Frequently Asked Questions

EWD = Elizabeth Williams Dancers
EWSD = Elizabeth Williams School of Dance


EWSD Classes:

Do I have to take classes at EWSD in order to be in the company?
Yes, each membership level has a minimum class requirement that must be taken at EWSD.

If my child is not interested in taking all the required classes, what options do we have for the child to be involved in the company?
EWD is founded on the principle of expanding dance art, education, and experience to our local families.  The required curriculum is the minimum amount of weekly dance hours to prepare the dancer for performances and their personal dance advancement.

For outside EWSD dancers, how many of the required classes do they have to take at EWSD?
We understand that a dancer may have other studios for classes, however all company dancers will have class requirements at EWSD based on level policy, regardless of their previous studio history.

Will non-company dancers participate in the same EWSD studio classes as company dancers?
EWSD will have company only classes.  All other classes are open to the general public and non-company EWSD dancers.  Most of the open classes are recital performance classes and will comprise of both company dancers as well as non-company dancers.


Financial:

For the membership deposit due at audition, if we decide not to participate in the company will the deposit be refunded?
EWD will issue refunds for the membership deposit up to 30 days after the company audition the deposit was paid.

If I have already paid for classes prior to audition and placement, how will I be refunded the cost difference?
Membership cost savings will be credited to the dancers account for the following session billing.

How does the EWSD Boys Scholarship Program affect EWD required classes cost?
In short, the scholarship will still be: 1st class = Boys Ballet, 2nd class = pay for either ballet/tap/jazz at a member rate, and then any additional ballet class tuition is on scholarship.  Any additional tap/jazz classes will be paid at a member rate.

When are the membership fees due?
Membership fees are due at the beginning of the season (September).  EWD will provide detail information to the members each year with specific dates and amounts due.


Membership:

How soon after the audition will the family know what level they have been assigned?
Families will receive membership level assignments via email the night of the audition.

If my child has an interest in an area other than dance, how can they get involved in the company?
We encourage all family members to experience the ins and outs of a dance company and it's performance productions.  This includes: videography, photography, social marketing, backstage management, and more.  Notify the staff at the company audition of the child's interest and we will design tasks based off the child's age and experience.

Do I have to be in the winter production in order to be in the company?
An EWD company member that is not in the winter production needs to apply for a "leave of absence" with the Artistic Director.  Some member benefits, such as "EWSD class tuition discounts" may be removed.

Time Commitment:

As a parent what is the time commitment I am required to make for my child to be a part of the company?
Company tasks, which are assigned based on family prioritized preferences, have different monthly time commitments and intensity which allows families to customize and pinpoint towards "less busy" times of the year.  One to five hours per week is a general guideline depending on task selections.


When will rehearsals for company performances be held, and how often throughout the year can we expect rehearsals to be scheduled outside of normal class time?
All rehearsals are outside normal class times.  The first possible time will be Sunday's approximately 1-5pm.  Other days and times will be based off of dancer and director availability.