusion of all races, colors, abilities, religion, national or ethnic origins, genders, labels of identity, and members of protected classes in our programs, activities, and offerings generally accorded or made available to all participants. The Dance Foundation does not discriminate on any basis, and abides by federal laws of non-discrimination in the administration of its educational and admission policies, tuition assistance programs, and other school-administered programs.
Attire
Details can be found on our website. Please visit our dancewear shop online or in person to purchase class attire; proceeds support The Dance Foundation’s Tuition Assistance Program for students in need.
Account Owner
A parent or legal guardian must be the account owner and accept Dance Foundation policies when registering students. Other adults may be added to the account for communication purposes (grandparents, nannies, etc) but the main account owner must be a legal guardian.
Billing Policies
I represent and warrant that if I am purchasing something or paying for a service from this facility or from other merchants through this facility that (i) any credit card or bank account draft (ACH Draft) information I supply is true and complete, (ii) charges incurred by me will be honored by my credit card company or financial institution, and (iii) I will pay the charges incurred by me at the posted prices, including any applicable taxes, fees, and penalties.
I hereby authorize (if online payment is made or autopay information is provided) this facility to charge my ACH draft, or credit card account. I understand that a 30 day written notice is required to terminate billing and I am responsible for payment whether or not my student attends classes until I notify this facility in writing to drop my student from class(es).
Should I dispute a charge through my financial institution this will constitute a breach of contract possibly resulting in, but not limited to, penalties, additional fees, collection, legal action, and/or termination of any and/or all current and future services.
Medical Waiver
Medical Release with Participation Policies
And Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of Liability
As legal guardian of my designated student(s), I hereby consent to their participation and hereby voluntarily agree to release The Dance Foundation and their affiliated entities from any and all liability, claims, demands, and causes of action for personal injury or loss suffered by the registrant or the registrant’s enrolled student in connection with participation in The Dance Foundation programs.
I, as legal guardian of my designated student(s), do hereby authorize the staff at Children’s Dance Foundation d/b/a The Dance Foundation (TDF) to secure any and all medical treatment for my child(ren), in the event that I cannot be contacted. I further authorize any attending physician to render any and all medical care, which he/she may deem necessary. In addition, I authorize The Dance Foundation or their authorized adult to transport my child(ren) for medical attention if I cannot be reached. I also understand that TDF staff will not administer any medications other than allergy-related intervention in an emergency situation if detailed in the medical information provided.
I, as legal guardian of my designated student(s), understand that my child(ren) must be fever-free without a fever-reducing medication for 24 hours prior to attending or returning to class, camp, or program. TDF will contact the parent, guardian, or designated responsible party if signs of illness are detected during any program and will notify the parent, guardian or designated responsible party to pick up the child(ren) immediately.
I voluntarily and expressly release, hold harmless, and forever discharge TDF and its affiliated entities, employees, agents, and representatives from any and all liability, claims, demands and causes of action for personal injury or loss suffered by my child(ren) in connection with participation in TDF programs.
I understand that TDF expects my child(ren) to have the ability to participate within an age-appropriate group setting. TDF reserves the right to ask a participating child(ren) to leave the class, camp, or program if he/she is disruptive or cannot participate in an acceptable manner. I also understand that any health information provided will be shared with appropriate staff. Should TDF not be able to accommodate my child(ren) with appropriate staffing and support due to a health condition or special need, TDF reserves the right to refuse to enroll my child(ren) or have my child(ren) leave the program for the demonstrated inability to participate in the registered group setting.
I voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to my child(ren), myself or designated accompanying adult/person including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, death, illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I or my child(ren) may experience or incur in connection with my child(ren)’s and my attendance at The Dance Foundation program(s) or facility. On my behalf, and on behalf of my child(ren) and any person accompanying my child(ren) on the premises, I hereby expressly release, hold harmless, and forever discharge The Dance Foundation, its employees, agents, and representatives, of and from all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to our use of any program or facility of The Dance Foundation, and covenant not to sue The Dance Foundation, its employees, agents, and representatives for the same. I understand and agree that this release and covenant not to sue includes any claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of The Dance Foundation, its employees, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in or attendance at any program or facility of The Dance Foundation.
I understand that this Agreement is intended to be construed as broadly and inclusively as is permitted by the law of the State of Alabama, and if any portion hereof is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full legal force and effect.
Student Photo Waiver
I consent to The Dance Foundation to take photos and videos of my student(s) for its own purposes.
** Rejection of this waiver does not apply to recitals and performances. Recitals and performances are considered public events. By choosing to participate in these events you are consenting to photographs, videos, and livestreams of the event that may or may not include your child and The Dance Foundation’s use of content. You may opt out of participation in these events.