FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Parents and Adult Students may register for classes on our Parent Portal. First you must create your account, then select your classes.
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Yes, each style of class has a specific dress code. All classes except ballet require hair to be pulled into a tight ponytail. Ballet requires hair to be put in a tight bun
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In Greenville you can visit the Sock Basket on Laurens Road or if you know your dancers size you can purchase online through discountdance.com
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Miss Kathy is available:
Monday to Thursday 3:00pm - 7:30pm
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Dance does not progress like school. Dancers will often spend a couple of years in one level class mastering those skills before progressing onto the next level.
When we place dancers new to our studio in classes we will often try an easier level class first and let that instructor assess the dancers technique and training. It builds more confidence for a student to be moved up rather than to be moved down during placement.
Please speak with the front office for placement assistance 864-631-2156. -
We have television in the waiting area to view recreational classes in studios 1, 2, and 3. Cameras will turn off during company level classes and rehearsal, as well as towards the end of the year as we prepare for our Spring Performance
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All dancers who take classes at AEDC may perform in the annual Spring Performance, typically held mid-May.
For those who wish to perform more, AEDC offers The Nutcracker in November, as well as our competitive teams: the Artistic Edge Dance CompanyClick the following links for more information:
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All important information will be emailed to the parent email registered in the portal.
Please keep your email address current.
We do not send paperwork home with children. You must read your emails and monthly newsletters to stay informed -
New dancers may try a free class during our fall - spring dance year, returning members are welcome to try a different style to see if they would like to add an additional class.
Click the link below to book a free trial class
Book A Free Trial Class -
Our fees vary based on the number of classes a dancer takes per week. To view our fee schedule please click the links below
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When a ballet dancer is ready for pointe they will receive an invitation to the class.
There are many factors that a student must consider to prepare for pointe work. Some are technical such as strength, flexibility of feet and ankles, center of balance, posture and alignment. Other factors include age, attitude, training, physique and proper pointe shoe fitting.
Pointe technique is a balance between the technical and artistic components of classical ballet. It involves body alignment, feet placement, weight distribution, and transitions from demi- pointe to full pointe. Proper technique is consistent application and mastery of leg rotation, alignment, aplomb (posture), placement, and épaulement (head and shoulders).
Strength
Strength is important because a student needs to be able to support herself while en pointe. The muscles that need to be strong including the core muscle groups, back, rotators, quads, hamstrings, calves, ankles, feet, arches and insteps.
Centre of Balance
Centre of balance is extremely important for pointe preparation. A student must have the ability to find their centre of balance and maintain proper technique, while performing at the barre and during center combinations. The student should also have an ability to balance in demi-pointe in various ballet positions such as relevé in first position, and passé in fifth position.
Posture and Alignment
Posture and alignment is when the body is held properly while maintaining correct placement during standing and moving. For example, a student should make sure she is in proper stance with core muscles held, shoulders down, chest lifted, rib cage closed, and a straight pelvis.
Flexibility
Flexibility of feet and ankles are an important factor. Sickled (pronation) and winged (supination) feet are indications that a student requires more strengthening and/or flexibility of the muscles in the feet. A Theraband may be used to strengthen and stretch muscles and ligaments. Ankles should be flexible enough so that when the foot is pointed the toe, instep and knee is in alignment. A good exercise to stretch the ankles is to sit on the floor with feet and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Have a teacher or parent hold your ankles down in a parallel position while you attempt to gently straighten your legs while moving the buttocks and shifting the body back a little at a time. Overstretched ankles and high insteps require special attention to build foot strength. A Theraband will aid students
to build this strength by flexing and pointing the foot with the elasticized band.
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Corrections are really the gold of dance class – the teacher is spending their time paying attention to you when there is very limited class time and they could just as easily be focusing on someone else. It’s someone outside of you noticing one tiny thing that could make a huge difference, maybe even save you from injury. If they notice you, it is a compliment.
What can you do to make sure a teacher’s correction or comment doesn’t ruin your day?
1. Your teacher wants you to be the best dancer you can be. They also want you to practice proper technique to avoid injury. Many corrections involve body placement and proper alignment to avoid injury.
2. Strive to take corrections in the spirit they were meant, without taking them as a personal attack. Remember, a teacher’s attentions should be flattering.
3. Sometimes corrections can be difficult to incorporate right away or frustrating to execute. “He wants me to not hop in my pirouettes but how? How do I not do it?” Part of that could be strengthening ankles and gaining core strength. Other fixes may require learning to relax or increasing flexibility. These things take time. Weirdly enough, a lot of corrections are psychological. Part of what helps is believing it can actually be done, physically by any human, and secondly that you can actually do it. Be really patient with yourself here, and remember you are a work of art, which takes time and love. Sometimes that frustration can even be useful to push you past the blocks you have. Don’t give up.
Your teacher corrects you because they care.
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Stretching is crucial for dancers for several reasons, as it offers a range of physical and performance-related benefits that are particularly relevant to the demands of dance. Here are key reasons why stretching is important for dancers:
Improved Flexibility:
Dancers require a high degree of flexibility to execute various movements, leaps, jumps, and poses. Regular stretching helps improve flexibility, allowing dancers to achieve a greater range of motion.Enhanced Range of Motion: Stretching increases the range of motion in joints, which is vital for dancers who often perform movements that require extensive articulation of different body parts, such as kicks, splits, and extensions.
Injury Prevention:
Increased flexibility and a well-stretched body can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Dancers put their bodies through demanding and sometimes extreme movements, making flexibility and joint mobility crucial for injury prevention.Improved Posture:
Stretching contributes to better posture by aligning the spine and promoting proper muscle balance. This is essential for dancers to maintain graceful and elegant positions during performances.Muscle Endurance and Strength: Stretching can enhance muscle endurance and strength. Dancers often need strong, resilient muscles to support them through prolonged rehearsals and performances.
Fluidity of Movement:
Flexible muscles and joints contribute to the fluidity and smoothness of movement that is characteristic of dance. Stretching helps dancers achieve a seamless flow between different steps and positions.Correction of Imbalances:
Regular stretching can help correct muscle imbalances, ensuring that both sides of the body are equally flexible and strong. This balance is crucial for preventing overuse injuries and maintaining overall body symmetry.Warm-up:
Stretching serves as an essential component of both warm-up and cool-down routines for dancers. Warming up the muscles before a dance session increases blood flow and prepares the body for the physical demands of the performance.Artistic Expression:
Flexibility and control over movements allow dancers to express themselves more effectively. Stretching enables dancers to achieve the positions and shapes required for conveying emotions and telling a story through their performances.Mind-Body Connection:
Stretching provides an opportunity for dancers to connect with their bodies on a deeper level. This mindfulness can contribute to improved body awareness, focus, and mental preparation for performances.Stretching is a fundamental aspect of a dancer's training regimen, offering both physical and artistic benefits. It not only prepares the body for the demands of dance but also contributes to injury prevention, improved performance quality, and the overall well-being of dancers.