What are the Term dates for 2012?
Unless stated otherwise, our 2011 classes start:
How much are the classes?
Kinderballet Classes (which are: "Tots", "Kiddies" & "Mixed"): Only $16.00* per class! Classes charged on a termly basis – so it is a termly commitment. All fees are paid in advance.
"Preppies": Only $17.00* per class! Classes charged on a termly basis – so it is a termly commitment. All fees are paid in advance.
"Mummy & Me ": Only $13.00* per class! Classes charged on a termly basis – so it is a termly commitment. You can start with a 'Trial-pack' - please see our "Mummy & Me" page for more details.
(*Unless you course is held in a 'Premium Venue' fees are as follows, see below)
We also cover all of our students with Accident Insurance, click here for more details. All enrolled students will be charged $6 per term (those trialling do not have to pay). More details further down this page.
What is a Premium Venues and why is there an extra expense?
Some of our classes are held in what we call 'Premium Venues' (for example 'The Stables' in Richmond), these classes attract an extra surcharge (per class) on top or regular fees.
We only do this as a last resort to cover extraordinarily high hall hire costs, when the choice is between charging a little extra and not being able to run the class at all.
When deciding whether to attend a class in a 'Premium Venue', please compare paying an extra 50cents to driving an extra 20 minutes.
What ages?
For the "Mummy & Me " program - generally ages 2-3 years, they don't need to be toilet trained. This class duration is 30 minutes - please see our "Mummy & Me" page for more details.
For the "Kinderballet" ("Tots", "Kiddies" & "Mixed") program - Pre-school going age - generally ages 3-5 years. Children from as young as 2½ years old may be admitted (although this is more often than not too young). If a young child is able to take instruction and can seperate from their primary care giver for the duration of a class (45min), then they are welcome to come along and have a trial.
"Preppies" classes are for 5-6 year-olds.
What is the duration of the classes?
"Kinderballet" (ages 3-5: "Tots", "Kiddies" & "Mixed") classes are ¾ hour in duration, "Mummy & Me" (2 year-olds) classes go for half an hour and "Preppies" classes (ages 5-6) go for one full hour.
Taking into account that the teacher takes the roll at beginning of the lesson & hands out stickers at end of class, which is all factored into that time frame. The class is structured in a way that the activities are quite varied & also doing the more static activities in the first half of the lesson, leaving the more creative & musical activities for the 2nd half, when the children’s attention can tend to wane.
What do the classes entail?
The classes are made up of a warm-up & some stretching, followed by a loose introduction to basic Classical Ballet steps, creative movement, musical interpretation & appreciation & stimulating imagination. It’s all set within the context of a particular theme which varies from 1 term to another.
Tell me more about the Trial Class?
THE TRIAL IS NOT A "FREE-TRIAL" CLASS - if you decide to enrol then the trial class is included in your term fees.
If you are interested in Kinderballet but unsure how your child will respond to the classes then book-in for a Trial lesson - this is an excellent opportunity to see what we're about before you commit!
You must book in for a trial class in advance. This can be done by email, phone or using the 'Click to Trial' feature on this website.
"Mummy & Me" trials work a little differently - please see our "Mummy & Me" page for more details.
What does my child wear to the trial class?
Girls- fairy dress, fairy skirt, or favorite dress-up. Be prepared to take off shoes & socks
Boys- shorts/trackie pants & t-shirt or a favorite dress-up. Be prepared to take off shoes & socks
My child is very shy & mightn’t want to participate...
It is expected that most children will be quite clingy on their initial arrival. Each child may respond quite differently. We try to accommodate each individual, by allowing them to do what they feel comfortable doing. They are welcome to come along & watch, or perhaps participate when they feel more at ease. The teacher will take it off them. It is NB that the parent stays with them.
How do we get charged if we start mid term?
You only get charged for the number of classes remaining in the term - including the trial class.
For more information see the Fees page
Do they do an end of year performance?
No, we hold a special "Presentation Day" in the last class of Term 4 for all Kinderballet and Mummy & Me students. The event takes place in the regular class venue, at the regular class time. There are no ticket sales, instead each child is able to invite a certain number of people to attend. The children will perform a dance (in a costume that we will supply) and be presented with a special prize at the end of the class. All costs associated with Presentation Day are charged with Term 4 fees. Participation is optional, in which case you do not have to pay the the 'Presentation Day' fee and you will finish the term one week earlier.
Are parents permitted to watch the classes?
("Kinderballet" Only)
Usually No - the exceptions are:
1. During The Trial Lesson - a parent/gardian MUST be present. NO Videoing is permitted.
2. The final class of the term is called 'Open Day', where Mums, Dads, Nannas... are invited to come in and see what their child has learnt. Videoing and Photography IS permitted.
3. The final class of the year is called 'Presentation Day', like the 'Open Days' except the children perform a dance they have learned in class, there is a small charge to cover extras like a costume and an end of year prize!
4. By SPECIAL dispensation - usually if the child is having trouble adapting to the class or if the child has a serious medical condition.
5. If a particular venue does not have an appropriate waiting area (in terms of student safety).
What if we miss a lesson?
In most cases, students may be able to make up the missed lesson at another location during of the week of the missed class or the week immediatly after. This must be organised through Kinderballet prior to the make up lesson.
Also, there must be availability in the make up class - so contact us as early as possible to avoid dissapointment.
Please note that we do not refund fees, give credit or reduce fees for missed classes if you are unable to do a make-up session.
Are the classes repetitive?
Yes, the children follow the same set class for a term allowing them to become accustomed to a routine of set movements and giving them an opportunity to try and improve on the steps they are learning.
While the classes are themed it is important to note that Kinderballet is not a pure source of entertainment for children, but does set out to introduce children to particluar dance skills which is the basis of classical ballet.
What is the 'Accident Insurance'?
We cover all of our students (and 'Mum' in the case of Mummy & Me classes) with Accident Insurance, click here for more details.
All enrolled students will be charged $6 per term (those trialling do not have to pay). If you have more than one child enrolled with us then you will only be charged the Accident Insurance once.
Are fees refundable?
No, we do not refund fees once they are paid, unless we can no longer offer the course, in which case you will receive a refund of classes that you will miss due to the course cancellation. It is our hope that the trial will help you decide if your child is suited to Kinderballet. If you still have concerns then please let us know - we are always happy to work with parents.
If we miss some classes, can we have a credit towards the next term?
No, but we do offer you the opportunity to do a make-up class so you won't miss out!
Is there a discount if we have more than one child in the family attending?
Yes, we offer a 'family discount' if there is more than one child (in the immediate family) doing classes with us. The discount is 10% off the 'lesser' fees. Please note that the family discount is only applicable if the fees are paid on time.
Also, we only charge accident insurance fees once per family.
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