Parents & Students FAQ’s

 

How do I sign my child up for classes at InSpira?
You may register online through our website or you may register in person with our administrative team. To register, please call (732) 247-2295 for registration days and times. There is a one-time registration fee of $35 for an individual and $50 registration fee for a family.

When do classes begin and end at the InSpira?

Our school follows the Franklin Township School calendar. Our 38-week program begins in September and ends in June. A calendar of events is handed out at registration.

What types of dance lessons do you offer?

We offer Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern (Horton Technique), Hip Hop, Liturgical, African Dance, Combo Classes, Toddler Classes, Adult Classes, Zumba, & Pilates.

At what age do you begin to offer classes?

We offer a Baby Ballet for 2.5-3 year olds and then we have a traditional dance program for ages 3 to adults.

Do you offer scholarships?

Scholarships are offered based on the specific requirements decided by the Co-Founders of InSpira. Applicants must be a current InSpira student. The application deadline is in April.

How many classes must my child take a week?

Student’s ages 2- 6 are only required to take one Creative Movement class per week. All other students may take as many dance classes that are offered for their age group and technical level. If you are in our Academy Program students have to take the required amount of weekly classes plus meet additional commitments.

Do you offer any tuition payment plans?

We offer two tuition payment plans. The first plan is payment in full due at registration with a 5% discount applied. The second plan is 10 installments: September – June.  All tuition is nonrefundable after the student’s first class.

Is there a deadline for registration or is it ongoing?

Registration is accepted through mid January. There is ongoing registration for the fitness classes. Please contact InSpira to receive the appropriate class schedule information for your child. We strongly advise early registration to hold a spot for your child in the classes, as they do tend to fill up quickly.

Do you have performance opportunities?

Students have the opportunity to perform in our Recital at the end of the school year. The recital is held at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick. Students who wish to participate in Recital must register and pay the specific Recital fees during the fall session (before January). Prices are subject to change each year.
Other times InSpira is called out to perform in the community throughout the season. The Academy Program participates in extra curricular opportunities. Also during the summer off-season there may be opportunities for classes to perform at select venues.  The music concert is held at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts in Princeton, NJ.

When are auditions for the Academy Program & what are the requirements?

Auditions for the Academy Program are typically held in the Spring and Summer. Please contact the InSpira staff for details if you are interested in auditioning for the Academy Program. You must be a current InSpira student to audition for the Academy Program. When do you hold auditions for your summer programs?  Please contact Kristine Smith if you are relocating from another state.

Music Student FAQ’s

Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?

It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons by using an electric keyboard to practice on. Most of our students rent or buy small electric keyboards to practice on at home. We recommend a keyboard that has regular sized keys and a touch sensitive response. A touch sensitive keyboard means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter.

Do I need a guitar, violin, or flute for my first lesson?

Yes. We are happy to provide you with a list of local musical instrument retailers. In some cases you may have the option to rent an instrument.

How long does it take to learn an instrument?

There is no set amount of time that it takes to learn an instrument, the main reason being that most students learn at a different pace. The real key to learning an instrument is simple – regular practice, and a basic level of playing can be accomplished in only a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long term basis because they find that the lessons are enjoyable, and they wish to continue their growth and improvement on the instrument.

I don’t have any musical background or ability; can I still help my child practice?

Yes. Even if you don’t have any musical experience you can still rely on the instructor for advice on how to help the child practice. Parents who get involved in their child’s lessons often find it rewarding – and it’s also helpful to the student. Many parents will occasionally sit in on the child’s lesson to get an idea of how the song should go and how they should be holding the instrument.

Do you have performance opportunities?

Students have the opportunity to perform in our year end music concert held at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts in May.  Students who wish to participate in Recital must register and pay the specific Recital fees during by March. Prices are subject to change each year.  There is also a Christmas Concert held in December at InSpira.