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Frequently Asked Questions
Q) WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OPUS II AND ASHLAND REGIONAL BALLET (ARB)?
A) See the following descriptions.
Opus II Dance Studio
- Opus II Dance Studio was founded in 1982.
- It is a school offering dance classes for all levels of experience with a focus on dance as a performing art.
- No audition is required for acceptance, though a placement class may be necessary before placing transfer students.
- Opus II is the parent company of ARB.
- Opus II provides a home for ARB - office space; rehearsal and performance space; storage space for costumes, props and set pieces.
Ashland Regional Ballet
- Was founded in 1989 as an outgrowth of Opus II Dance Studio.
- It is a separate non-profit, tax-exempt arts organization.
- The pre-professional dancers of ARB are exceptional teen-aged students who are exploring the possibility of a professional career in dance or a dance-related field.
- ARB dancers must audition for membership in the company, meeting specific requirements to maintain the high standards of the company.
- Younger students may be invited to share the stage with the company for special productions. This provides a wonderful motivational experience for students who show exceptional talent and /or desire to excel.
Q) WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO BEGIN DANCE TRAINING?
A) The recommended ages to begin Opus classes are:
- Ballet Preparation 1st & 2nd grade
- Ballet 1 & Tap 1 3rd grade or older
The above ages are suggested guidelines. Jazz, Modern Dance & Pointe classes become available as students progress through the Opus curriculum.
Q) HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO DANCE AT OPUS II?
A) We try to keep our tuition low in order for families to be able to afford this education for their children. Beginning students take one class a week so their tuition is very inexpensive. Ballet Prep (1st & 2nd graders) is $102 for a full semester (13 weeks). Ballet 1 is $115. Students often add Tap at this time which is an additional $108.
Q) ARE THERE ANY "HIDDEN" FEES?
A) See the following descriptions.
Registration Fee - $25
- Waived if your registration reaches us by the deadline stated on each semester's enrollment form. If you make our registration process easier by enrolling early we thank you by waiving the fee.
Performance Fees - "extra" performances
- There is an audition fee required for The Nutcracker.
- If your child is selected and chooses to participate in an extra performance (such as The Nutcracker or Concert in the Park) there is a $30 fee to help us cover the costs of costuming, rehearsing, and administrating that show.
Annual Spring Concert -entire student body
- There is no additional fee attached to your tuition.
- Most of the expenses of costumes, accessories, and properties will be defrayed by Opus II.
- There is no costume fee, but it is important to note that shoes, tights & leotards, and other basic dance-wear must be furnished by the dancers. You may be asked to purchase special dance-wear or other costume needs. Items that you are required to purchase will be usable again as either class or street wear.
Funding the Spring Concert
- As there is no fee charged for the work of the staff, and costume expenses are kept to a minimum, parents are expected to support the school by purchasing tickets - the sole funding of the Spring Concert. There is no ticket purchase required. It is our hope and intention that you and your family will enjoy attending our performances.
Q) ARE THERE ANY FUNDRAISERS MY CHILD MUST BE INVOLVED IN?
A) There are no required fundraisers, though the option to support ARB is available to those interested. ARB is a separate arts organization in residence at Opus II Dance Studio. To find out more about ARB read the "About ARB" page on this website.
Q) IF MY CHILD DOESN'T CARE FOR IT, ARE THEY STUCK IN IT FOR THE YEAR?
A) See the following excerpt from our "Guide for Parents".
If your child has difficulty with the physicality of dance:
- Continue for as long as he/she enjoys the participation.
If your child dislikes the class:
- Continue to the end of the semester. A student may have a slow start. The class may not be what they expected if they have no prior knowledge of dance training. They may change their mind by the end of the semester if they stick with it, and even if they don't, they will achieve a sense of accomplishment from completing the semester.
If you come to the conclusion that dance is not where you want to continue to invest your time, here are a few tips to help your student come to the completion of their dance training.
- Complete the semester in which they are enrolled. Our school year is divided into semesters, which allows a student to "gracefully" bow out after completing a semester. We feel very strongly that young people need to learn to follow-through with commitments so as not to develop a "quitter" mentality. The break between semesters provides the students an opportunity to reassess their commitment before beginning the new semester.
- If you have been cast in a role, complete your artistic obligations through to the end of the performances.
- Make sure all financial obligations are met.
Former students in good standing will be welcome to return at a later time if they find that they miss their involvement in dance.
Q) WILL MY CHILD HAVE THE SAME TEACHER EVERY WEEK?
A) YES! (unless there is an illness or extenuating circumstance.)
Q) IS MY CHILD'S TEACHER AN ADULT WHO KNOWS HOW TO TEACH AND KEEP THEM IN LINE?
A) YES! We are very proud of the fact that our faculty is comprised of professional adult teachers who have had excellent training and/or professional experience as dancers themselves. Student Assistants are utilized only under the supervision of our professional staff.
Q) IF MY CHILD STAYED WITH YOUR PROGRAM ALL THE WAY THROUGH WOULD THEY BE ABLE TO AUDITION FOR DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OR COLLEGES?
A) YES! Our purpose is to give dance students a strong foundation in dance to apply in whatever manner they wish. The most valuable asset of good comprehensive training is the choices it affords its recipients, whether pursuing a professional career, higher education, or dance as a life-long avocation.
We are proud of the fact that all of our students who have pursued dance through higher education or in the professional world have done exceedingly well in attaining their goals, often receiving scholarships and awards for their outstanding abilities and work ethic.
Q) WHY DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO START OUT WITH BALLET?
A) See descriptions below.
BECAUSE ... The foundational years of a student's training are the most important. The Opus curriculum provides a solid foundation for the development of full potentials, and provides skills that last a lifetime
BECAUSE ... Ballet technique is the basis of our curriculum. It develops strength, line, center, flexibility, coordination, and a good academic knowledge of dance.
BECAUSE ... If it's worth doing it's worth doing right! Few of the students who undertake dance training will become professional dancers, and few parents will have that aspiration for their child. But that is no reason to minimize the importance of the study. After all, dance education is just that - EDUCATION - and should be thought of as any other form of learning. In fact, many children learn to play sports without intending to become professional athletes, but you still expect good coaching. They study music without the expectation of a professional career, yet you expect them to learn the basics of music theory. If your child does not wish to become a Scientist you still insist on an accurate education in this and all other academic subjects. You should insist on no less for your child's study of dance!
Q) CAN I OBSERVE MY CHILD'S CLASS?
A) YES! You are invited to observe classes! We find that the parents who know the most about our program are the most supportive. Parents, grandparents and guardians are always welcome to observe classes at Opus II. Here are a few simple rules to follow when observing classes.
- Enjoy the class quietly.
- If you have youngsters, please be considerate of noise which may cause distractions for the class. Younger non-dancing children may be unintentionally disruptive.
- If observation space is limited, please take turns.
- Please resist the temptation to correct your child from the "sidelines".
Q) IS THERE A PLACE WHERE I MAY WAIT WHILE MY CHILD IS IN CLASS?
A) YES! In fact some of our parents tell us that the time their child is in class is the most restful time of their day. They enjoy reading and listening to the music. Some even enjoy a short nap.
Q) IN WHAT WAYS MAY I COMMUNICATE WITH THE TEACHER?
A) See the following excerpt from our "Guide for Parents"
Announcements ... Rehearsal schedules, audition notices, special events, scheduling changes, etc. are routinely placed on the bulletin board and sent to our e-mail list. Extra copies are placed in the waiting areas for distribution. As young dancers are not always mindful of this information, parents are encouraged to check regularly. If you are a regular e-mailer you should request to be placed on the Opus Student e-mail list by sending a message to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
requesting to be placed on the list.
Concerns & Special Needs ... Occasional circumstances may need special attention. Please use the following preferred methods to bring concerns to the attention of the director.
While personal contact may be necessary for follow-up, keep in mind the hectic schedule under which the director and faculty members work. If the teacher is "on the run" between classes, it is not a good time to approach concerns. It is better to leave a message which can be given full attention at a less stressful time.
The following concerns should be brought to the attention of the director.
- Questions concerning progress - If your child is having trouble "keeping up" he/she may have been placed in the wrong level, or perhaps a little special coaching is in order.
- Student/Teacher relationships - If your child is having trouble understanding a teacher's corrections, every attempt will be made to come to a satisfactory solution for all involved.
- Student-to-student relationships - Students are expected to conduct themselves properly and respect faculty and peers. If this is not the case, every attempt will be made to bring the parties to an understanding.
- Personal Problems - Occasionally a student has a personal problem which needs special support. Please bring these concerns to the attention of the director.
Q) WILL MY CHLD HAVE A CHANCE TO PERFORM?
A) YES! See performance opportunities on the Opus page on this website.
Q) IS THERE SOME KIND OF GUIDE THAT WILL HELP ME KNOW THE RULES?
A) YES! A Guide for Parents is available at our reception desk or downloadable from the Opus page on this website. Registration Brochures may also be downloaded ... OR ... if you would like to visit our studio please contact us for an appointment. We would welcome your visit.
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