R.A.R.A.'s School for the Performing Arts program offers a wide variety of dance classes (pre-school, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and ballet) for children and adults beginning at 2 1/2 years of age. We teach these classes in three terms throughout the year. Our RECITAL TERM begins each September when we enroll students for the two semester program, ending with the "grande finale", our recitals in June at a local high school. The SUMMER TERM, which provides students the opportunity to strengthen skills or sample new classes in this short session, begins each June. Some dancers enjoy non-recital classes taught in 8-16 week terms throughout the year, FALL, WINTER/SPRING, AND SUMMER. For more information on the proper class selection or level, call 248-656-8350.

Location: Dance classes are taught at our Dance Center located at 100 East Second Street, downtown Rochester. The center features three classrooms, parent waiting area, canteen, and municipal parking. Each classroom has an observation window, mirrors, barres, and will provide an unitimidating studio environment.

Instructors: are trained, mature, and sensitive to the needs of both children and adults. They teach to develop technique and self-confidence, not stress, enhancing body image, strength, and agility through dance. Above all, the enjoyment of the performing arts is formed.

Terms:

Recital : 30 Weeks beginning in September, ending with performance in June
Fall : 10-12 Weeks beginning in September, ending in December
Winter/Spring : 12-16 weeks, beginning in January, ending in April/May
Summer: 6-8 weeks, beginning in June, including summer camp opportunities

Make-up Policy:

There will be no make-up or refund opportunities for students who miss class due to illness, travel, family situations, etc. Classes cancelled due to inclement weather conditions cannot be made up or refunded. There will, however, be make-ups in the event that class is cancelled when an instructor is unable to conduct class.

Dress Code Policy:

Dancewear is worn for all classes. Leotards, tights, unitards, two-piece dancewear and biker shorts of any color and style may be worn. T-shirts and sweat shirts may be worn during warm-ups only. Students cannot dance in street clothes. NO loose fitting clothing or excessive jewelry, please. Hair must be worn off the neck and out of the eyes. Hair must be secured before class. See shoe requirements with class listings.

Attendance Policy:

Good attendance is imperative as absences and tardiness can hold back an entire class. Please make every effort to have students at each class. More than one (1) absence in the last six weeks of the recital term could jeopardize the dancer's performance opportunity.

Weather Cancellations:

If Rochester schools are canceled due to weather conditions, all RARA activities are canceled. Classes canceled due to weather conditions will be made up if possible. It is usually not possible to reschedule classes in the 30 week recital term.

Photo Policy:

The Children’s Privacy Act of 1998 protects children from being photographed, using their likeness or releasing any private information about them without written parental consent.  In addition, it is out of courtesy and respect to our teachers and students that any pictures or recordings taken by families during RARA classes, events and performances are for private, personal use only not to be shared in public places such as internet sites without consent.

Program Policies:

- Students must be the listed age at the time of registration and meet skill requirements where specified.

- Continuing RECTIAL TERM students have an opportunity to pre-register in the fall

- Students are measured and costumes are ordered at the end of the fall semester

- Costumes fees are included the first semester payment

- Costumes are sized according to the manufacturers' chart. Size charts are available for parents to view if concerned about sizing. There is a costume return fee of $15 if parent requests an exchange after delivery