FAQs

What is the minimum age to enroll?

Tutu Deluxe creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for dancers to nurture their passion for dance and explore the numerous advantages of dance education. Our preschool classes cater to children as young as 2, allowing them to discover the excitement of movement and music. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned performer, Tutu Deluxe offers classes designed for everyone.

Are Uniforms required?

Uniforms are mandatory at our school, with specific dress codes for each level. Our on-site boutique carries all the necessary attire, including ballet slippers, ensuring that students have everything they need for their classes.

Who leads Tutu Deluxe?

The school is led by Sandra and Diego F. Castro, accomplished professional ballet dancers with impressive international careers in the ballet industry. They have danced with prestigious companies such as the Vienna State Opera Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, the Miami City Ballet, and the Slovak National Ballet only to name a few. Before establishing themselves in Montreal, both dancers traveled extensively, performing lead roles worldwide.

Do you offer only Ballet classes?

At Tutu Deluxe, while ballet forms the core of our dance curriculum, we proudly provide classes in jazz, contemporary, character dance, and conditioning as well. Students can explore these diverse dance styles based on their age and level of dedication, ensuring a well-rounded dance education tailored to their individual needs.

If my child misses a class can they make it up?

Yes, make-up classes are available for children who were sick and therefore could not attend their scheduled class.

Are parents allowed inside the studio while classes are on?

To minimize distractions for students, parents are generally not permitted in the studio during classes, except for parented classes where their presence is required. This policy helps to create a focused environment for students to fully engage in their training without interruptions. Parents are encouraged to wait in our spacious reception area, which features free wifi for their convenience. This allows parents to relax and pass the time while their child is in class, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone involved.

Do you offer trial classes?

Certainly! Trial classes are available year-round for anyone interested in experiencing our classes before committing. Send us an email, if you want to sign up for a trail class!

What if my child wants to pursue a professional career in ballet?

Tutu Deluxe is pleased to offer a professional division for aspiring professional dancers who are ages 9 and up. Our prestigious program provides students with both artistic and academic training to prepare them for a professional dance career. Younger aspiring dancers between the ages of 6 and 10 can opt for foundation and intensive training classes, known as Pre-Elite, as an alternative to participating in our recreational program. These classes aim to provide high-level instruction for younger dancers, fostering skill development and a deeper engagement with the world of Ballet.

Is my child ready for the next level up?

At Tutu Deluxe, we prioritize establishing a strong foundation for our dancers by following a progressive syllabus for all dance styles. Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in a set of level-appropriate skills and techniques before advancing to the next level. While most students progress in line with our age blocks, those who demonstrate exceptional dedication may advance more quickly. Our studio values providing challenges and opportunities for growth to all students, but we also emphasize the importance of being adequately prepared to prevent feelings of discomfort or insecurity in class.

How can I sign up for the professional program?

To enroll in our professional, Pre-Elite, or competitive programs, prospective students must successfully pass an audition where we assess their suitability for acceptance into the program. While general auditions are typically held between January and March, private auditions can be scheduled at any time throughout the year. If you are interested in auditioning, please reach out to us via email at office@dansetutudeluxe.com.

Are there any certifications available for Tutu Deluxe students?

Our school is excited to present our Diplomas to students in the professional training division (Mont Royal Ballet Academy). To receive the diploma, students are required to pass the year-end exam at their level. This certification acknowledges the acceptance into the next grade and the significant dedication students put into their dance training and practice.

Which ballet technique do you teach at your school?

We are very proud to teach the Vaganova method. It is considered the best ballet training Syllabus due to its emphasis on strong technique, musicality, and artistry. Developed by Agrippina Vaganova, this method focuses on developing well-rounded dancers with a deep understanding of the classical ballet repertoire. Its systematic approach to training, precision in movement execution, and attention to artistic expression have made it highly respected in the ballet world. The best dancers in the world came from this method. Baryshnikov, Rudolph Nureyev, Natalia Makarova, Galina Ulanova, and Maya Plisetskaya, just to name a few, are great examples of the success of this method.

Do you have parking?

Free parking is available on Victoria Ave (7050) alongside our building. In addition, we offer a garage for convenient drop-off and pick-up parking options.

What are the performance opportunities?

Ensuring that all our students have frequent opportunities to perform on stage is a top priority for us. In addition to our Year-End show, which is exclusively for our professional, competitive, and recreational students, our pupils showcase their talents at various events such as the Nutcracker, the Winter Showcase, MRBA Variation presentations, the Viennese Ball of Montreal, Chinese New Year event, as well as national and international competitions.

Can my child audition for your Nutcracker production?

Children aged 7 and above from our dance school, as well as children from other dance schools, are welcome to audition for our production of The Nutcracker, which typically takes place in September.

At what age can my child take pointe classes?

Only students enrolled in our professional training program are permitted to begin pointe work starting at age 11 at the earliest in our school. Without serious ballet training, children lack the necessary strength for pointe work, increasing the risk of injury.

Who can compete?

To compete, students must be enrolled in either our competitive, Pre-Elite, or Professional Program, with the opportunity to join competitions through inquiry or invitation. Selected dancers may participate in national and international competitions based on the director’s discretion, while most will compete in regional competitions. Competitions serve as a platform for stage time and personalized coaching experiences for our students, and we take pride in celebrating every student, irrespective of their placement or scores.

Will my child need to wear makeup for the recital?

Yes, little ones will only need a touch of mom’s blush, lipstick, and optional mascara for performances. Older dancers, on the other hand, will need to wear full stage makeup.