FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some answers to frequently asked questions that we receive about classes at Imagination Stage. Many questions can also be answered by reading Imagination Stage’s Registration Policies.

1. I've registered online but have not received a confirmation? Is my child actually registered? answer>
2. What does it mean if a class is FULL or CLOSED? Is there a waiting list available? answer>
3. How will my child find his/her teacher & classroom on the first day of class? answer>
4. How long does the semester last? answer>
5. Can siblings take the same class? answer>
6. Is there a snack time during class? answer>
7. Can guests or family watch class? answer>
8. Are make-up classes available? answer>
9. How do I know if my child's class has been cancelled due to weather or other unforseen circumstances? answer>
10. What is appropriate dance class attire? answer>

1.  I've registered online but have not received a confirmation? Is my child actually registered?

Most likely, Yes! When you click submit, we promptly receive your registration. Due to high volumes of registration submissions it can take up to 6 business days to process your registration. If you provided a valid email address, you should receive an email confirming receipt of your registration within those 6 business days. If you have not received an email confirmation, please check your credit card transactions. If your credit card has been processed then your child is registered and there’s no need to you to contact us for confirmation. From there, we will only contact you if there's a problem with your registration. If you received an error message while trying to register, please try to submit your registration one more time and if you receive the message again please print the registration form and mail or fax it to us with a note saying that you received an error message. If you have any other questions about registration please contact the registration managers at registration@imaginationstage.org

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2. What does it mean if a class is FULL or CLOSED? Is there a waiting list available?

Is the class you are interested in marked FULL? Go ahead and register and clearly write "Waiting List" in the special notes box. Your credit card will not be charged until a space becomes available and the registration manager contacts you. If a class has been CLOSED, there is no waiting list space available.

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3.  How will my child find his/her teacher & classroom on the first day of class?

You will want to walk your child in on the first day of class so please park your car and feed the meter for at least one half hour. On the first day, all students and parents should enter the building at 4908 Auburn Avenue where the receptionist will direct you to the cafe. This is where your child's teacher will meet the class and show you to the classroom. There will be a short introduction by the teacher and another education team member where you will receive important information regarding goals, expectations, holidays, class sharings and more. All teachers will also have a letter for ever student on the first day.

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4.  How long does the semester last?

Early childhood classes last 8 weeks. Film and Private Voice classes last 12 weeks. All other classes meet 14 (workshops and master classes run for specific dates). Teachers will pass out a class holiday and observation schedule in the 1st or 2nd week letter so that you know in advance when class will not meet.

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5.  Can siblings take the same class?

If both siblings are within the class age bracket, then yes, they may take the same class. However, please consider the best interests of your children. Many siblings benefit from time away from their sibling where others thrive from their siblings support. For Just Imagine Classes where a parent/caregiver attends the class with the child, a parent/caregiver must be present for each child. For families with children in different age brackets or are unable to have a 1:1 ratio of child to parent/caregiver should consider Just Imagine Family Fun or Family Dance. These are classes are provided to accommodate growing families.

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6.  Is there a snack time during class?

Generally, no. Most classes do not have enough time to take a snack break. Please make sure that your child has been to the bathroom and has had a nutritious snack before class starts so that they will have plenty of energy--but please no candy before class or else they may have too much energy! Classes that last more than one hour may have a brief bathroom and water break halfway through. Students in dance classes should bring a bottle of water to make sure they stay properly hydrated through class.

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7.  Can guests or family watch class?

During regular class time, no. Classes are closed to ensure that the students' focus is on the teacher and in turn the teachers' on the students at all times. In the fall semester there is one observation day halfway though the semester and a class sharing on the last day. During these times family and friends are encouraged to come observe class. In the spring semester there is one observation day halfway through the semester and a performance in the STUDENTS ON STAGE FESTIVAL. Your child's teacher will give you these dates in the 1st or 2nd week letter.

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8.  Are make-up classes available?

No make-up classes are available for students who miss class due to sickness, vacation or other circumstances. The class semester is structured on regular attendance and many classes with scene work rely on all students being present at every class. Absences are strongly discouraged except in the cases of sickness or family emergencies.

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9.  How do I know if my child's class has been cancelled due to weather or other unforseen circumstances?

To get the most up to date information on class cancellation due to weather or other unforseen circumstances please call 301-961-6060 and press 6. There will be a recording to let you know if classes are running as scheduled or if there have been any cancellations.

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10.  What is appropriate dance class attire?

It depends on the class. Below is general information in regards to the genre of the class however you are welcome to wait till the first day and speak to the teacher about specifics.

ALL DANCE STUDENTS: All dance students should wear comfortable clothing that will allow them to move without restricting their movement. Street shoes are never allowed in the dance studios. Students and parents alike should remove their street shoes before entering dance studios so that they do not inadvertently track dirt or oil onto the dance floors--this can also happen if students wear their dance shoes outside so please, do it like the pros and carry your dance shoes with you to class and change in the hall or dance studio! Need to buy dance clothing or shoes? Visit Artistic Dance Fashions just two blocks away at 4915 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-652-2323. Low priced ballet and tap shoes can also be found at many online dance supply stores as well as Payless Shoe stores.

MOVEMENT CLASSES: (Drama & Movement, Monster MOVEntures, Creative Movement, etc) Students do not need to wear any specific dance shoes, if they have them, bring them along the first day and your teacher will let you know if they can be worn. Most likely they will be fine to dance barefoot or in socks. Students should wear comfortable, stretchy clothing. It is important that they have full range of motion of all limbs as well as their head and the core of their body. Girls should not wear skirts unless they are also wearing shorts or a leotard.

BALLET: All students should have ballet shoes with elastics sewn. For girls, tights and leotard are preferred however students may wear tight fitting sweatpants, sweaters, leggings or legwarmers at the discretion of the teacher. Boys should wear a t-shirt and sweat or jazz pants.

JAZZ: Jazz students should wear jazz shoes. Middle and high school students may wear jazz sneakers. All students should wear comfortable stretchy clothing that is not too baggy.

TAP: Tap students should have tap shoes and should wear comfortable stretchy clothing. For Just Imagine Tap Together it is acceptable for students to wear hard soled shoes however remember the fun of tap is making the sound!

DANCE GYMNASTICS: Girls should wear a leotard and may wear leggings, tights or other tight fit, stretchy clothing. Boys should wear a t-shirt and sweatpants. No shoes are required.

HIP HOP/URBAN FUNK/STEP: Students may wear any clothing that they can comfortably move in. Students should wear jazz sneakers or clean street sneakers. Outside "street" sneakers should be dedicated for the semester to dance class and not worn outside so that they stay clean and in turn keep the dance floor clean. Remember, students will be warming up, stretching, rolling and moving on the floor so we want to keep it clean!

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