Amelia's Ballerinas
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
We have 3 locations:
Hoon Hay - Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, 5 Downing Street
Halswell - Te Hapua Halswell Library, 341 Halswell Road
Rolleston - Rolleston Community Centre, 94 Rolleston Drive
What is the cost? How do you charge?
The cost is per term, which is 9 weeks long, running alongside the school term dates. We keep the fees as low as possible so that our classes are accessible for everyone in the community. Included in our Term fee are costumes at recital time, mock exams fees and medals (Seniors), birthday surprises, and end of Term parties!
2022 Fees: Per term
Baby Ballet = $90
Junior Ballet = $90
Primary Ballet = $90
Senior Ballet = $95
Sibling discount available
What age can I start my child?
The most common question asked is "Is my child old enough to do ballet?"
In general, we recommend 2.5 years as a great age to start Baby Ballet.
Most of our Baby Ballerinas start between their 2 and 3 years. Individual temperament, confidence, physical development and ability to concentrate are all so different at age. It also depends on your expectations as a parent: at 2, most dancers have their parent help them with the majority of the lesson. By 2.5, they are more ready to give it a go themselves and by 3, they are joining in with little help from you. Between 3.5 and 4 years, they are ready to start in our Juniors class independently.
If your child is younger than 2.5 but super keen, we encourage you to come along for a trial class and give it a go! We have had many Baby Ballerinas succesfully start around or just before their 2nd birthday. It really depends on your child!
Our Baby Ballerinas do need support from you as they settle into class. Think of it as being your child's 'dance partner' until she is ready to join in without you. She might need you to sit with her for the warm up, hold her hand, or just being there for a cuddle. Before you know it, they will be off dancing around the room without you!
What should my child wear?
We do not have a set uniform that you must buy. Any dance or ballet outfit is suitable. We offer an inexpensive range of dancewear available through our classes including:
* Short sleeve Ballet dress * Long sleeve Ballet dress
*Ballet Cardigans. * Ballet Shoes and Tights
Also, Farmers stock a small range of dance wear size 3 to 7 years. For specialised clothes and a larger range, head to PW Dancewear in Sydenham.
Do I need to buy shoes?
Ballet shoes are not necessary to begin with, particularly in our younger classes. Socks or bare feet are OK- NOTE no hard soled shoes as these restrict movement and make it hard to see feet being used correctly.
Most children do want ballet slippers as it makes them feel like a real ballerina! We have shoe options available to be fitted in class. Ballet slippers are most comfortable for your child worn with tights or socks.
(Generally Ballet shoes are required to be in our recitals, held July and December each year)
* Canvas Slippers: (Right pic) $17
Available to be purchased and fitted in class. (Please message to book first as it can take 5 to 10 mins per fitting) Canvas is a great beginners option as they are inexpensive, sturdy, and available in many sizes to fit 'just right'.
* Leather Slippers: (Left pic) $30 -40
Available from PW Dance Wear, in The Colombo, Sydenham. A more expensive option but they do last a long time. Variety of sizes in length and width, make sure you take your child with you to have a fitting in store.
Can parents stay and watch?
Yes, you can! Our youngest dancers in our Baby Ballet classes often do better if they have a loved one with them. Think of it a being your child's 'Dance Partner'. As they get closer to their third birthday, they will be dancing more independently.
With our older children's classes, you are still welcome to stay and watch. Please respect our dancing space- noise to a minimum and if siblings are getting too bored or grizzly, please take them out until they are feeling better.
My child loves to dance but is very shy/anxious. Are you able to help?
Baby Ballerina having a cuddle with Miss Amelia before going on stage, Dec 2018
Yes! This is our specialty :-) We have had countless children thrive with us who were cripplingly shy at the start, and have blossomed into confident dancers during their time with us. It is so rewarding to be a part of this journey with them!
Each child has their own pace and we work with them, building trust, using with patience, love, and gentle encouragement, taking it at their pace. Together, we celebrate each little achievement and Ballet becomes their safe, happy place!
Please don't be frustrated if your child doesn't join in straight away. You would be surprised with how much they take in just by watching! They then go home and talk about what a wonderful time they had, and show off what they learned to their families!
My child is very active/spirited. Would this group be suitable?
Our ballet group is a lot more relaxed than traditional ballet classes. We understand it is unrealistic to expect young children to stand in a line quietly or be ordered about for half an hour. The best way that children learn is when they are feeling safe and HAVING FUN! We make sure our lessons are well structured and balanced, perfectly tailored for little minds and bodies. High energy, there is plenty of time to move around the room burning off energy and engaging exercises help your child to listen and learn lots.
Can boys join in?
Of course! Ballet is for everyone; young, old, boys, girls, anyone who has a love of dance. There are many famous male ballet dancers and they have to be super strong to do all those big jumps. While the majority of our students are girl, we often have a few boys as well and they have a great time.
Is there a wait list?
Our classes are extremely popular at all our venues. We recommend getting in touch ASAP if you are keen for your child to join us.
If the class you are after is currently full, we can put your child on the wait list for any cancellations during the current Term, or spaces that become available in the following Term.
We know it can be hard to wait and we will endeavour to get you into a class as soon as we can.
Isn't ballet very strict/intense/disciplined? I am wanting something more fun for my child...
Traditional ballet training is very strict with the focus on discipline, technique, and the quest for perfection. This is not recommended before age 8 and even then, this approach doesn't suit all children. We intend to instill a love of dance in the children who come to us in a fun, encouraging, supportive environment. Your child doesn't have to attend multiple classes and there is no pressure to be 'perfect'- just to be the best version of their own special selves!
What about body image?
At Amelia's Ballerinas one of our core values is being BODY POSITIVE and instilling this into our dancers. We do not encourage our dancers to be lose weight or try to be thin, in the name of dance. There is not an ideal body shape we strive for. Rather, we encourage our dancers to strive to be strong and kind in body and mind, and to be the best ballerina they can be!
Do you do Birthday Parties, Private Lessons, or Preschool Visits?
"A huge thank you to Amelia for coming in and doing a ballet class with our kindy children. This was very popular and so was Amelia. We even had the boys joining in. The children were very engaged, building their confidence, learning some new moves, doing something that they love, and expressing themselves." - SBC Preschool, 2016
It sounds great! But I'm not sure if my child will like it...can we come and have a look?
Yes, you sure can! Press "Join Now" to arrange your free trial class and come and see the fun we have :-)
(Please note, trial weeks can depend on the current class numbers for Health and Safety reasons)
Yes, they are so much fun! Please get in touch to see if we can help you with your Party or if your Preschool would like us to visit. We have also done Private lessons with children to prepare for a talent show, some extra help for class, or just for fun.
