How long has Tustin Dance Center been in business?
Tustin Dance Center was established in 1978 and has been under the ownership and direction of Barbara Harriman since 1988.
What age do you start your dancers?
We start our entry-level classes at age 3 and we also have Mommy and Me classes
starting at 18 months. The KinderMusik program is for ages 0 (yes, Zero!) through 7.
How do I register?
You may register at the studio or online by clicking REGISTER HERE.
Do you give sibling or multiple class discounts?
Yes. There is a discount for multiple classes per week and for siblings.
How large are your classes?
We limit most classes to 12, however, we believe that when
dancers reach a higher level of dance, they can handle the energy
of larger classes. Instructors assess each dancer individually
and adapt the instruction according to the dancers' abilities within the appropriate class level.
How do you place students?
It is important for beginners to start in entry-level classes so they can learn in an environment that is motivating and proper for
their age and ability level. Occasionally, a dancer may be assigned a class level (higher or lower) for reasons
that are not necessarily obvious to the parent. Our teachers understand the
curriculum taught and each form of dance must be learned and executed
well before the dancer is advanced to the next level, so our instructors will do their best to explain the placement to the parents.
What is the required dance attire?
Students are expected to dress appropriately for their classes according to dance style:
- BALLET -- leotards and tights with hair combed back and secured in a tight, clean bun; pink ballet shoes (black for boys)
- HIP-HOP -- T-shirt or tank-top with jazz pants, shorts or sweatpants (no jeans); tennis shoes
- JAZZ -- leotards and tights OR T-shirt or tank-top with black jazz pants/shorts; black jazz shoes
- TAP -- leotards and tights OR leotards with jazz pants or jazz shorts; black tap shoes
TDC dancers are not permitted to wear inappropriate clothing to class or TDC performances, and under no circumstances are they allowed to reveal bare midriffs.
Do you have an annual recital?
Yes, every June we produce an Annual Recital that showcases the dancers
in our studio. Every class performs a dance number unique to the class.
Do all students have to perform in the recital?
Recital performance is optional, however, we believe it is a great
experience for every dancer to perform in front of an audience made
up of loving parents, relatives, and friends. It has become a wonderful
family show and is enjoyed by all.
What about costumes?
Costumes for our Annual Recital are ordered and purchased in January, arrive in April or May, and belong to the dancers. There are no refunds on costumes once they have been ordered.
Do you sell dancewear?
We sell tights, leotards, shoes, bags and an assortment of other dancewear items at our Backstage Boutique.
How long are classes?
Most classes are one hour in length though some are 45 minutes. If less than 4 students show up for a class, the instructor may reduce the class length to 30-40 minutes..
Do you offer private classes?
Yes, we offer private classes in half-hour
and one-hour increments. Private lessons may be taken as solos, duos or trios.
What is your yearly schedule?
Our regular classes run from September through June. We run a separate Summer Session which usually begins one week after the Annual Recital.
What are Performing Groups?
Performing Groups are made up of dancers who compete and perform at
venues in the Tustin community and throughout southern California. Dancers audition for the various teams in June and are required to take summer classes plus additional classes in Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Tap throughout the year.
Do you have any other performances?
Yes, we produce The Nutcracker Ballet in
December. Students audition for The Nutcracker during the summer and parents are involved in various volunteer roles.
