Our Handbook (click on link) has information everyone needs to read and will answer many questions. Here are a few more that come up.


Question:  Can I leave my young child and come back at the end of class time to pick up?

Answer: Yes. Younger students: Once your child is in a class and you feel comfortable in leaving, you may do so. Please be back on time to pick them up so they don’t become concerned. 

If they are taking two or more classes and have a break, they will be supervised in-between by teachers, class assistants or staff in the student lounge area.

Question:  My child is taking one or more classes back to back without a break will that be too much for them?

Answer:  If a break is not on the schedule, the teachers will give short breaks in-between classes. They will have time to go to the rest room, get a drink and if time allows, a quick snack.

Pack your child a snack or sack lunch if your child is taking several classes and breaks are scheduled in-between. They should go to the Student Lounge areas to eat and pick up after themselves.

Studio snacks:

We keep water bottles, fresh fruit and healthy snack items at our front desks for students to purchase for $1. This can be charged to your account and you will receive an E-mail notice of what you owe at the end of the month.



Question:  Do you have a lost and found?

Answer: Students should keep their personal belongings with them especially when going from one classroom to another. We will have a place inside or just outside of each studio for students to leave their things. At the end of the day when things are left we usually leave them in those areas on shelves or bins so that they can easily be found again. After several days they are taken to one area – check with the desk and please put your names on everything!


Question:  I have a hard time getting my child to want to come to class. Should I push them?

Answer: This is a hard one to answer for any age and maybe for yourself if you are just starting out. The first thing is to ask them how they feel about their class after they are through.  I find, they come dragging in but when they leave, they want more!

Most are like all of us. Once the excitement wears off of going to a new class, we realize there is some hard work and discipline involved. If we are given a choice we would rather sit on the couch, watch TV and eat bon bons.

Keep in mind that the learning process is hard and sometimes slow but is always worth it.  If your child begins to get disinterested just ask yourself if there is a valid reason or is this an opportunity to encourage your child to stick to their commitment especially if you know they are benefiting from the training. I hear from students in their adult years that say, “I wish my mom had never let me stop!” My own daughters had to be told many times, when you turn 18 I will let you decide. They now thank me for not letting them stop when they were discouraged or just wanted to stay home and play. You are the parent, you make the decision.


Question:  My child is shy and doesn’t want to perform.  Do they have to?

Answer:  That is always optional at A.R.T.S.  However it is the reward for all the hard work when an actor, dancer, performer,  tech person or helper gets to be involved in a production that has great purpose for their life and touches the lives of those who come to watch. Usually if a child can experience this once they will never be reluctant again. We find this true from the youngest to the oldest!

The shy ones need it the most! Shyness & fear of being in front of others is why my mother started me in dance I’m very thankful she did!