FAQs
What is the minimum age to begin taking classes?
At the age of 2 by December 31st we offer a Twist & Turn for Tiny 2’s, intro to dance, music and creative movement. We begin ballet and tap classes for those children who have reached the age of 3 by December 31st of the dance year. As children grow older, they will have the opportunity to begin other disciplines of dance including Tap, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Jazz, Stage, Contemporary, Lyrical and Voice training.
How do I know what level of class to take?
Our class placements take into account both age and ability. The teachers at Rise 21 Dance Company will ensure your child is placed in the appropriate level to be both challenged and successful. If registering for a competitive or exam program, you may be asked to attend a dance assessment. This is a way to ensure each dancer is placed in the best class for his/her age and ability and will therefore feel comfortable.
How do I register?
Registration will begin in June and carry on throughout the summer. You may register online or in person at the studio during office hours. A registration fee secures your spot in the class. A limited number of students may be able to register during the months of September to December if space permits. However, classes do fill-up quickly and we suggest you register early to avoid disappointment.
When do classes start?
Our classes run from September to June. A 10-month commitment is essential for progression.
What should I wear to dance classes?
Wearing the appropriate attire to dance class will allow the teachers to see all of your movements and give you proper corrections to help develop your technique. Students who do not wear the appropriate attire to class will be asked to sit and observe the lesson or see the front desk to borrow dance attire.
Where do I buy dance attire and proper shoes?
Rise 21 Dance Company has an on location store and a collection of used dance shoes available for sale at the studio.
Dance shoes and attire can also be purchased at:
The Dance Box
Cariboo Shopping Centre
435 D North Road
Coquitlam
V3K 3V9 – (604) 936-7615
The Dance Shop
1089 W Broadway
Vancouver
V6H 1E5 – (604) 733-6116
Satin Slipper Dancewear
22365 Lougheed Hwy
Maple Ridge
V2X 2T3 – (604) 476-7652
Jazz-Ma-Tazz
22374 Dewdney Trunk Rd
Maple Ridge
V2X 3J2 – (604) 466-0861
Dress Code
The recommended bodysuit for the following disciplines listed is a Black tank thick strap with pinch in the front.
"Energetiks" and the style is called "Annabelle".
It comes in sizes Child XS-XL and Adult XS- XXXL
Approximate cost: Child $49 and Adult $55
Acrobatics
(recommended bodysuit above), fitted leggings to the ankle or tights., Hair in a bun secured with hairpins and a hairnet, short hair off face with headband, pins or elastic. Students are asked to bring a yoga mat to every class.
Primary, Standard 1, Pre Grade 1, Grade 1: pink - full sole leather shoes, Ballet pink tights.
Recreational Ballet
Body suit (recommended bodysuit above), Dancers 3– 4 years may wear any colour body suit. Ballet pink tights, hair in a bun secured with hairpins and a hairnet, short hair off face with headband, pins or elastic. Ballet pink leather shoes for dancers ages 3-up.
Exam Ballet
Body suit (recommended bodysuit above) Please label ALL shoes and clothing. Remember – no jewelry or gum.
Grade2/Standard 2 ballet exam levels
Pink split sole leather shoes, Ballet pink convertible tights
Grade 3/Standard 3 and higher levels
Split sole canvas ballet shoes. Ballet pink convertible tights. You must have shoes that are clean and in good shape for mock exams and exam day. Please NO bras, bras straps or sports bras visible under the bodysuit.
Progressive Ballet
Body suit (recommended bodysuit above) , bun must be higher on their head than normal as you will be lying on your backs. Convertible pink Ballet tights as bare feet are used at times. Yoga mat, there is a basket in the change room to please put your mat in when you bring it to and from the studio or must be stored in your locker. Exercise ball, please see attached information for what size you will need. We have a net set up at the bottom of the stairs to hold balls. Balls must be brought the day of class and taken home at the end of the night please. Balls can be deflated and kept in the change room if students are taking the bus to and from the studio.
The following chart shows a slight variation of recommended heights for the different ball sizes you can choose from.
Height Recommended ball size
Under 4'8"/142cm 45 cm ball
4'8'' to 5'3''/142-160cm 55 cm ball
5'4'' to 5'10”/160-178cm. 65 cm ball
5'10" to 6'4"/178-193 cm 75 cm ball
*** When you stand next to an exercise ball, it should be even or slightly above your knee level. The best way to size up your ball is by sitting on it. When you sit on the ball, your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle and your thighs should be parallel or even with the floor. Find your height and see which ball size you should try first.
Pointe Ballet
Body suit (recommended bodysuit above) hair in a bun secured with hairpins and a hairnet, short hair off face with headband, pins or elastic. Ballet pink convertible tights. When you buy new Pointe shoes please be sure to show your teacher the fit before you sew your ribbons on.
Pre Pointe Ballet
Body suit (recommended bodysuit above) hair in a bun secured with hairpins and a hairnet, short hair off face with headband, pins or elastic. Ballet pink convertible tights. Soft block shoes. Ribbon can be shiny or mat finish. Elastic for back of the shoe. Ouch pouches can be purchased not mandatory. When you buy new Pointe shoes please be sure to show your teacher the fit before you sew your ribbons on.
Competition Ballet
Body suit any colour, hair in a bun secured with hairpins and a hairnet, short hair off face with headband, pins or elastic. Ballet pink convertible tights.
Contemporary students: Tank body suit/tank top, (recommended bodysuit above) Dance Paws and socks.
Please label ALL your children’s shoes and clothing, and remember no jewelry or gum in class.
FAQs (continued)
How do I pay my tuition?
We offer a convenient pre-authorized payment option for funds to be withdrawn from your account on the 1st of the month. You will be asked to set this up at the time of creating your parent portal.
Is a refund issued if a student misses or withdraws from a class?
Rise 21 Dance Company does not issue refunds for missed classes. Students withdrawing from a class must inform the office 7 days prior to the 1st of the month or the full month's fees will be charged.
Please keep in mind that dance classes are a 10-month commitment. The recital is designed to be a focal point at the end of the year, and your teachers’ choreography is based on each student remaining in the class. Any last minute withdraws affect the entire class. If a student will be absent from a class we ask you please email the front desk to let us know!
Will I have to purchase costumes?
Yes. A $75.00 (recital & competition classes) costume deposit is required for each class your child is registered in. This deposit is used to purchase fabric for the costumes used in the year-end recital. If your child withdraws from lessons prior to these materials being purchased, or November 1st (whichever comes first) the deposit may be returned to you. However, if your child withdraws from class after the costume has been started, you will be responsible for the full cost of the completed costume. Please note that the costume deposit is only a deposit, the average cost per recreational costume is approx. $70.00 to $125.00 and $70.00 to $175.00 for competition and exam classes. If the costume cost is less than the costume deposit, the difference will be refunded.
What is a recital?
The Rise 21 Dance Company has scheduled the year-end recital at the Michael J. Fox Theatre, located in the Burnaby South High School. The date of the recital is booked for Friday May 30th, Saturday May 31st, and Sunday June 1st, 2025.
We continue to take pride in our commitment that every student earns the right to perform at the year-end recital. Competition classes will perform in multiple performances.
Do we have parking?
Rise 21 Dance Company has parking right outside the studio. Additional parking is also available towards the back of the studio and across the lane down at our studio 5 studio building.
Can I book a private lesson?
Our teachers are available for private lessons and solo/duo/trio choreography. Please contact the studio office for rates.
Will I have a good teacher?
The staff at Rise 21 Dance Company have been hired for their excellent teaching abilities and skill in helping children reach their full potential as dancers. Our exam teachers have been trained and are qualified by the Cecchetti Society (Ballet) and Canadian Dance Teachers Association(Tap and Jazz)
Contact Us
Our teachers are available for private lessons and solo/duo/trio choreography. Please contact the studio office for rates.
8-3160 Westwood Street
Coquitlam, B.C.
V3C 3L7
604-468-7400