frequently asked questions

Dance instruction provides many benefits for students both inside and outside of the studio: discipline, strong work ethic, physical fitness, overcoming stage fright, gaining stage presence, long lasting and new friendships, the ability to constantly improve and self-correct, increased self-confidence and self-esteem.

Our mission is to deliver high quality dance instruction in a positive, inclusive environment and have FUN in the process! We focus on the basics - three professional studios with sprung floors, proper dress attire, warm ups, discipline, proper terminology, technique, solid work ethic, and continuous development are the cornerstones of learning at Monroe Dance Academy. Our focus is to not only create amazing dancers who can compete at their highest level but to develop lifelong skills, character, and friendships through the art of dance. MDA is also a proud supporter of the Wingman for Dance program, aiming to inspire dancers, regardless of age, level, or skill, to become helpful heroes that go above and beyond for one another. Wingman adds to the overall vibe of our studio by creating an atmosphere of connection and belonging.

Monroe Dance Academy offers year round dance instruction for boys and girls ages 2.5 - 18+. Our dance season runs concurrently with the academic year (September - June) with the Summer filled with fun, exciting bonus opportunities to experience the best of what Monroe Dance Academy has to offer.

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We recommend students begin attending dance classes as early as possible within our annual dance season as elements & combinations taught in the Fall are then incorporated into choreography taught in the Spring in preparation for our end-of-year Gala. 

We accept new students all year round, and would love to chat with you and set up FREE trial class(es) for your dancer today!*

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*Depending on the time of year in which your dancer enrolls, they may not get to perform in our end-of-year Gala. This simply has to do with logistics and timing of costume ordering and choreography.

Registration for new and returning students can be completed via our online registration form. Select the Register tab at the top to do it yourself or call us for assistance!

Our dance season is 10 months long from September to June and follows the school calendar.

We strongly recommend registering as early as August or September, as our more popular classes fill up fast! 

Yes! During the summer months, we offer camps, workshops, and intensives. Registration for MDA’s summer session opens in the Spring.

Yes! Our dance season runs concurrently with the regularly scheduled school year (September – June) and culminates in an annual Gala that showcases the hard work and talents of our students! It is a professional-level showcase which features performances from each student in every class throughout the year. This provides both a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family and builds self-esteem, confidence, and performance!

We are proud to put on an end-of-year Gala in June to celebrate our dancers’ hard work through the dance season! This is one of the most exciting experiences for our dancers, and we hope everyone participates in the fun. Dancers work hard on beautiful choreography, they get to wear fancy costumes, and the parents get to see their children up on a big stage with professional lighting and sound! 

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Plan on a Dress Rehearsal during the week leading up to the Gala. We will give our families all necessary information as early as possible to allow them to schedule appropriately.

Monroe Dance Academy is committed to offering a well rounded dance experience and offers classes for all ages (even adults!) in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acro, Pointe, and more! For dancers who are looking for a little bit more, we have a fantastic competitive dance program, Monroe Dance Company, where we offer two different commitment levels, Elite Company & Spotlight Company. You can find our full class list by clicking here.

We recommend dancers try out as many different styles of dance to see what interests them! If possible, include ballet or another technique class as that will create a great foundation for your child. Sometimes it’s a bit of a jigsaw puzzle finding where each student is going to be the most successful and comfortable! Our staff is always happy to provide specific recommendations for your child. 

We understand the importance of making sure each dancer feels valued and loves their classes with us. We also know that sometimes, it's just not the right fit. To make sure that we find the perfect classes for your student and your family, we offer a FREE trial class-pass to all new students. This allows you to try out different classes and see which are best for your family and child without having to commit just yet!

Our trial class-pass allows for classes to be tried within a one week (7 day) period and must be for the age and technique appropriate for your dancer. Our friendly teaching staff will let you know if there is a class we think your dancer would love! 

Our dress code ensures that students receive the best possible instruction, minimize injury, increase focus, and develop a strong sense of self-confidence and studio unity. All students should have hair pulled up and away from the face (buns and ponytails). More information about MDA’s Dress Code can be found on our website by clicking here.

We encourage consistency and dedication to maximize your child’s learning experience. However, sometimes students miss classes for a variety of reasons.  It happens, and we understand. That is why we offer makeup classes for time missed. Simply, peruse our schedule for a comparable substitute class and schedule it online through your Parent Portal.

Boys love to dance too and are welcome to enroll in any of our dance classes! We also offer Boys Hip Hop, a class dedicated to BOYS ONLY!

Yes! We offer Tap and Hip Hop for adults! Dance is a great way to learn musicality, coordination, balance and social skills at any age.

• MDA makes every attempt to hold classes as usual when weather strikes. In case of inclement weather, MDA will usually (not always) follow Monroe Public School’s decision on closing or early dismissal. 
• In the case of heavy snow, bitter cold, or unsafe driving conditions, we will announce class cancellation notices via email & on our social media accounts (Instagram & Facebook).
• Students are encouraged to attend a make-up class of the same age or similar level if their class gets cancelled. Please schedule your dancer’s makeup class through your Parent Portal account.
• When in doubt, please contact us!

At Monroe Dance Academy, we have a "closed class" policy. No parents, friends, siblings, or other family members are allowed in the studio at any time. This is for the benefit of your child, and we've found that it helps our students focus & learn more when we have their complete attention. We kindly ask that parents do not enter the studio while in class sessions, unless permitted by the class teacher and ask that parents wait in the lobby for the entire duration of their child's class.  (The only exception to this policy is our Me & My Mini Me classes, of course.) 

Parents are invited to observe classes during designated Parent Observation Weeks. These are typically held one to two times per year. It is always such a fun week, and students LOVE having their parents see them in their special class!

Early Drop Off

Students should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the start of their scheduled class time or there will be a $15 Early Drop Off Fee added to your family’s Parent Portal account.

Late Pick Up

Students must be picked up on time. After 15 minutes past the end of the scheduled class or rehearsal time, there will be a $15 Late Pick Up Fee added to your family’s Parent Portal account. If you know you will be late, please make every effort to call (203) 268-1200 to let us know. 

MDA always takes emergencies and extenuating circumstances into consideration.