Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that due to COVID and other circumstances that any FAQs and Policies are subject to change.
CONTACT & GENERAL INFORMATION
Where are you located?
We have two locations for your convenience Southeast Michigan.
Birmingham Location:
685 S. Adams Rd
Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone: (248)-901-4454
email: infomi@nextstepbroadway.com
Located in Adams Square Plaza between maple and Lincoln rd
Southfield Location:
30860 Southfield Rd
Southfield, MI 48076
Phone: (248) 712-4443
email: infomi@nextstepbroadway.com
Located off of 13 Mile Rd next to CVS & behind Little Caesars (look for the CVS Pharmacy Drive Thru our entrance across from it)
What is your contact info?
Birmingham Location:
Phone: (248)-901-4454
Email: infomi@nextstepbroadway.com
Southfield Location
Phone: (248) 712-4443
Email: infomi@nextstepbroadway.com
What are your hours of operation?
During the school year, we typically have a front desk representative available:
- Birmingham Fall Office Hours:
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- Monday & Tuesday 10am-7pm
- Wednesday & Thursday 12pm-7pm
- Saturday 10am-1pm
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- Southfield Fall Office Hours:
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- Monday through Thursday 12pm-7pm
- Saturdays 10am-1pm
CLASS INFORMATION
What is the benefit of taking dance lessons?
Dancing is great for children. It increases coordination, grace & poise, and encourages creativity. Dance improves self-esteem and promotes a sense of pride. Dance classes enhance social skills, independence and discipline.
What ages do you teach?
We have classes available for ages 2 and up (2 years-old by September 1st)
*We sometimes have adult classes as well.
How long is a dance class?
Classes range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the class.
When does registration begin?
- For the Full Season (Sept-June), current families get Priority Registration and typically begin enrolling their dancers into classes starting in April. Registration is open to all on June 1st or earlier.
- For the Summer Session, current families will have a priority period typically in March or April. Registration is open to all on May 1st or earlier.
When is the last day we can register?
- Full Season (September through June): The last Saturday in October is the last day to register for classes. We highly recommend to register as soon as possible since tuition is NOT prorated for the month and your dancer may need to make-up all classes missed. There are also limited spots in each class. So claim your spot as soon as possible before it’s too late.
- The Summer Session is typically ongoing and we have drop-in rates. However, dancers are encouraged to take classes for the full 5 to 6-week long summer session to get the most out of the dance lessons. Once again, there is no proration for missed classes.
Am I committed to stay for the whole year/session?
We encourage performers to stay for the entire year so they can shine on stage in the recital. Performers will benefit by getting the most out of their dance education and learn about commitment & follow through. However, you may cancel your child’s dance education at any time. Please keep in mind our withdrawal policy and recital fee policy mentioned below.
Can my child try a class first before deciding?
Absolutely! Your child may try a class before deciding. The trial period ends the last Saturday of October. There is a non-refundable $20 trial fee (cash or check only) for trial classes.* A trial form must be filled out at the front desk. If your child/you like the class, then you must register and pay all required tuition and registration fees for the class. The $20 will go towards tuition. Please keep in mind, that the $20 does not reserve your spot for the class. (RIGHT NOW, WE ARE OFFERING TRY THE CLASS FIRST BEFORE DECIDING)*
What if my child doesn’t like the class?
We can try to switch/transfer classes for your child needs. If that does not fit your child’s needs, then you may withdraw your child from the class. You must submit a written withdrawal notice before the following month starts (the 1st) to avoid charging your account. You may e-mail us at infomi@nextstepbroadway.com, send us a letter at 685 S. Adams Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009, or fill out a withdrawal form in person at the front desk. Paid tuition fees, registration fees, and the recital fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
What if my child misses a class, can they make it up?
Yes. If a dancer misses a class and advance notice has been given, that dancer may attend a comparable class given at a different time, if available (the parent must call the studio to schedule). The make-up class should be taken within two weeks of the absence. If a dancer misses two or more classes in a row, it may be necessary to schedule a private lesson with the teacher to learn any missed choreography. Sometimes, the class that your child is taking is one-of-a-kind or unique in that there is not another day or time for that class. For this type of situation, we ask parents to contact us to see what class would be the best fit, if any, for making up their missed class. Once again, there are no credits or pro-ration for missed classes.
What’s the teacher/student ratio?
We try to keep the student/teacher ratio small. For the littlest dancers, the ratio is 10:1. The maximum for our older students is 15 per class. Our limited class sizes allow students to receive more individual attention.
Can I sit in the class to watch my child?
For the best learning experience and least distraction as possible, we ask parents to sit in the front lobby or in the seats that are located near the back of the studio.* We have TV monitors for each dance room in the lobby area to view your child’s class. This will allow you to see your child’s improvement in dance.
Do I have to stay at the studio while my child is dancing?
You don’t have to stay at the studio; we just ask that you are present to pick up your child when the class ends. For the littlest ones who are not potty trained or need help using the bathroom, we ask you to stay.
What does my child wear to class?
The dress code and dance shoes are specific for each class. A dress code is needed so the teacher can see the dancers’ technique and also for the safety of your dancer. Typically, girls must wear a leotard and tights for all classes except Hip Hop. For all classes, hair should be in a ponytail or a bun.
See Detailed Dress Code Below:
Dance attire and shoes can be purchased at our Next Step Store located at the front desk (with the exception of hip hop shoes).
- Acro: Girls: Any color leotard and footless tights OR leggings and a form fitting top. Barefoot. Hair in low ponytail or bun.
- Boys: Fitted shorts or yoga style pants, tee shirt, barefoot
- Pre-Ballet and Ballet Combo Classes: Any color leotard and tights. Hair up in ponytail or bun (out of face and off of neck).
- Ballet (Levels A and up): Girls: Black leotard, ballet pink tights, and pink leather or canvas ballet shoes. No baggy over sweaters. Hair must be in secured ballet bun.
- Boys: black dance pants, white tee shirt, and black ballet shoes
- Hip Hop: Comfortable and cool clothes to move, jump and groove in. Sweatpants or Leggings, Dancewear or Activewear. Knees must be covered. Hair in Ponytail or bun. (Can wear leotard and tights if have multiple classes). Shoes: black high-top Converse All-Stars (Chuck Taylors). Hair is ponytail or bun (out of face and off of neck).
- All Other Classes Dance Attire (Musical Theatre, Jazz, Contemp., Creative Movement): Any color leotard, any color tights, dancewear, activewear, leggings, form-fitting top. Hair in ponytail or bun, required shoes.
- Please no: shorts (except form-fitting dance shorts with tights underneath), dresses, long skirts, loose clothing, gum, candy, & jewelry.
Where can I get shoes, clothes, etc?
We sell dance attire and dance shoes here at the studio: The Next Step Store. Hip Hop shoes can be bought at Journey’s, Target, Footlocker, Kids Footlocker, and Footaction.
What training do your teachers have?
Each instructor at Next Step Broadway has been specifically selected to teach classes based on their area of expertise and training. Their individual bios online: Click Here
TUITION & BILLING
How much are classes?
The tuition for each class ranges between $60-$175 per month depending on the length of the class.
What do I need to pay upfront to secure my child’s spot in a class?
- Registration Fee ($20 first child, $15 second child, $50 family max)
- First Month’s Tuition (September) and Last Month’s Tuition (June)
Are there any discounts?
Yes. When you register for 2 to 3 classes you’ll get a 5% discount off your monthly tuition. If you register for more than 4 classes you’ll get 10% discount off your monthly tuition. This is per family.
Do I get a discount if I pay in full for the year?
Yes. You will get a 5% discount off the year if you paid in full. This must be paid at the time of enrollment and is NON-REFUNDABLE!!!
What if I start mid-month? Is tuition prorated?
If you register mid-month, you will be charged the full month’s tuition in addition to a non-refundable $20.00 registration fee ($15 for second student, $50 max per family). Tuition is not prorated. Your child may make-up any days missed in your enrolled month you enrolled late. The make-up class would have to be the same or similar to the class in which your child is enrolled. The make-up classes can be spread out through the end of this year (must be completed before the holiday break in December). It is highly recommended that your child make-up the missed classes as soon as possible because during the beginning of the year, most of the fundamentals are taught.
Can I pay in Cash or Check?
Payment in cash or check is accepted if paid before the 1st of the month or your credit card on file will be charged. Next Step Broadway LLC, requires families to have a credit card on file. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
How am I billed?
You will be billed through your credit card every first of the month. We do not send out monthly statements. You can always log onto your portal account to view payments and receipts. Any account unpaid after the (15th) of the month will have a $15.00 late charge applied their accounts. Click here to log into your account if you are a current Next Step Broadway family.
What is your refund policy?
All tuition, registration fees and recital fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Will you still charge my account the full month’s tuition if my child missed a class?
Yes, your account will be charged. Any attendance during a month constitutes a full month’s tuition. There is no proration. Missed classes can be made up if advance notice is given (refer to Make-ups).
What is your withdrawal policy?
You must submit a written withdrawal notice before the following month starts (the 1st) to avoid us charging your credit card on file. You may e-mail us at infomi@nextstepbroadway.com, send us a letter at 685 S. Adams Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009 (must be received before the 1st), or fill out a withdrawal form in person at the front desk. There are no refunds for the month if the withdrawal notice is submitted on or after the first of the month. Tuition and registration fees are all NON-REFUNDABLE.
Are there any additional fees?
- We have a $20 registration fee for the first child, $15 registration fee for the second child and $50 max registration fee per family.
- A recital fee that will be charged to your credit card on file. The recital fee includes one costume, recital video access, one participation award, and one souvenir recital t-shirt. A recital fee for the second class and all recital classes thereafter will be charged an additional recital fee. (We email families the fee amount in an email prior to charging the fee on November 1st).
- You are also responsible for purchasing recital tickets which range from $10-25 per ticket.
- Recital DVDs are an extra charge if available. Digital Downloads of your recital are available with your Recital Fee, but not a physical DVD.
- We also have a $15 late fee for any tuition that is not paid by the 15th of any month. We will contact you by phone and/or e-mail. If tuition is not paid by the 15th of any month, we will charge your account the $15 late fee.
- A $15 Shipping and Handling fee for a Recital Costume will be charged to late enrollments into a recital class if enrolled after Recital Costumes are ordered.
- If you transfer to a new class after your Recital Costume was already ordered AND your new class has a DIFFERENT costume, a $100 Costume Process Fee and a $15 Shipping and Handling fee will be charged. (You will be able to keep your costume from your old class and there are no refunds on Recital/Costume fees since the costume manufacturers offer no refunds).
What other extra expenses/fees should we be aware of?
Some extra expenses/fees include but limited to dance shoes, hair ties, face masks, bottled water, tights, dance attire, make-up, recital fee, tickets to the show, convention fees, competition fees, etc.
RECITALS
When is the recital?
The recital is typically on the weekend before Memorial Day weekend. We ask families to block that Friday through Sunday before Memorial Day weekend for Recital Weekend. We post the date under the ‘Recital’ tab on our website.
Does my child have to be in the recital?
We would love your dancer to shine on stage! The recital is like the ‘big game’ of the season. During the recital, dancers get to know the behind-the-scenes of putting on a production. They will also perform a dance routine with the steps, skills, and technique they have learned throughout the year. Performing on stage is more than just dance. Performers learn to be courageous, learn how to express themselves, and learn how to be the best that they can be. For these reasons, we encourage all of our dancers to participate in the year-end recital. However, you may opt-out so your child does not perform in the recital but, we need to know before Dec 1st if your child is not participating. We will charge a non-refundable recital fee on Dec 1st and begin ordering costumes. In January, the dancers start learning the recital dance. This will let the instructor know the proper placement of all students in the class.
Is the recital an extra charge?
Yes. An additional non-refundable recital fee is required for participation in the end-of-year recital. The recital fees arer determined at the beginning of the year and we will email families prior to charging the recital fee on November 1st. The recital fee includes recital video digital access, the recital costume with tights or socks if applicable, recital t-shirt* and participation award*. There is assigned seating to all recital shows and recital tickets must be purchased.
*One recital t-shirt per child and one participation award per child
What to expect in the recital lobby and in the auditorium?
- Drop-off Area
- Backdrop in the lobby to take pictures
- Assigned seating in the auditorium (tickets needed)
- No food or drink in the auditorium
- No photography or video recording of any kind in the auditorium (the recital will be professionally recorded and you may take pictures before and after the show)
- Cell phone and other devices turned off please
- And of course a great show starring your performer(s)!
How many recital shows do you have?
We typically run 3-4 recitals depending how many families, classes, students, and seats we have.
What time are your recitals?
Our recitals can begin as early as 10am or as late as 6pm.
How long are your recitals?
Our recitals typically run anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending how many families, classes and students we have.
If my child or children is in more than one class at your studio, will they be in one show?
We do not guarantee families who are taking multiple classes to be in only one show. We try our best in creating the recital schedule to accommodate as many families as possible.
If I am more than one show, do I get free tickets?
Yes. If you have a dancer/dancers in multiple shows, you will get a $40 credit towards your April tuition to offset purchasing tickets.*
*Please note that due to COVID that this is subject to change
Do I have to stay for the entire show?
We would love for you to stay for the entire show. Let’s support the dancers performing on stage and their families by staying and applauding. The recitals are fairly short and will be entertaining. Getting up during a performance is also a distraction to fellow audience members and the dancers on stage.
When do tickets go on sale?
Near the end of April or by Mid-May.
How much are tickets?
- $10-$25 online depending where your selected seats are located in the auditorium.
- Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $20-25.
MISC INFORMATION
Do you have adult classes?
At this time we do not offer any adult dance classes. However, if you are interested please contact us so we can put you on our interest list.
What is “Bring a Friend to Class Week”? (CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)
Bring a Friend to Class week is an exciting time for students. It usually happens in October when all of our dancers can each bring ONE friend to enjoy and experience a dance class. No dance shoes required. Invitations are sent out for our performers to give to a friend.
What is “Visiting Week”? (CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE)
During Parent Visiting week, parents/family members are invited to visit their child(ren)’s dance classes. We allow each student two guests to come and watch their class. We hope to demonstrate to you the progress your child is making with the guidance of his/her instructor. It is an enjoyable and informative experience for all the students, teachers and parents. We schedule two parent visiting weeks during the year: typically in November and in March or April.
Do you give any referral discounts?
We do not give out any ongoing discounts for referrals; however, we may have referral special events.
Are there any incentives or bonuses for signing up?
Yes. Each family will have access to the 24/7 Family Portal which allows you to view important studio information, billing info, classes and more. In addition, when you become a current Next Step Broadway Family, you will receive Priority Registration and get the first pick of the classes before anyone else for the following year!
Are there any special events for families or dancers?
Absolutely! We love providing fun activities for your dancers here at Next Step Broadway! We have fun nights for our dancers throughout the year such as Activities Night, Dance Parties and PJs & Popcorn. We also hold weekly events for our dancers such as Bring a Friend to Dance Week, Halloween Dress-Up Week, Why I Love Dance Week and more! Some teachers even do a mini-monthly disco dance party in their classes.*
*Please note that some events above are cancelled until further notice. Please refer to the calendar in the your Family Portal Account to view special events.
More Questions? Then please give us a call at 248-901-4454 or email us at infomi@nextstepbroadway.com. We’d be more than happy to assist you.
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