How does DI determine level placements?

Because DI is a curriculum-based studio, our teachers primarily work from a list of predetermined skills and expectations for each level. These skills are incorporated into our lesson plans throughout the year so that between August and May, all students are exposed to the material they need to master to advance from their current level.

Each DI teacher meets independently with the studio owners to provide their evaluations of each student and make their recommendation for class placement. Final level placement decisions are made by the studio owners.

what factors determine where my child is placed?

In addition to mastery of the curriculum, other factors that help us determine level placement are:

  • A student’s focus, work ethic, and maturity

  • Their attendance record

  • Natural facility

  • Age

  • The general level of the group/studio as a whole (so that we can create level groupings where students of similar ability can be both challenged and successful)

  • The dynamics of the group the student would be entering

my child is disappointed in their level placement - can you talk to them?

Level placements can be such a tricky topic to discuss, and we know that sometimes the placement we receive is not what we were expecting or hoping for. We encourage all parents and dancers to remember that when we are placing students in levels, we are primarily looking for a fit that will be challenging but not overwhelming to that student. Advancing a student too quickly or before they are ready can very quickly lead to stress and burnout—and this is the last thing we want for our students. We truly take time to look at each student during the level placement process to ensure we place them in a level where they can ultimately be successful.

If the answers here don’t help you explain to your dancer the reason for their placement, we would be happy to set up a meeting between studio owner(s), parent(s), and dancer to discuss level placement. You can request a meeting by emailing us at hello@danceinnovationspac.com.

My child wants to try a new style of dance—how do i figure out what level to put them in?

First: check your parent portal account! When fall registration opens, our team puts in pre-approved classes for each student. If the style you are looking to try is listed under pre-approved, you’ll know exactly which class to register them for.

If the style you are wanting to try is not listed under pre-approved classes, please email hello@danceinnovationspac.com to set up a free trial class in that style. We will have your child attend the class and afterwards, the teacher will make a recommendation for a level where your student can be both challenged and feel successful.

how often should i expect my child to move up?

DI’s curriculum is designed for students to move up a numbered level approximately every two to three years. There are intermediary levels (for example, Level IA and IB) that help designate when a student is showing advancement but isn’t quite ready to move to the next full level.

As a general rule, the more often a student is in class (regardless of style), the more likely they are to be processing and mastering the material. Students who take multiple classes per week are more likely to advance on the “every other year” schedule than students who take fewer classes per week. A student who takes tap and ballet, for example, has more time per week to really master the details of timing and musicality that are necessary to advance in both styles than a student who only takes one class per week.

Some classes (Creative Movement, Ballet/Tap Combo, Primary A, and Open Level classes) are age-based only. Your age for the year is determined as of October 31st (so a dancer turning 13 on November 15 would still take the 8-12 class for the current year and move up the following year).

how can i help my child advance faster?

  1. Have great attendance. Come to class regularly and when you miss, contact the front desk to schedule a make up.

  2. Stay focused and work hard in class. Take every correction the teacher gives, even if it was given to another dancer.

  3. Take multiple styles of dance. A lot of technique as well as musicality, body awareness, strength, and flexibility transcend genre and help create a more well-rounded dancer!

  4. Take ballet—and as much as you can! Each academy level offers ballet at least two times per week. We highly encourage dancers to take as much ballet as possible.

  5. Hone your technique by taking classes in a level lower than your current placement. A dancer in level II, for example, could take classes in level I and use that time with simpler combinations to focus on improving their foundational technique.

my dancer’s new level doesn’t work with our family’s schedule. What should I do?

We completely understand how busy our families are! If you are unable to make your dancer’s new level work in their schedule, we encourage you to have your dancer take one level below their new placement. Our staff will be sure to offer additional options and challenges to them during class to help them continue to progress.