Here are some of our most common questions that we are asked by visitors and new families. If you can’t find the answer to your specific question, contact us and we’d be happy to help!

 

Q: What is SMAC?

A: SMAC stands for Sound Movement Arts Center. 

 

Q: Where are you located?

A: 3502 S 12 ST, STE B, Tacoma, WA 98405

 

Q: Where do I park for classes? 

A: There are 28 parking stalls to the side and back of our building as well as parking next to Franklin Park. You should have no trouble finding a spot. Please make sure to lock your car. =)

 

Q: How old does my child have to be to take lessons at SMAC? 

A: We offer classes for students ages 2 and up.

 

Q: What types of classes do you offer? 

A: Please see our Schedule and Class Offerings tabs for the most current styles we offer.

 

Q: How long are your classes?

A: Twinkle Tot (2-3yrs) are 30 minutes. Kids classes (4-7yrs) are 45 minutes. Older student (8+) classes are an hour. 

 

Q: Why are your classes listed as 25, 40 or 55 minutes long, instead of 30, 45 minutes or an hour?  

Our classes are structured like a regular 30, 45 minute or hour long class, but will end 5 minutes early to minimize congestion in the lobby/halls. This small amount of time also allows our staff to monitor the common areas for the safety of our population and gives students/staff with multiple classes a short break in which to change rooms/shoes, etc. Think of this as “Passing Period” in school. 

 

Q: How many “sessions” do you have per year? Are there separate Fall and Spring schedules? 

A: Two. Fall Session and Spring Session. Our dance year runs from September to June, culminating with our annual recital mid-end of June. 

 

Our ten-month schedule gives our instructors the opportunity to know their students well. This in turn allows them to tailor their class format to meet the unique needs of each dancer. However, students may join classes anytime between September-February and still be able to participate in the Recital, though we encourage you to start at the beginning of the dance year to get the most out of it. We do not accept new enrollment past March 1 for Recital classes. 

 

We also have a third session (separate from the regular dance season): Summer Session which happens in July-August with Summer Day Dance Camps and Evening classes. These are announced in April/May and registration is first come first served. 

 

Q: How much does it cost to enroll in classes at SMAC?

A: That depends on how many classes per week you/your child enrolls in. Please see our Tuition Tab for more info. We offer a 15% sibling discount, for families with multiple children wanting to dance. This discount is applied to both students. You will find our rates competitively priced with that of other local studios or community center programs.

 

Q: Why do we have to pay a registration fee to sign up for classes? 

A: The annual registration fee helps us cover additional fees associated with running a business, which occur before our classes begin.

 

Q: When is tuition due? 

A: Tuition is due the 5th of each month and late on the 15th. There will be a $15 late fee assessed for any payment made after the 15th of the month. Auto Pay is required. NO exceptions. Please see our Policy Tab for more info. 

 

Q: Do you accept male students?  

A: Yes! We welcome them into any class, at any age and encourage them to attend classes from both our male and female faculty members in all styles. 

 

Q: My daughter is 12 years old and this will be her first year in dance class. Will she be in a “beginner” class with much younger students? 

A: She will be evaluated in class and placed in a level that is appropriate to her skill level for that style of dance. We encourage you to start in Level 1 and let our staff guide you. This can take time to figure out, but it is much better to promote a child than have to demote them if they are enrolled in an inappropriate level to start. 

 

Our levels (1-4) start at age 8 and we find that this is a good solution for older students just starting out. Most of our classes have both new and current students; more than likely, she will meet another student in her class who is also a beginner. We do our best to group students by age, but firstly by ability, so they can thrive in their class. 

 

Q: Are friends/family allowed to observe classes? 

A: Yes, but only through our glass viewing doors when the lobby is open. Observers are not allowed into the studio during class, unless given prior approval by the instructor. 

 

Q: What does my child have to wear for class?  

A: Proper dance attire is required in order to participate in class. This includes having hair pulled neatly out of the face. This is to ensure the highest level of safety and training possible. Please see our Dress Code tab for more information. 

 

Q: Where can I purchase Dance Clothing and Shoes?   

A: At SMAC! We sell a variety of dance clothing, tights and shoes for all ages/styles of dance. However, if we don’t have what you’re looking for, we suggest: Discount Dance (online): www.discountdance.com 

 

Q: How many instructors does SMAC have?  

A: This changes yearly, but on average we have 10. Please see our Faculty tab for more information. 

 

Q: Will there be classes on snow/severe weather days?  

A: In the event of severe weather conditions during the winter months, we recommend checking our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundmovementartscenter 

and/or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundmovementartscenter to be sure we are still having class. Oftentimes the roads may be bad in the morning, but cleared by the afternoon so classes will remain as scheduled – for morning classes check by 8:00 am, for afternoon classes please check after 2:00 pm.

 

Q: Does SMAC have an annual recital?  

A: Yes! Every June, usually the 3rd or 4th weekend. It’s a blast!

 

Q: How do I enroll my child at SMAC? 

A: Enroll online at www.smactac.com/schedule 

 

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at: info@smactac.com or 

call/text: (253) 924-9977

 

Thank you!