Frequently Asked Questions
A. All of our teachers are very carefully screened and chosen not just on dance technique and teaching ability but, as importantly, on spiritual maturity and Christian character. We look for teachers who will be good role models for our students and are encouraging. We also ask our teachers to pray for their students, love them, never pick favorites, and look for ways to bring out the very best in each student, both technically and spiritually. Many of our ballet teachers are college graduates with BFA degrees in dance. The rest of our teachers have degrees in dance, currently dance in professional companies, or have extensive training and proficiency in ballet and dance technique.
Q. Does LOFD do competitions?
A. No. We are a competitive dance studio, with our primary focus in ballet, but we don’t attend dance competitions. We train our dancers to be able to pursue professional careers in dance, focusing on proper technique. Some of our dancers have been placed at the top levels of ballet intensives and dance companies.
Q. Can a student still perform if they miss a class?
A. Yes, students are allowed 3 weeks of absences per semester. However, they will not be allowed to perform if they have more than 3 weeks of absences. Exceptions may be made with a doctor’s written excuse and scheduled private lessons to catch up with the class.
Q. Does my student need to have every piece of the classroom attire before the first class?
A. No, but all students will be required to adhere to dress code by the 3rd class of the semester.
Q. Does LOFD do student evaluations?
A. Yes, all ballet class students are evaluated annually by instructors. Class levels for all non-ballet classes are determined at the end of each year by a teacher meeting with the various instructors.
Q. How long will a student stay at the same level?
A. Most students remain at the same level 2-3 years (some more and some less). Students will be introduced to new material EVERY YEAR, even if they’ve been in the same level for many years. Dance class levels are not like school levels, where you go from 1st grade to 2nd grade the next year, to 3rd grade the next year, etc. For instance: Ballet has 5 levels. If your student is in level 3, it means, compared to the entire student body at LOFD, they are in the middle. At a less advanced studio, they may be in a higher level, but still working on the same exact steps. At a more advanced studio, they may be in a lower level, but again still working on the same dance moves.
Q. Do you offer classes in the summer?
A. Yes. We have special camps, classes, and rates for summer so families can still go on vacation, take mission trips, or just take a week off. Check out our Summer Camps, Mini-Camps, Intensives & More page for more information.
Q. Can I leave my children at the studio when they’re not in class?
A. If your child is in multiple classes on a given day and has a break in between 2 classes, they may quietly study or eat in the kitchen. Otherwise, no children are allowed to stay at the studio without a parent or guardian.
Q. Will I be able to go inside the studio to watch my children take class?
A. In order to keep the occupancy down, parents are asked to leave and then return before the end of class. In 3 of the 5 studios, we have observation windows where parents can see inside but the students cannot see out. Parents are not allowed inside the studios, except on “class observation days”, which are held once a semester. At that time, the dancer’s immediate family will be invited in to watch the class.
Q. May students use the piano to practice if they’re not in another class?
A. Piano use is reserved for our piano students and for special worship music during our prayer ministry times.
Q. When is the latest date that you will take new students?
A. Students are encouraged to enroll for classes each August for the school year. However, we will accept new students as space is available.
Q. What if we’re running late for class or get stuck in traffic? Can we still participate in class that day?
A. Students should try to be at the studio 10 minutes prior to class to ensure they are ready for class when it begins. If a student is 15 minutes late, they will be asked to sit out for that class, regardless of the reason. This is for YOUR safety. Students need to be properly warmed up and instructed in proper technique, which is usually done at the beginning of class.
Q. Should we come to class if we’re sick or have an injury?
A. It depends. If the student has run a fever within the last 24 hours or may be contagious, please don’t come to the studio. Otherwise, students should attend and watch class if they feel up to it, especially as we get close to a performance. Some classes are available for students to watch on webcast if they cannot attend in person.
Q. How is communication handled at the studio?
A. The majority of communication is through email, so please check yours frequently. If you have a question or concern, you may email the studio at info@leapoffaitharts.com, or call us at 817-846-4909.
Q. What hours is the studio office open?
A. The office is usually open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 7:30. These hours may vary depending on the season. The studio hours will be posted on the door and updated frequently on the voicemail message. We will do our best to return calls within the next business day.
Q. How will we know if classes are cancelled due to inclement weather?
A. LOFD will generally close if the AISD schools and/or UTA close. An email will be sent to all families if classes need to be cancelled. If in doubt, check your email. These cancelled classes will be rescheduled within the next few weeks.
Q. Do you have classes for both recreational dancers (those students who just want to take dance for exercise and fun) and the serious dance student, who would like to pursue a professional career in dance?
A. Yes, all our entry level classes (level 1 and adult classes) are for both the recreational dancer and the beginning student wanting to pursue a more serious path in dance. Once a student progresses to the level 2 classes, technique gets more challenging. Ballet class is recommended for any student desiring to excel in dance. Since ballet is the basis for all other styles of dance, our most advanced dancers take the most ballet. The more classes a student takes, the more quickly they advance, because there are many cross-over skills that help in other styles of dance.
Q. Does a student enrolled in ballet have to take twice a week?
A. If they want to excel – yes! However, for those dancers simply wanting an introduction into the world of ballet or want to supplement their regular ballet class, we do offer once-a-week options through our Adult Ballet and Ballet 1 level classes.
Q. Does Leap of Faith offer private dance lessons?
A. Yes! Check out our Private Lessons page for more info.
Q. How do I pay for tuition and various fees?
A. All fees may be paid online thru the parent portal or charged to the card on file. If you wish to pay via cash, please bring your payment to the office during studio hours.