FAQ'S

Q: What is the size of your classes:
A: It is important at WCPA to maintain a small and workable class size, so that we can give each student the individual attention they deserve. Our student/teacher ration for our 2 year old classes is 8 to 1, for our 3-5 year old classes is 10 to 1, and the student/teacher ratio for all our other classes is 12 to1.

Q: What are the qualifications of your instructors?
A: All of our instructors, both dance and gymnastics, are trained in all areas that they teach. Some of our dance instructors have a professional background, while others have several years of studio training, and others have university degrees in dance. All of our dance instructors have trained with world-renown choreographers from Los Angeles and New York. Our gymnastics instructors are all certified with USAG and/or CARA Gymnastics certifications. Many of our teachers have education degrees as well. And, for the safety of all of our students, our instructors are CPR and First Aid certified.

All music instructors have University Degrees in the instrument they teach, and others have a 2nd degree in music education. Our music instructors are experienced at teaching all levels of students, from the very beginner to advanced adult students.

Q: Is the end of the year Recital and/or Mock Meet required for my child?
A: No. The end of the year Recital (dance and music) and Mock Meet (gymnastics) is not a required part of our program, although we do highly recommend that all students participate. It is a great way for them to continue to build their self-confidence and “show-off” all they have learned throughout the year. Performance is an important part of both the dance and music education. It is a great thing for them to look forward to!

Q: What is the cost of the Recital and /or Mock Meet?
A: The dance recital fee is $30 per student, due on October 15th or at the time of registration. Costumes for the recital are an additional expense. The Mock Meet fee is a per student fee (with a discount given to additional children in the family) of $100, which includes a leotard, T-shirt, certificates, medals and ribbons. There is no admission charge for the Mock Meet. This fee is also due on October 15th or at the time of registration. The Music recital fee is $30 per student, due on March 1st.

Q: When is the Recital/Mock Meet held?
A: The Dance Recital is usually held the 2nd weekend in June, the Mock Meet is usually held the 3rd weekend in June, and the Music Recital is usually held the 4th Saturday in June. Exact dates are available on our website and school calendar for each year.

Q: Do you offer a competitive program?
A: Yes. We have competitive programs in dance and gymnastics. Our Dance programs are available for students 4-16 years. The gymnastics program is available for students 7 years and older. More information regarding the Competitive Programs is available on our website.

Q: Do you offer classes in the summer?
A: Yes, but on a modified schedule from our school year program. We offer a wide variety of Camps and Classes beginning in June and running through the first week of August. Our summer schedules are available by Feb. 20th.

Q: What performance opportunities are available for music students?
A: Music students have the opportunity to perform in our Music Recitals in December and June. Each student will perform at least one at each recital, depending on their ability level and time in lessons.

Competitive Programs

Elite Dance Team
Our Elite Dance Team is made up of dancers between the ages of 4 and 16, and compete at both the local and national level. We have 5 competitive teams (Mini, ages 4-5 ½, Petite, ages 5 ½ to 7, Junior, ages 7-9, Teen, ages 10 and up, Express, ages 8 to 14), each of which competes in approximately 4-5 competitions a year, and participates in 2-3 dance conventions per year. Admittance onto our Elite Dance Team is by audition or director approval only. Auditions are held yearly in May.

Class Requirements For Competitive Dancers:

• Mini – 1 Tap/Jazz or Tap/Ballet Class and 1 Mini Elite Class
• Petite – 1 Tap/Jazz Class, 1 Ballet Class and 1 Petite Elite Class
• Junior – 1 Tap Class, 1 Jazz Class, 1 Ballet Class, 1 Turns Class, 1 Junior Elite Class
• Express – 1 Tap Class, 1 Jazz Class, 1 Ballet Class, 1 Turns Class, 1 Express Class
• Teen – 1 Tap Class, 1 Jazz Class, 2 Ballet Classes, 1 Turns Class, 1 Teen Elite Class

Elite dancers will also have weekend practices for choreography during the months of September and October, and additional weekend rehearsals as needed.

Gymnastics Team
The Westwoods Center of Performing Arts Explosion Gymnastics Team is made up of students 7 years and older. Gymnasts compete in CARA (Colorado Association of Recreational Athletics) sanctioned events during the months of May – July. There are three levels of gymnasts – Level 4, Level 5 and Optionals. The Level 4 and 5 teams compete compulsory routines, and the Optional gymnasts compete individual routines. Admittance onto our Competitive Gymnastics Team is by Head Coach/Director Approval only.

Class Requirements For Explosion Gymnasts:

• Level 4 – 3 hours of practice/week and 1 dance class
• Level 5 – 4 hours of practice/week and 1 dance class
• Optional – 4 hours of practice/week and 1 dance class
• Explosion Team Gymnasts will also have weekend practices beginning in February.