Our Pre-Academy program is currently for students at the beginning of their journey with dance or students that dance recreationally
In our fall session pre-academy students work on developing foundational physical skills and coordination, fostering creativity and imagination, and learning dance vocabulary all while having fun. In our spring session we continue the work we started in fall while also preparing choreography for our Spring Showcase.
We are now pleased to offer Pre-Academy options for ages 18 months - 18 years.
Pre-Academy Fall Session runs September 3rd, 2024 through January 25th, 2025. Spring session runs January 27th, 2025 through June 7th, 2025.
Spring Showcase: Weekend of May 16th-May 18th, 2025. Exact Day, Time and Rehearsals TBA.
Updated June 2023
Pre-Academy
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Students exhibiting any sign of illness such as fever, runny nose, sneezing, and/or coughing should be kept at home. Students exhibiting any of these symptoms in class will be asked to go home and makeup the class at a later date.
Students ages 3 and up must be able to be in the classroom without a caretaker.
We now allow for Parent/Caretaker observation through our glass doors as long as the students are not distracted, or the class is not disrupted by observation. At times we find certain classes run more smoothly without observation. In this case, we will lower the blinds during class and special observation days/picture opportunities will be scheduled. Please only take pictures/video of your own child unless expressly given permission by another family.
If students age 3 or 4 years old cannot yet independently use the restroom a caretaker must remain on the premises during the class to facilitate restroom use if needed.
Students 5 years old and above must be able to use the restroom independently.
Please arrive to class with plenty of time to park and get ready. Students should arrive at least 5 minutes before class begins. There is a 10-minute grace period at the beginning of class after which a student will not be allowed into class. We enforce this policy as the beginning of classes are used for warming up the body so that the student may safely dance during the across the floor, center, and combination parts of the class.
Please use the changing rooms for changing and not the restroom. The restroom needs to be open for those needing to use the restroom.
Pre-Academy Caretaker/Parent and Me classes are currently capped at 6 students per class. Pre-Academy classes for ages 3-6 are capped at 10 students. Most Pre-Academy classes ages 5-18 are capped at 10 students. Hip Hop classes ages 7 and up are capped at 12-15 students. Since class capacity is limited, enrollment is accepted on a first come, first serve basis. We will have an on-going waitlist for our Pre-Academy classes if they are full.
We have a “hands and body parts to yourself” policy at the Academy. This policy applies in class as well as in the studio before and after class, and during any break time. This includes not touching other students and the teacher without permission and/or stopping when reminded. Of course, we understand little ones need a reminder periodically but students generally need be able to follow these requirements to be in our program. This is for the safety and comfortability of all the students and our faculty.
We now allow for makeup classes for Pre-Academy students only if the schedule allows for it. Make-up classes must be made in the correct age bracket. Students may make up classes in a different style as long as they are familiar with that style and are in the appropriate age and level.
Families must email admin@asquaredacademy.com to request a makeup and must have written approval before showing up for class. Students must wear the uniform for whatever style class they are attending even if it is a makeup class. Makeup classes must be attended within the same session.
Refunds will not be given for missed classes or holidays. If a student has a prolonged illness or injury please reach out to us directly so that we might find a solution.
We ask students to bring their own re-usable water bottles to class. They may fill them up at our filtered water fountain.
We do not allow snacks or beverages other than water to be consumed during class-time. Gum is not allowed in the classrooms. Please be sure to dispose of it before entering the classroom.
All belongings including shoes and water bottles should be placed in cubby. No belongings should be placed or left on other surfaces.
Please note that while students are in the parking lot, on the stairs, and in the studio while not in class they are your responsibility. If your child is allowed to leave the premises on their own, for any purpose, we must have your written consent.
While we do our best to notify families of all changes ahead of time please be aware that your student’s class may be substitute taught by another teacher without notification as unexpected circumstances may arise. In very rare or emergency situations your class may be combined with another class or canceled. Please note that many of our teachers are working dancers and there may be a faculty change at any time. If a class is fully cancelled by the studio/instructor, you will not be charged for the class and your tuition will be pro-rated and refunded if the payment has already been processed.
If your student is taking part in our Spring Showcase (May 2025) the last 2 classes before showcase are mandatory so that students may feel fully prepared onstage. Dress Rehearsal and Technical Rehearsal for the Spring Showcase are also mandatory.
A Squared Academy of Dance is a safe and supportive environment. Pre-Academy and Academy students are expected to have outstanding sportsmanship and respect for their peers and teachers. We do not condone any form of bullying, gossiping, or harassing in the studio or outside of it (including on social media). We will work with students and families to use a first violation of this policy as an opportunity for growth and learning. Violating this policy a second time will result in removal from A Squared Academy of Dance without refund.
We ask that families speak respectfully to our faculty and management. If parents/caretakers cannot abide by this guideline they will be asked to leave the premises and their child may be removed from the academy without refund.
If a parent or caretaker is witness to or hears about any inappropriate conduct by another student or any of our staff members, they are required to let A Squared Academy management know as soon as possible in writing so immediate and appropriate action can be taken. Your child’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being is our priority.
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Please enter from Montana Avenue onto 16th Court (not 16th St). This is the alley between Pinkberry Yogurt and Casper Mattresses. Take the first right into our parking lot. Please park in one of the seven spots allocated to A Squared Academy of Dance. Please move the cone to the front of the spot before parking and return the cone to the spot when leaving. Please only park here while your student is actively in class. Please do not park in-between cones, block the entrance to the academy, or park in any of our neighbors’ spots for any length of time. Please note that while students are in the parking lot, on the stairs, and in the studio while not in class they are your responsibility.
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Ballet Shoes (please no glitter). Jazz Shoes (optional, tan only). Students may be required to purchase both. Long hair pulled back neatly and securely tied off face. Wispsys/bangs that cover eyes gelled and clipped back. Ballet dresses, tutus, leotards, tights, leggings, dance pants, fitted t-shirts are acceptable. No dangly jewelry or watches. Students should have an overall clean and professional look and demeanor.
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Female-Identifying Ballet Uniform: Black Leotard, pink tights or tights to match skin-tone, pink ballet shoes or ballet shoes to match skin-tone (canvas and spilt-sole), hair in a neat bun (wispys/bangs that cover eyes gelled and clipped back). Buns must be secured with bobby pins and/or bun pins and must not come out during class. Hair nets suggested but not required. Short hair must be gelled and clipped back. Must wear a ballet sweater or fitted dance jacket if needed for warmth. Sweatshirts, regular jackets not allowed in class. Undergarments should not be seen (i.e. Bras should follow the line of the chosen leotard). Students age 12 and up may wear black ballet skirts. No dangly jewelry or watches. Students may want to purchase warm-up booties or other shoes that slide easily over dance shoes. Students should have an overall clean and professional look and demeanor.
Male-Identifying Ballet Uniform: Black Footless tights (opaque) or black ballet dance leggings or black fitted ballet shorts. White fitted t-shirt, white socks and black ballet shoes. Long hair neatly and securely tied off face. Undergarments should not be seen. Dance Belt as necessary. No dangly jewelry or watches. Students may want to purchase warm-up booties or other shoes that slide easily over dance shoes. Students should have an overall clean and professional look and demeanor.
Non-Binary/Gender Neutral Ballet Uniform: Students may choose a combination that is comfortable for them from the female and male identifying ballet uniforms. Long hair neatly and securely tied off face. Undergarments should not be seen. No dangly jewelry or watches. If you have any questions please reach out to us. Students may want to purchase warm-up booties or other shoes that slide easily over dance shoes. Students should have an overall clean and professional look and demeanor.
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Hip-Hop: Non-marking clean tennis shoes with socks. Leos, fitted joggers, bike shorts, athletic shorts, fitted T-shirts or tank tops, fitted warm up sweaters or dance jackets, sports bras or fitted crop tops in any color or appropriate print are allowed. Please refrain from wearing large logos or any clothing with inappropriate language or content. No spaghetti strapped tank tops allowed. Students wearing bras should be wearing sports bras or bras made for dance. No regular underwire bras. Sweats and sweatshirts are allowed for Hip-Hop but they should not be too oversized and should not be falling down, covering feet/heels, or covering any portion of the hand. Long hair should be pulled back neatly and securely tied out of face. Wispsys/bangs that cover eyes gelled and clipped back. No dangly jewelry or watches. Students may be required to purchase knee-pads. Students should have an overall clean and professional look and demeanor.
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Tan jazz shoes or half soles (canvas half soles preferred), students may be required to purchase both. Leos, Leggings, Fitted Joggers, Bike Shorts, Fitted T-shirts or tank tops, fitted warm up sweaters or dance jackets, sports bras or fitted crop tops in any color or appropriate print are allowed. Please refrain from wearing large logos or any clothing with inappropriate language or content. No spaghetti strapped tank tops allowed. Students wearing bras should be wearing sports bras or bras made for dance. No regular underwire bras. No oversized sweats or sweatshirts. Long hair should be pulled back neatly and securely tied out of face. Wispsys/bangs that cover eyes gelled and clipped back. Hair should not come out during class. No dangly jewelry or watches. Students may be required to purchase knee-pads. Students may want to purchase warm-up booties or other shoes that slide easily over dance shoes. Students should have an overall clean and professional look and demeanor.
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Leos, Leggings, Fitted Joggers, Bike Shorts, Fitted T-shirts or tank tops, unitards, fitted warm up sweaters or dance jackets, sports bras or fitted crop tops in any color or appropriate print are allowed. No T-Shirts that go over the head allowed. No Skirts/tutus allowed. Please refrain from wearing large logos or any clothing with inappropriate language or content. No spaghetti strapped tank tops allowed. Students wearing bras should be wearing sports bras or bras made for dance. No regular underwire bras. No oversized sweats or sweatshirts. Long hair should be pulled back neatly and securely tied out of face. Wispsys/bangs that cover eyes gelled and clipped back. Hair should not come out during class. No dangly jewelry or watches. Students may be required to purchase knee-pads. Students may wear half-soles or go barefoot. Students should have an overall clean and professional look and demeanor.
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Sensory Friendly Uniform: If your student has sensory needs that do not work with the above dress codes, please let us know and we will work with you to find something comfortable and appropriate for them.
Pre-Academy Dress Code
Please see our billing page for pricing and registration.
Pre-Academy Dancers will be billed for Fall 2024 classes in September. Families continuing in the Spring Session will be billed for Spring Classes in January 2025. Families joining for the Spring Session will be billed Mid-February 2025.
There is an annual family enrollment fee of $35
Trial Classes: Please call or email for a trial class. Trial classes are only allowed for classes that have open spots. Trial classes are allowed for the month of September in the fall session and the month of February for the spring session. Students taking a trial class will still need to register and sign all liability forms online but will not be formally enrolled or charged until they let us know they will be continuing with the class.
Spring Showcase costumes are $100 per costume (one costume per class)
Families must notify A Squared Academy of Dance through email if they are not continuing their class in the Spring Session
Families that are enrolled in Spring Session must notify A Squared Academy of Dance through email if they are not performing in the Spring Showcase by March 1st, 2024. Students not performing in the Spring Showcase will still be required to learn the choreography outside of the formations with the rest of their peers. As the Spring Showcase gets closer they may be asked to sit and watch the students that are performing run their dance. They will not be asked to sit for more then 10-15 minutes. Students that are asked to sit and watch are still learning and are expected to stay mentally present.
Tickets for the Spring Showcase will be available for purchase at the beginning of May 2025
We do not offer refunds for classes past the first month of each session so please enroll with that in mind. If you decide to unenroll within the first month you must contact us at admin@asquaredacademy.com. Your tuition will be prorated. If your payment has already been processed it will be refunded minus a 15% cancellation fee.
If a class is cancelled by the studio/instructor, you will not be charged for the class and your tuition will be pro-rated and refunded if the payment has already been processed
Parent/Caretaker & Me Class Guidelines
Below are guidelines, suggestions, and information to ensure everyone has a great class experience!
1. We ask that you arrive at least 5-10 minutes before the first class and 5 minutes before each class. That will allow your little one to meet us, use the restroom if necessary, and get situated without anyone feeling stressed for time.
2. Dress code for this class is movement/dance clothing of any sort, leggings, form fitting t-shirt, tights, leos, bike shorts, tutus, etc are all welcome. Please just make sure they fit somewhat close to the body and are not too long or unsafe in any way. Long hair should be cleanly pulled out of face and secured. Students should wear pink or black ballet shoes, or tan jazz shoes (please no glitter on the shoes). If your child needs to do the first class barefoot while you get shoes, no stress. While we love our stuffed furry friends please leave stuffed animals and/or blankets etc outside the class.
3. We suggest that the same adult bring them each time to create a more cohesive experience for the dancers. We understand this isn’t always possible and is just a suggestion but we ask that if someone new is attending the class with your child they are aware of the guidelines. Other family-members/caretakers are welcome to observe the class through the glass doors as long as the dancers aren’t getting distracted.
4. Please wear comfy clothing that is easy to move in and socks. We find that many children in their first dance class don’t follow the teacher at first but instead look to follow the adult with them. Please also know that sometimes students need a couple classes to start following along so don’t worry if they aren’t following us right away. We do ask that you keep them with you for safety, involved, and on task as much as possible. We ask that students keep their hands and body-parts to themselves. If the dancers start to be more independent in the class we can transition to adults supporting more from the sidelines, just depends on the class :)
5. We ask that you keep side socializing to a minimum during class. We ask that you do not use phones in class, and that you only take pictures during “picture time”. Please only take pictures/videos of your own child unless expressly given permission by that child’s parent.
6. While attendance is important, we ask that if adult or dancer is sick that you please stay home and recover :). Masks in our studio are not required anymore but Ms. Annie & Ms. Ariella still wear them because they help to keep us healthy while teaching little ones. We are happy to show our faces to the dancers and help explain to them why we wear them while we teach. We also have an air filter in the space and windows that can be opened if necessary
7. Please familiarize yourself with the other Pre-Academy Policies on this page
8. The most important policy of all .... ENJOY!! We are so excited to start having fun with you and your little ones and sharing what we love most, Dance!
Other Billing Information & Policies for Pre-Academy
Location
1612 Montana Ave Floor 2, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Contact
admin@asquaredacademy.com
424-238-5130