Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dance attire or uniform?

All students are expected to wear the class leotard assigned to that level, pink ballet tights, and canvas ballet slippers with leather permitted for younger students in Levels 4 and below.(Cinnamon Tree in Herndon sells dance clothing. A ballet skirt is reserved for pointe students in Level 6 and up. All students must wear their hair pulled back in a neat bun with no bangs or wisps unless their hair is too short. Although we are sensitive to modesty for our students, we are first and foremost a classical ballet school. We do consider our students’ ages and choose appropriate costuming for them.

What is sacred dance?

Katy Eurich began being asked to present dance in church services while still professionally performing. It was during this time she was drawn to the beauty and power of sacred dance. Sacred dance embodies all movement that expresses or enhances spiritual experiences divine in nature. It may be a part of a worship service, a performance or a private spiritual practice. Rooted from our Judeo-Christian beliefs, the sacred dance at CDT is often performed in our annual spring production.

Do the students at CDT ever move on to dance professionally?

Almost all of our students who graduate from CDT either move on to study dance (in some form or another) or teach. Some students are pursuing a professional career in ballet and attend professional dance schools for their summer training. However, many of our students are dancers that desire professional training but know they will not dance professionally. They are not interested in recreational or competition studios and still want professional classical training.

Our students have been accepted, and moved onward, to train at institutions such as the Joffrey Ballet, City Ballet of San Diego, Belhaven University Dance Department, Mercyhurst University Dance Department, Elon University Dance Department as either company trainees/apprentices, or B.A., B.F.A., or a Minor in Dance students. Other students move on to teach, or join dance clubs/teams at the post graduate school they attend. Almost all of our students that graduate remain to have dance in their lives and dance continues to be a very important and fulfilling part of their life.

How do students move up or receive solo roles?

We base student's class placement first on ability, rather than age.  Also, students taking multiple classes weekly and/or summer dance in comparison to those who do not may advance quicker regardless of their age. Solo roles in our performances are based on how quickly students pick up material, their ability to act or express themselves on stage, and their technical ability. We also consider how much time a student spends on their dancing and will often consider a role for them in order to encourage their hard work. Students are never entitled to specific roles. We always try and make sure each student feels like they are getting a fair time on stage. We want each student to feel important, no matter what role they get.