FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
At IPAS we offer you a variety of classes in many genres catering for all of your performing needs. Classes are usually divided into performance classes or exam classes. We also offer Private, one on one, tuition in all styles.
DANCE – Jazz, Tap, Classical Ballet (including Pointe), Hip Hop (including boys only), Contemporary (including Lyrical), Musical Theatre, Glee, Triple Threat. VET DANCE in the VCE, Certificate II in Dance.
ACROBATICS – Acrodance
SINGING – Modern and Classical (exams offered)
PIANO – Privates only (exams offered)
At IPAS we pride ourselves on being able to offer classes for everyone! Our classes range from 2 years of age to adult, beginner to advanced, recreational to elite, we endeavour to provide you with the right class, even if it takes a few trials classes to find it. You should feel challenged but not overwhelmed by your class choice, you need to feel comfortable and happy in your classes to achieve, improve and progress to the next level.
Teachers will let you know if they have any concerns about the class you have chosen not being right for you. Please feel free to chat to reception or your teacher if you feel you have enrolled in the wrong program. Remember we want the best for you and are always available to help guide you .
We encourage and expect commitment to your class attendance for all classes. It is extremely important for your training continuity to attend each week so teachers can guide you through each level of the classes. Progress and consistency of technique, skill and artistry are developed and enhanced by regular attendance. Excessive absences may result in you losing your place in the program as we do have a waiting list for many classes.
READY SET DANCE does have a compulsory uniform that you are able to purchase at reception.
IPAS do offer IPAS tracksuits, tops and shorts but we do not require the students to wear a uniform at all times in class.
All dance students must wear tight fitting clothing that enables the teachers to see body alignment and movement allowing for corrections. Non restrictive, comfortable street clothes may be worn in Hip Hop. All dance styles must have correct footwear to avoid injuries. Hair must be tied back.
Suggested clothes:
Jazz and tap (Exam classes will have a uniform)
Girls – tights and leotard or crop top and shorts, crossovers for colder months.
Boys – Shorts/ sports leggings and singlet.
Ballet classes (Exam classes have a uniform)
Girls – pink ballet tights and leotard with crossover. Hair must be in a bun.
Boys – Shorts / sports leggings and singlet.
Many of the big retail outlets such as Target, K-Mart and Best and Less now carry young girls dancewear for very reasonable prices. Dance shoes you can purchase from several stores, please see reception and they can suggest the closest for you. We do recycle shoes having a second hand shoe box in the canteen area for you to have a look at if you are interested.
Studio A and B both have viewing windows with stools for parents to watch classes. Studio C and D have an open door policy so you may watch from the door. The Singing room/recording studio you may ask you teacher to go in and watch class at anytime. We do not usually allow non-participating people in the rooms while classes are on as it is distracting for the students and sometimes a little intimidating when learning new skills.
When you enrol at IPAS you will receive access to our student portal on DSP. Via this portal you can pay fees, contact the studio and see all newsletters etc posted by us. Newsletters are emailed out to you through DSP at least once a term and more frequently as performance or special events draw closer
We also have a Facebook page and Instagram account we encourage everyone to be part of as we put up current information every day.
At the end of each year IPAS holds several performances for you to appear in and for family and friends to see how much you have achieved in the year. Performing not only teaches teamwork but gives the stage performance experience no other medium can match. Performing in front of an audience is a skill that is a major part of the performing arts.
There are usually 2 extra rehearsals near the concerts which will be for the professional photo shoot, dress and technical rehearsals. If you are in the shows these are compulsory events.
The shows are divided into three events:
Mid Year Performances – These take place around JUNE and usually include singing, piano, musical theatre, Triple Threat, Glee and IPAS Company Students as well as our Private lesson student.
End of year Singing Cabaret – OCTOBER.
End of year Showcase – NOVEMBER. Gladstone Park Secondary College. One show only. This show usually incorporates the weeknight dance classes, glee, acro and VET Dance.
End of year Concert – DECEMBER. Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre. This show incorporates the Saturday dance classes and Elite Performance Teams.
Throughout the year we also have small performances usually held at the studio for singing, Elite teams, Private lesson students and VET Dance.
Private lesson students and Elite teams have many performance opportunities throughout the year and this is documented in the Elite Team Prospectus on the website.