Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CityDance different?

CityDance School & Conservatory provides over 700 students a year with high-level dance
training, including an intense pre-professional training program that prepares young dancers for
professional careers. With our recent expansion, we have become a multi-location school
allowing for the opportunity to grow and enhance CityDances programs. Our Curriculum is
designed to develop the next generation of dance performers and innovators. The well rounded
core training consists of a ballet program rooted in Vaganova principles, modern and
contemporary techniques, as well as jazz, hip hop, Bollywood, Sri Lankan and Afro-Fusion.
What programs does CityDance offer?
Little Movers: Discovering Dance (Ages 4-7)
This is the entry-level, rooted in a fundamental understanding of childrens developmental
phases. Training is geared towards perceptual motor development, locomotor, axial, gross, and
fine motor skills. Classes also provide basic technical knowledge with an emphasis on
imagination and creativity.
Lower School: The Formative Years of Training (Ages 7-12)
Lower School students build a solid foundation in classical and contemporary technique and
develop their performance skills. Classes emphasize the development of artistic sensibility,
musicality, and creative thinking. Study in multiple genres is required. At this stage these
students are also eligible to be tracked for the Select or Conservatory programs. All Lower
School students participate in the culminating Children & Youth Concert (C & Y) on the main
stage of the 2,000-seat Concert Hall at Strathmore Music Center in North Bethesda.
Upper School: Select/Conservatory (Ages 13- 19)
Select: The Select program is for students who show dedication and promise but may not
necessarily desire a professional performance career. Often, Select students excel in a single
genre or have extra-curricular and academic activities that preclude them from the time
commitment required of Conservatory level studies. Students in the Select program may be
identified for Conservatory advancement when they demonstrate elevated technique and artistic
promise. Students may also take Conservatory classes in specific genres in which they excel.
Conservatory: The Conservatory is for young dancers who are ready for intensive study and
the demand of the professional world. Students who show talent, drive and desire -- and are

able to make the time commitment to pursue pre-professional dance -- may be selected by
Artistic Director Lorraine Spiegler for the Conservatory. In addition to spending 15 plus hours
per week on intensive study, Conservatory dancers uniquely benefit from CityDances bridge to
the professional world, by studying with professionals in the Saturday Master Class Series,
Residencies as well as performing with professionals as part of the CityDance Presents season.
Conservatory graduates have been accepted into many leading dance college and university
programs including Alvin Ailey/Fordham, SUNY Purchase, and The Juilliard School as well as
given offers to professional companies such as Houston Ballet II and Ballet West.
How do I know which class is right for my child?
Initial placement in the Little Movers and Lower School are done primarily by age and
developmental progress. For Upper School:Select/Conservatory, placement is determined
based on experience, talent, ability, and commitment. All placements are evaluated and
approved by Artistic Director Lorraine Spiegler and programming staff.
Can my child join mid-season?
Entering CityDance School and Conservatory in September for school year placement is ideal in
order to maximize training, growth, and performance opportunities. Under special
circumstances, for example, previous training from a professional school, evaluations and
acceptance can be considered on a rolling admissions.
Do you accept online payments?
Yes, all online payments are processed through a secure online merchant system. CityDance
does not accept American Express. When you are ready to register, online payment instructions
will be sent by registrar@citydance.net.
Are there additional fees with the program?
All students are required to pay $75.00 performance fee per class up to four classes at the time
of enrollment to cover costs associated with costumes, rentals of the Strathmore Music Hall,
and extra staffing for rehearsals. There are additional fees and coaching payments for School
and Conservatory students who participate in the Youth America Grand Prix, or other
competitions/performance opportunities such as NYCDA that require choreography, coaching,
costuming, and travel expenses.

How will I be notified of last minute changes to my childs schedule?

Our main communication method for essential program and schedule details is by email. All
parents will receive a monthly newsletter from the Artistic Directors staff with an overview of
events. It is the parents responsibility to notify CityDance staff of updated email addresses.
Select and Conservatory weekly emails from the Conservatory Manager, with specific rehearsal
and coaching schedule, as well as program updates, will also be sent.
What happens if we need to miss a class?

A student may make up missed classes within the session of the date of absence. To
schedule a make up class contact Assistant Registrar, Vanessa Levros, who will
coordinate with program staff to propose an appropriate class for the make-up. On the
day of the make-up class, students must sign in at the front desk.
Short-notice/day of absence: Email or call the front desk (notice will be passed
on to the instructor, Kaitlin Madzelan and Lorraine Spiegler)
Extended Absence: Email Lorraine Spiegler and cc Sarah J. Ewing