Q1. What are the classes Steps offer?
A : We have classes in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern (Graham & Horton method), Streetdance, Tap Dance, Flamenco, Yoga and Pointework (summer only) during the regular season. During the entire year we also offer special workshops and master classes conducted by some of the most respected and renowned teachers, choreographers and artists around the world.
Q2. What method of ballet do you teach?
A : We use the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.
Q3. My mom and I want to study ballet but we both have no formal dance background? I'm 12 and she's 38 of age. Can we still be accepted for lessons?
A : Of course! In your case, you will be first assessed for which level you will be placed. Your mom, on the other hand, can take our Adult Ballet class.
Q4. I'm currently studying ballet in another school and I want to transfer to Steps. Can I immediately enroll in one of your classes?
A : Yes, however, you may be assessed first before enrollment. If your present ballet school is also using the RAD syllabus, you will be asked for your current level. Then you will be scheduled for an assessment. If your school uses other syllabi then you will be scheduled for assessment as well.
Q5. What is the youngest age accepted in Steps?
A : It depends on the course to be taken. For example, in ballet our youngest student is three years old. For jazz, it's four years old. Streetdance enrolees should be at least five years old. Modern class is open for dancers, at least 13 years of age, with formal ballet training.
Q6. Where is Steps located and how can I get there?
A : Our address is C1, Bldg. C, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City (near the showroom of Prestige BMW). Chino Roces Ave. is formerly known as Pasong Tamo Extension, most drivers know this street because this is the automotives' showroom area of Makati City.
You may print out our location map as a guide. Remember your landmarks are: Nissan Mantrade, the new Allegro Centre, DHL (main office), Makati Hope Christian School, DPC and Starbucks-Karrivin Plaza.
Q7. How can I avail your scholarship program?
A : For detailed information about our scholarship program, click here.
Q8. Am I required to join the Summer Dance Recital?
A : No. Dance recitals (summer/Xmas) are voluntary. However, we do highly encourage students to join such events because recitals are meant to showcase what the student has gained from the course he/she took as well as to hone one's talent. Aside from this, stage exposure is vital to all who wish to boost their self-confidence. Nothing compares to the exhilarating experience of being on centerstage and performing before an audience. The formal dance recital is an annual event and is normally held at the end of the Summer Dance Workshop in June.
Q9. What is the RAD Exam?
A : The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Exam is an annual closed-door, rigorous talent test for all RAD students. The Royal Academy of Dance sends a representative, known as RAD Examiner (from other countries), to conduct and grade RAD students of their knowledge, expertise and discipline in Classical Ballet. Depending on the student's RAD level, each is asked to perform (in groups and solos) certain steps based on the RAD syllabus. Successful students are graded and given a certificate (at least a month after the exam). The highest RAD grade is Distinction and the highest RAD level is Solo Seal.
Q10. Am I required to take the RAD Exam?
A : Exams are optional and are not required to progress to the next level. But if the child is for a standard, Steps highly encouraged the child to take the exams. The school, prior to the exam, notifies children (and their parents) who are ready to take their RAD exams.
Q11. Where can I buy my ballet uniform and other dancewear?
A : Most ballet clothing like shoes, leotards, tights and skirts are available in our Dance Shop. There are a wide variety of brands to choose from. Our Dance Shop also carries a line of dancewear items for jazz, tap, flamenco and special Steps tracksuits for kids and adults. Also read our uniform guideline so you know what your child should wear in class.
Q12. Can I wear any color of leotards in class?
A : All students must wear leotards with colors (corresponding to their level) as prescribed by the school following RAD regulation standard uniform. No watches and jewelry are allowed in class.
Q13. Is there a required hairstyle in ballet class?
Hair must be pulled back NEATLY into a bun with sufficient hairpins and hairnet for students with hair of shoulder-length or longer. For those with short hair, it must be held back with the cloth headband provided by the school. Plastic headband is not allowed as this have a tendency to fall off in class during jumps.
Students with untidy or loose hair will NOT be allowed to join the class. Please remember that tidy hair pulled back will allow the student to move better in class and is a big part of the discipline in ballet.
Q14. Can I settle my fees after class?
Payment should be made upon enrollment. A statement of account will be issued at the end of every month. Lessons missed can be made up for on different days of the week provided they are within the SAME month and the parent informs the school prior to makeup class. The registration and tuition fees are non-refundable.
Q15. Does Steps cancel classes during non-working holidays or bad weather?
Holidays are not observed unless the school has made prior announcements. In case of typhoon, the studio makes the decision according to the severity and informs students thru text or phone call if classes are cancelled.
Q16. Can my mom stay inside the studio during my class?
While classes are in session, parents/yayas are not allowed inside the studio. Instead parents are invited to observe classes during a scheduled Open House. The Open House event is normally scheduled in October or November.
Q17. Is there ample parking at Steps?
A : Unfortunately, there is very limited number of parking spaces right in front of the studio itself. This is the reason why we try to encourage our students to practice drop-and-fetch system or carpooling with their friends. Clients may park elsewhere within the Karrivin compound. However to avoid any misnderstanding/confusion, clients must ask permission from the guard-on-duty & inform him where client is going to be staying (for easy tracking).
