St. Margaret's Episcopal School Extension Programs

Welcome to the St. Margaret’s Dance Conservatory, part of Extension Programs.

Classes are offered for students in Early School through Grade 5 and take place on campus after school. Dance classes run for the entire school year and there is no need to re-register at any point during the year.

All dance curriculum is age appropriate for the dancers at each developmental stage of their dance training.

We offer jazz, ballet, lyrical, tap, and creative dance. All classes combine high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development.

Dance classes are open to boys and girls of all levels of experience and culminate in two exciting performances, one informal performance in December and a formal concert in April where students will share their accomplishments.

Registration is closed.

FAQ's

Below you will find answer to most common questions regarding the Dance Conservatory. If you have further questions contact Kirsten Harvey, Dance Conservatory Director at [email protected]

WHAT is the Dance Conservatory?

The Dance Conservatory is part of St. Margaret’s Extension Programs with the purpose of supporting the school’s mission to educate the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership and service. We offer classes to St. Margaret’s students from Early School through Grade 5.

WHO teaches Dance Conservatory classes?

Classes are taught by highly qualified, professional and experienced dance instructors.

WHEN and WHERE do classes meet?

All dance classes take place either in the PAC (Performing Arts Center) or CDS (Campaigne Dance Studio). Classes meet once per week. Students can be enrolled in more than one dance class.

What are the CLASSROOM PROCEDURES?

Early School

Pick Up and Drop Off

Instructor will meet dancers right outside of the Early School entrance on Chalmers Field. Please make sure your dancer is changed and ready to go to class by 2:55 p.m.

Instructor will bring dancers back to the same location, Chalmers Field, for pick up at 4:00 p.m.

Class Time

Dancers will walk into the dance room with their teacher. Parents are not permitted in the dance room during the class sessions unless the teacher has scheduled an observation day or needs assistance with costumes.

Kindergarten through Grade 5

Pick Up and Drop Off

Dance students will meet at the club meeting locations and an Instructional Assistant or Dance Instructor will escort the dancers to the appropriate dance studio. Plan to pick up your dancer in the PAC parking lot near the rock fountain by the Performing Arts Center (PAC). If you are running late your child will be escorted to Extended Day. Fees will apply.

Class Time

Dancers will change in the PAC dressing rooms or Lower School bathrooms. If your child needs assistance changing, as most dancers in Kindergarten to Grade 2 do, please practice with them how to put on their leotards and leggings. Teachers are not allowed to help dancers get dressed. Dancers will walk into the dance room with their teacher. Parents are not permitted into the dance room during the class sessions unless the teacher has scheduled an observation day or needs assistance with costumes.

How much is the FEE and what does it include?

The fee covers the entire 2023-2024 school year. The cost varies slightly per class section because it is based on the number of meetings. The costume for the Spring Dance Concert is included in the registration fee.

What is the REFUND POLICY?

Participating in the Dance Conservatory is a full-year commitment. NO REFUNDS for classes after September 8, 2023.

How will my child get to their dance class after school - do I need to come to school?

YES for Early School students! Children MUST be signed out of the Early School by a parent per California Law, no exceptions.

NO for Lower School students. Children will be escorted to the dance room by a teacher or afternoon staff member.

Where do I PICK UP after class?

Students must be picked up at the designated location, either at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) parking lot or Lower School parking lot, or in front of the Early School, tbd. Please respect the instructor's time and arrive promptly for pick up.

What does my child WEAR to class?

Dancers wear UNIFORMS to all dance classes. The dress code is listed in each class description.

More on UNIFORMS...

Early School through Kindergarten

GIRLS

Black leotard, black leggings, pink ballet shoes and black tap shoes

BOYS

White T-Shirt, black fitted athletic pants, black jazz pants or black fitted athletic shorts. Black ballet shoes and black tap shoes

Grades 1 through 5

GIRLS

Black leotard, black leggings

Ballet/Lyrical - Pink ballet shoes, tan jazz shoes

Jazz/Tap - Tan jazz shoes and black tap shoes

BOYS

White T-Shirt, black fitted athletic pants, black jazz pants, black fitted athletic shorts

Ballet/Lyrical - Black ballet shoes, black jazz shoes

Jazz/Tap - Black jazz shoes and black tap shoes

Dance Uniforms can be purchased at www.discountdance.com or at Dancer’s Choice in Aliso Viejo.

WHY does my dancer have to follow a DRESS CODE and wear a uniform?

Having a dress code can make it easier for the instructor to spot when a student is not using proper form or is out of sync with a group. Also, it helps to enable students for a fuller range of motion, without any possibility of injury caused by apparel getting in the way.

How do I do my dancers HAIR?

Girls - Bun for Ballet, Ponytail for Tap and Jazz

Boys - Combed back neatly for class

Can I come and WATCH a class from inside the dance studio?

No, parents are not permitted into the dance studio during the class unless the dance instructor has scheduled an observation day or needs assistance with costumes.

SPRING DANCE CONCERT

Saturday, April 20 or tbd - 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Hurlbut Theater

The Spring Concert will be a fully produced dance show and will highlight students in a formal performance along with selected Middle and Upper School performers for inspiration of our younger students. Dance instructors will purchase costumes for the event and performers will dance in the Hurlbut Theater. Dance photographs will be taken for the Spring Concert, and offered online after the show.

WINTER INFORMAL DANCE SHOWING

Saturday, December 2 or tbd – 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Hurlbut Theater

This performance will highlight students’ techniques and combinations. This gives dancers an opportunity to practice dancing in a more informal setting prior to their formal performance in the spring. Note: Students will wear their classroom uniform for this concert.