LEVEL STRUCTURE & PLACEMENT

PLACEMENT

All incoming students ages 9 and up should be placed prior to enrolling. New students can attend 1 free open class (ages 12+) in the summer for placement purposes or a separate placement class (ages 9+) when scheduled. Ages 9-10 can enroll in the Daisies level without placement, but should take a placement class to be considered for Lilies if they have prior experience.

Students who leave Doxa but return after one or more semesters (not including summers) will need to be reevaluated for placement upon re-entry to the program.

If you need placement, please email doxadanceministry@gmail.com

TO BE EVALUATED FOR LEVEL PLACEMENT:

All options below can be found in the Parent Portal under Register for Classes.

SUMMER OPEN CLASS

Best option for dancers 12+, choose one open class to attend. Email us if you need help choosing which level class to take.

SUMMER CAMP

Best option for dancers 9-11 or beginners 12+, enroll in a summer camp during which teachers will evaluate you for season placement.

PLACEMENT CLASS

Next class: July 30, 2022

10 - 10:45 am | Ages 9-12

10:45 - 11:45 am | Ages 13+

LOWER SCHOOL

Lower School Levels are determined by age at season start date (typically the first Tuesday after Labor Day). Sometimes exceptions are made for September birthdays; an age exception must be requested by email.

Rosebuds must be potty-trained and MUST be three by the first day of classes - no exceptions will be made to this rule.

Many students will have birthdays during the year which make them older than the starting age for their class, but they will not change levels until the following season (school year). Students are only very rarely placed above their age level which is strictly at the instructor's discretion with permission of the director.

If you have a concern about your child's placement, particularly if you think they would do better in a younger class, please let us know. We want to ensure every child is in a class where they will succeed.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Intermediate School Levels are determined by placement. Instructors look at age, maturity and respect shown in class, and a student's sense of ownership regarding their own learning. Experience and technical accomplishment matter, but a student who is diligent, attentive, and does not socialize in class will likely progress more quickly than his or her peers.

A minimum of two technique classes per week are required for Lilacs and Irises.

Pre-Pointe is a supplemental class and requires separate placement. Generally, Irises are eligible; sometimes Lilacs are offered this class if capacity allows.

Advancement is by recommendation of the instructor (based on bi-annual written evaluations) in conference with the director. Adjustments mid-year to leveling (up or down) will be made if it is determined to be in the student's and class' best interests by the instructor.

UPPER SCHOOL

Upper School Levels are determined by placement. Work ethic, classroom etiquette including respect shown to teachers and others, the ability to pick up and retain choreography, technical execution, and mental fortitude are all elements that are considered when placing students.

Upper School students receive two separate placements - technique (Tulips, Violets, Orchids), pointe (Pre-Pointe, Pointe I - IV). Advancement is by recommendation of the instructor (based on bi-annual written evaluations) in conference with the director. Adjustments mid-year to leveling (up or down) will be made if it is determined to be in the student's and class' best interests by the instructor.

Typically, students spend two to four years at a level, but may progress more quickly with consistent stretching outside of class, by taking multiple classes per week, and by fully applying themselves diligently in every class. A minimum of 2 technique classes per week are required for Tulips, Violets, and Orchids.

If a dancer has a school or work-related conflict with one of the required days, arrangements can be made with the director regarding other classes to take to meet the minimum requirement of placement in these levels. However, this may affect performance opportunities since most rehearsals align with the Monday/Thursday technique class schedule.

PRE-POINTE & POINTE

Doxa provides pointe readiness (pre-pointe) and pointe classes separate from technique classes. These classes are all by placement only. There will not be pointe-specific instruction in the technique class time, and dancers should have a minimum of two years on pointe before taking technique class in their pointe shoes.

Previous placement on pointe at another studio does not guarantee approval for pointe at Doxa. Please do not purchase pointe shoes before being informed by Doxa that your dancer has been approved for pointe instruction.