Classes & Progression

Preparing for Your First Class


Welcome to Dance AS! A little preparation will help your dancer feel comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy their first class.


  • Review the dress code and arrive in the required class attire and shoes.
  • Secure hair away from the face according to the Dance AS Hair Guide.
  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early to use the restroom, change shoes, store belongings, and become familiar with the studio.
  • Bring a labeled water bottle and any required dance shoes.
  • Label personal belongings, including shoes, clothing, dance bags, and water bottles.
  • Share important information about injuries, allergies, medical needs, or accommodations with the instructor before class.
  • Encourage your dancer to participate, listen, and try. It is normal to feel excited or nervous when beginning something new.


For younger dancers, a calm and confident goodbye helps support a successful transition into class. Our instructors will guide your dancer and help them feel welcomed, supported, and ready to move.


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Dance Bag Essentials


A well-prepared dance bag helps dancers arrive ready and take responsibility for their belongings. Please include:



  • Required dance shoes for each class
  • A labeled, closed water bottle
  • Extra hair ties, pins, clips, and a small brush or comb
  • A light cover-up to wear before and after class
  • Spare tights or other classwear, when needed
  • Any instructor-approved personal or medical items


Please label shoes, clothing, water bottles, and dance bags with the dancer’s name. Food, gum, valuables, and unnecessary electronics should remain at home.


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Student Progression Through Levels


Dance AS levels are designed to support each dancer’s development through thoughtful, age-appropriate training. Placement and advancement are based on the whole dancer—not age or the number of years enrolled alone.

Instructors consider:


  • Technical skill, strength, coordination, and body awareness
  • Understanding and consistent application of foundational concepts
  • Focus, maturity, independence, and classroom participation
  • Attendance, effort, and readiness for increased challenges


Dancers may remain in a level for more than one season as they build confidence and fully develop the skills needed for the next stage. This is a normal and important part of dance training.

Faculty regularly observe each dancer’s progress and recommend advancement when the dancer is prepared to succeed safely and confidently at the next level. Families with questions about placement are encouraged to contact Dance AS for a private conversation.


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Hair Guide

Hair should be neat, secure, and kept fully away from the dancer’s face so they can move safely and instructors can clearly see their alignment.


  • Ballet: Hair should be secured in a classical bun.
  • Contemporary, Jazz, Tap & Hip Hop: Hair should be pulled back and secured away from the face.
  • Short Hair: Use clips, pins, or a headband to keep hair controlled.
  • Braids, Locs & Protective Styles: Secure hair so it does not fall into the face or interfere with movement.
  • Accessories: Use simple, secure hair accessories.


Performance-specific hairstyles will be communicated before each event.


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