FAQs

TRAINING

  • CDA’s curriculum, under the direction of Jennifer and Robbin Shahani, draws upon the best of the R.A.D., Vaganova and Cecchetti techniques, and is carefully tailored to the age and physical development of the student. Our Associate Director, Jennifer Currier, is also a Certified A.B.T. Curriculum teacher.

  • California Dance Academy does have a well-deserved reputation for being a “serious ballet studio.” But, we like to remind people that our dancers LOVE what they do – especially the most advanced students. Having a lot of fun in the studio is the best way to improve!

    While some students go on to pursue dance at the college or professional level, the focus of training is on the mastery and joy of dance at each level of achievement. The principles, discipline and artistry acquired through this pursuit of excellence provide students with confidence, focus and grace for years to come.

    Our goal is truly to “Celebrate the Art of Dance!”

  • At California Dance Academy we consider ourselves first and foremost a technical studio that values teaching the traditional technique, discipline, and artistry of dance. We have dancers that do participate in Competitions but it is as an accessory to a students training. “Competition Studios” are primarily focused on training dancers with the goal of “winning” competitions. Most of the focus is general on learning tricks and skills that will wow the judges to earn the highest scores. We do want our dancers that like competition to “win” but our focus is on their development as an person and their overall growth as an artist in the dance world. We work to prepare students for a future in dance if they choose and often the best way to set them up for success is to build a solid technical foundation and then to add the fun tricks as they grow and improve.

  • Of course! We love for parents to take an active interest in their child’s dance education. All of our studios have large windows onto the hallway where many parents sit, chat, observe, or just do their own work.

  • Please see this page for more information.

  • Students wishing to dance en pointe will need to be evaluated through our “Pointe Readiness Assessment” and meet the following minimum requirements:

    • be at least eleven years of age

    • be enrolled in and consistently attending at least three (3) ballet classes per week

    • exhibit sufficient strength and control

    Our “Pointe Readiness Assessment” is administered by the Artistic and Associate Directors twice per year.

  • The instructors at California Dance Academy have successfully taught many differently-abled students, including children on the autism spectrum, and students confronted with different physical challenges. We understand that each child’s situation is unique. But we also feel that studying dance can be tremendously beneficial for all students, and work to make our studio a safe and welcoming environment. We always welcome and appreciate insight to your particular child's needs so we can best accommodate them. Please ask us about some of our experiences in this area!

PERFORMANCE

OPPORTUNITIES

  • YES. Dance is a performing art and as such performing is a very valuable component of a dancers training. We do an annual Nutcracker production that rivals many professional productions. Dancers are guaranteed at least one part in the production and older dancers often dance two roles (one in each act). It is a tradition that the dancers love and most of them return year after year to participate and they love looking forward to performing the more advanced roles and the possibility of getting one of the “special” featured roles. We also do a Spring Showcase in late May or early June, a Pre-Ballet performance in the spring, we participate in Regional Dance America and their annual regional or national RDA Festival, and we have our California Dance Ensemble performance/competition groups. There are many opportunities for performance throughout the year!

  • Dancers are not required to participate in any of our performance opportunities but we strongly encourage all dancers to join us. Performing on a stage is a great reward for the hard work the dancers put into the classroom each week. And besides, who doesn’t love the applause of an audience? We know performing can be intimidating to some students but we do our best to make all performances a positive experience for everyone.

COMPANY

(California Dance Ensemble)

  • California Dance Ensemble is more than just a Team, it offers our dancers a taste of what life in a professional dance company is like. Dancers benefit from rehearsals, learning new choreography and repertoire, working with a range of choreographers, and additional opportunities for community outreach and performances. The Ensemble is focused on educating the whole dancer rather than winning trophies. Our focus is on the advancement of technique, artistry, poise and performance skills that will serve each dancer in the future, whether in the field of dance, other performing arts, or finding success in unrelated fields.

  • There are numerous performance opportunities afforded to CDE dancers, which include a full-length production of The Nutcracker, a Showcase in February to highlight the Company’s new choreography, 2-3 Competitions a year, the Regional Dance America Festival each Spring, and an end-of-year Spring Showcase. It’s a lot! The type of competition (ballet-based or jazz/lyrical-based) will depend on which event is most appropriate for the level and style of the choreography. This is determined and shared with families prior to any commitments. Soloists may also choose to compete at additional approved competitions either in the fall or spring.

    We also seek out additional performance opportunities in the community, such as collaborative events with local high schools and orchestras.

  • Yes. Dancers are required to be in one group piece to be a part of Company. Then, based on the styles that dancers chose in their applications, dancers are placed in the most appropriate pieces. In the rare instance that we are unable to offer a dancer a group in one of the styles that they prefer, a recommendation will be made that would enable the dancer to still participate. When possible, we encourage dancers to be a part of two or more different groups/styles, to further their overall development as a dancer.

  • Solos require a much greater commitment on the part of a dancer and their family. Any dancer in Company will be able to apply for a solo, then CDE Directors will select soloists and what style is most appropriate for that dancer. Dancers that have competed before and have shown their dedication may be considered for two solos in contrasting styles if time allows. CDE Directors will also determine the most appropriate competition venues for each soloist based on their experience and technical level.

  • All Ensemble group rehearsals will occur during a regularly set class time on weekdays, generally for 45 minutes per piece. Solos rehearsal times are determined between the Coach, dancer and their family. All dancers must have one day/week in their schedule without dance, as rest is critical not only to the physical health but also the mental health and well-being of dancers.

  • A training schedule that provides enough opportunities for growth is necessary for progress, so Ensemble dancers are required, at minimum, to be on the Focused Track for their level. Due to the demands of Classical Ballet, any dancer that is selected for a Classical Ballet solo will be required to be on the Aspiring Track.

  • Yes, Ensemble membership is $500/yr and Jr Ensemble is $400/yr, which includes a Team Uniform (Jacket and Pants). Membership fees also go toward administrative and labor costs for Company organization, registering students at competitions, RDA affiliation, costume management, music rights and editing, scheduling, and general coordination.

  • Group pieces will be rehearsed during set weekday times which will count as an additional “class” for tuition purposes. For most of our dancers, this would result in an additional $30-40 per month, depending on their Track and current number of classes. These rehearsal classes will be paid for throughout the year even though on occasion they may not have a rehearsal some weeks.

    Solo rehearsals are charged a private rate of $85-100/hour depending upon coach. Each dancer’s recommended rehearsal schedule will depend upon various factors, including the style of the piece, age and technical level of the dancer, and where the solo will compete. Please inquire, and we’ll be happy to give you a more detailed breakdown of the costs associated with Company membership.

  • We are requiring all company dancers to attend at least two weeks of our Summer Intensive program or two weeks of a pre-approved, pre-professional Summer Intensive program so they are keeping up their training and not coming back out of shape for the fall. If this poses a problem for your dancer, come talk to us.

    Company dancers are expected to start back at the beginning of our season, and rehearsals will start that week or shortly thereafter.