Frequently Asked Questions
We know that dance life comes with a lot of excitement — and a lot of questions! Whether you’re a brand new dance parent or a returning family looking for clarity, we’ve created this FAQ to give you answers to our most commonly asked questions. From registration to recital, we’ve got you covered. And of course, if you don’t see your question here, we’re just a message away!
Enrollment is easy and can be done directly through our Dance Studio Pro Online Portal, which is linked throughout our website (Class Descriptions, Class Schedule, top menu, etc.). The portal will guide you through the process step-by-step, allowing you to select the classes that together, we have determined are the best fit for your child.
We’ve also made it easy to find important information like tuition, fees, and payment schedules directly on our website, so you can make an informed decision about which classes to enroll in. All payments are processed through the portal, and we ask that families set up their own account for easier access to invoices, class schedules, notifications, and payment information.
If you run into any issues or have questions while enrolling, we’re here to help! Just reach out, and we can walk you through the process or assist with any technical difficulties.
We want to make sure each student is placed in the level that will best support their growth and enjoyment of dance.
- For new students: We highly encourage you to reach out to us before enrolling. This gives us a chance to chat with you about your child’s previous dance experience, so we can help determine the right level for them. Our goal is to make sure they feel challenged but also confident and comfortable in class.
- For returning students: We recommend checking in with us before the new season begins. We’ll discuss your child’s progress and make sure they’re placed in the right level based on their skills, growth, and readiness for the next challenge.
- For competition team members: If your child is part of our competition team, their level will be included in their team packet. This will outline any specific training expectations and requirements for the upcoming season.
We’re always happy to help with level placement and will work closely with you to ensure your child has a rewarding experience that suits their abilities. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions about levels or class recommendations!
For detailed information on the required attire and footwear for each class, please refer to the Class Descriptions page on our website. We’ve listed exactly what your child needs, including hair requirements for classes. If you’re ever unsure about what to get or want to know what other kids are wearing in their class to make sure your child feels comfortable, don’t hesitate to ask us! We’re happy to guide you. We also recommend labeling all items (especially shoes!) to avoid mix-ups. While we periodically empty our lost-and-found, and cannot guarantee lost items will be found, it is much easier to return lost items to dancers when they’re labeled!
It’s important for every dancer to come prepared for class with the appropriate attire and footwear. Teachers expect students to have the right gear (like ballet shoes for ballet, or tap shoes for tap) to ensure they can fully participate in the lesson. Sometimes, if a dancer is missing something—like not having their shoes or hair not in a bun for ballet—teachers may encourage them to step out of the activity for a moment to correct it, or give them a gentle reminder to be better prepared next time. These small adjustments help keep classes running smoothly and ensure all dancers are ready to give their best!
Please make sure your child has everything they need for each class. If you have any questions, or if you’re unsure whether something is okay, just reach out!
Absolutely! We offer a trial week for new students so they can get a feel for the class and see if it’s the right fit for them. Your child can participate in a trial class within their current level, which allows them to experience the fun and learning firsthand before making a decision.
Additionally, friends are always welcome to join for a trial week as well, ideally before December before recital dance preparations begin! If your child wants to bring a buddy along to check out the class, they can enjoy the experience together. It’s a great way to introduce them to the dance world in a comfortable, fun way. We do not have designated bring-a-friend weeks yet, but if you are interested in bringing a friend, please reach out beforehand, so we can be sure our teachers are aware of our new dancer!
To get started, just reach out to us to let us know you’re interested in the trial, and we’ll make sure to find the right fit for your child’s age and experience
We love having parents engaged in their child’s dance journey! This year, we’ve made some exciting updates to enhance the experience for everyone:
- Upgraded Lobby & Livestream TVs: We’ve relocated our lobby between the dance rooms and upgraded our livestream TVs so you can comfortably watch your child’s class from the lobby. Feel free to relax and enjoy the show while keeping an eye on your little dancer! This also helps create a calm, supervised environment for everyone, as it’s easier to see what’s happening in the space.
- Behind-the-Scenes Helpers for Recital: We’re always looking for enthusiastic parents to assist with our recital preparations! If you’re interested in being a Backstage Helper, we’d love to hear from you. It’s a fun way to be involved and make the recital day run smoothly for all the dancers. If you have ideas for ways to help or specific areas you’d like to contribute to, please let us know!
Please note: While we absolutely love your enthusiasm, we do ask that parents remain outside the dance rooms during classes to allow our dancers to focus and create a positive learning environment. But don’t worry! With our upgraded lobby and livestream setup, you’ll still feel very much connected to your child’s experience!
We completely understand that it’s not uncommon for young dancers to feel overwhelmed, especially in new or challenging situations. Rest assured, our teachers are highly experienced in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all students. They are trained to handle emotional moments with care, helping the children calm down and feel comfortable, so they can return to class when they’re ready.
If your child gets upset or has a difficult moment, our teachers are equipped to handle it calmly and professionally. We believe in fostering a positive space where all children can learn and grow, even if that means taking a short break to reset.
We kindly ask parents to refrain from entering the dance room during class time. This helps maintain focus and ensures that the child feels safe in a familiar routine. If there’s ever a situation that requires parent involvement, we’ll promptly reach out to you.
We understand that life can change unexpectedly and sometimes planning far out doesn’t feel feasible, so we want to give you ample time to make a decision about whether your child will participate in the recital. The deadline to opt out of participation is the last class of December 2025. After this date, we begin finalizing recital details such as choreography, costumes, and other administrative preparations. If we do not hear from you to say otherwise, we will assume your child is performing in the recital.
If something comes up and you need to back out of the recital, please reach out to us as soon as possible at info@charlestondancecenter.com with your child’s name and the affected classes, or give us a call at (843) 406-7593. This way, we can make the necessary adjustments on our end.
Please note that, while we will do our best to accommodate, we cannot guarantee reimbursement for recital or costume fees after our December deadline, as costs for those items are often incurred ahead of time.
Thank you for your understanding, and please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns!
At CDC, we focus on each child’s individual growth and journey in dance, rather than moving our dancers up levels automatically based on age or a set timeframe. Our goal is to build strong, confident dancers at their own pace, ensuring that they feel supported in mastering foundational skills before moving on to more advanced concepts.
Repeating levels does not mean that your child is not progressing. In dance, it is incredibly important to develop muscle memory, coordination, and confidence. When a child spends more time at a particular level, they can deepen their mind-body connection and understand their movements better. While nominal levels may stay the same, dancers continue to grow and improve every day they spend in the classroom.
Our decision to advance students comes from our teacher’s evaluations of a student’s growth not only in technical development but personal development. We do not require specific competencies, but look at their maturity holistically – skills, expression, confidence, mindset, collaboration. Moving forward isn’t about what your dancer can and cannot do yet, but showing our dancers that your own pace is the right pace, and hard work, dedication, and mastery that comes with each level will be seen.
While it may seem like they’re staying at the same level, this personalized approach ensures that when they do move to the next level, they’re not just technically ready, but also emotionally and mentally prepared to take on new challenges. It’s all about setting them up for long-term success in dance and beyond!
We really value the partnership between our teachers and parents. If you have concerns or questions about your child’s progress, we’re always happy to sit down and chat about their development, answer any questions, and give you feedback on what we’re working on together in class.
Yes, absolutely! We’re here to help you through every step of the registration process. If you have any questions about classes, our policies, or the requirements for enrollment, we’d be happy to walk you through it.
Feel free to contact us via email at info@charlestondancecenter.com or give us a call at (843) 406-7593. We’re available to answer your questions, provide any additional information you need, and ensure that the registration process is as smooth as possible.
Find Your Fit At CDC
Class Schedule
Browse our full weekly schedule and start planning your dancer’s season.
Class Offerings
Dive into the details of each style we offer -from ballet to hip hop and everything in between.
Competition Teams
Learn about our Just Dance! competition teams.