FAQs

• What kinds of classes do you offer?
• When do you offer classes?
• How do I register for classes?
• How much do classes cost?
• Can I enroll after the semester has begun?
• Can my child watch a class before enrolling?
• What classes do you offer for adults?
• How do I know which class is right?
• Does the School have a dress code?
• Where can I find dancewear?
• Are parents allowed to watch class?
• When will my child move up to the next level?
• Do you offer performance opportunities?
• Do I have to pay for performance costumes and do I get to keep them?

What kinds of classes do you offer?
Students at Hyde Park School of Dance have the opportunity to take a wide array of dance classes, from creative movement to advanced pointe work, as well as modern, jazz and hip hop. Classes are available for both children and adults and range from beginner to pre-professional. See our classes page for more detailed information.

When do you offer classes?
HPSD offers two 16-week sessions during the school year as well as a summer program. The school year program begins with Session I in mid-September and runs through mid-January. Session II begins at the end of January and finishes in May. During the summer we offer 8 weeks of regular instruction for all ages, and an Intensive Program for advanced students. The schedule of classes for each term is listed on our website, posted on the studio bulletin boards, and distributed to students prior to each semester.

How do I register for classes?
Students register for classes by completing the Registration Form and submitting it to the School along with payment. The form is available on our website, at each of our studios, and by mail.

How much do classes cost?
HPSD offers an excellent dance curriculum at reasonable prices. Payment plans and multi-student discounts are available, and adults have the option to use class cards (see our tuition page). In addition, the School offers a generous Scholarship Program. Tuition must be paid in full or payment plans implemented by the second week of classes. All payments must be made by check, cash or money order.

Can I enroll after the semester has begun?
Yes, HPSD offers open enrollment. However, during the Spring semester we generally do not accept new students after week five.

Can my child watch a class before enrolling?
If this is your child’s first experience with dance classes, you might want to consider signing up for a trial class before committing to a full semester registration. During the trial class your child may either watch or participate so that you and the instructor can determine their readiness for class. The cost of trial classes is not refundable, but may be applied towards tuition.

What classes do you offer for adult students?
HPSD offers a variety of classes for adults and students over the age of 18 (see our class schedule). The School encourages regular attendance, but recognizes that other commitments can conflict with the scheduled class times. Accordingly, adults may pay for most classes through the purchase of a multi-class card.

How do I know which class is the right one?
Age range provides a general guideline for initial placement. New students should be evaluated by the Artistic Director or an instructor to determine their class placement if they are older than 10 or transferring from another dance school.

Does the School have a dress code?
Students are expected to be neatly dressed in accordance with the dress code specific to their particular class. Hair must be neat and fixed securely off the face without fancy bows or barrettes. Girls must wear a ballet bun if hair length permits.

Where can I find dancewear?
There are several stores in the Chicago area that sell dancewear. In addition, HPSD maintains a Shoe Exchange box at Studio 1 for wearable shoes that have been outgrown.

Are parents allowed to watch class?
Parents are allowed to observe class twice each semester: during the first week of classes and during Family Visiting week, which takes place during the middle of the semester. See our calendar for specific dates.

When will my child move up to the next level?
Hyde Park School of Dance cares about each student’s progress. Whether a young dancer is dancing recreationally or is interested in a career in dance, it is very important that they attend classes at their particular level. This reduces the risk of injury or frustration. In general, students must spend a minimum of one year (two 16-week semesters) at one level before progressing to a higher level. In Ballet Levels III and up students spend at least two years, and often three years, at one level before moving up. Promotion to a higher level is not automatic; it is determined by the instructor in consultation with the Artistic Director. Student evaluations are conducted at the end of each Spring semester and recommendations are made at that time for the level placement in the Fall term.

Do you offer performance opportunities?
HPSD offers a year-round schedule of performances. The Spring Concert, held each May, provides an opportunity for every student in the School to perform. There is no charge to participate in this performance.

HPSD also offers its students the opportunity to participate in frequent public performances. These include yearly appearances at the 57th Street Children’s Book Fair, and with the University of Chicago Symphony, as well as the annual presentation of The Nutcracker. Members of the Tyego Next Generation youth company participate in additional productions.

Do I have to pay for performance costumes and do I get to keep them?
HPSD has an extensive collection of custom-made costumes. These are provided for all dancers who perform in School productions and remain the property of the School.

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