Tuition, Fees, and Discounts
Classes
Dancewear and Costumes
Rehearsals and Performances
Tuition, Fees, and Discounts
Is tuition the same amount each month?
- Yes. Tuition is based on an average number of classes per month from the beginning of class in September through the end of class in May (approx. nine months). Due to the nature of the calendar, all classes have months with more or fewer classes, particularly months with holidays or other scheduled breaks
(see Calendar). However, the monthly tuition rate remains the same regardless of the number of classes that fall within a given month.
How do I calculate the tuition discounts?
- Note that the percentage discounts are applicable to all tuition, but not other fees including registration, costumes, and tickets. Both the family and advance payment discounts can be applied if applicable.
- To apply the 10% family discount, add together the monthly tuition for each student and then multiply by 0.9 (i.e. $58 + $50 = $108 and then $108 x 0.9 = $97.20 per month).
- To apply the 3% advance discount, multiply your monthly tuition amount by nine months and then by 0.97 (i.e. $66 x 9 = $594 and then $594 x 0.97 = $576.18).
Does TVBA accept credit cards?
- In order to help keep tuition and fees reasonable, credit cards are not an accepted payment option. However, for your convenience TVBA offers ACH auto-draft payments which removes the burden of remembering to make payments each month and also ensures payments are never late (see ACH Payments Form). Additionaly, TVBA offers a 3% discount for advance payment of a full year of tuition which exceeds the value offered by most credit card rewards programs (see Tuition and Fees).
How do I pay tuition and avoid late fees?
- The easiest way to pay tuition and avoid late fees is via ACH auto-draft (see ACH Payments Form). Payments by check can be placed in the tuition drop-box inside the facility during regular class times or sent by mail to 1545 E Leigh Field Dr., Ste 150, Meridian, ID 83646. The student for whom payment is being made should be indicated. To avoid the $5 late fee, tuition must be postmarked or paid at the studio during regular class times on or before the 10th of each month (see Tuition and Fees).
Why is there a registration fee?
- The registration fee represents an upfront payment to help cover operating costs incurred by the Academy on a per student basis. It is paid upfront as students leaving mid-season create complexities and inefficiencies for the Academy and each class.
- Note that the $25 registration fee is discounted to $20 for those who register by Saturday, July 19, 2025. The fee is further discounted by $5 for those who enrolled in current year summer classes. Also, students from the same immediate family can each take an additional $5 off the registration fee.
Classes
Where can I find which instructors will teach each class?
- Prior to the beginning of classes, instructors are still arranging their schedules so the instructor schedule is not finalized, and is also subject to change throughout the season. Although we know dancers may have personal preferences, all of the instructors are experienced and well qualified to teach their respective classes. Additionally, taking class from different instructors can provide a stronger educational experience. For answers to questions about the preliminary instructor schedule please contact the Academy.
Are all of your class offerings ballet?
- Yes. By focusing exclusively on ballet technique we are able to provide excellent instruction from age 3 through the pre-collegiate level. Our pre-ballet classes remain accessible to younger dancers by including age appropriate ballet technique and creative movement experiences. Our upper-level classes benefit from an exclusive focus on the most technically demanding genre of dance.
Can I enroll my student in the Academy mid-season?
- Yes, providing that the new enrollment will not cause a class to become overcrowded, we do allow students to join mid-year.
Should I stay and watch my young dancer in class?
- Many students participate better in class when parents/guardians do not stay. However, situations and students are unique and so the answer to this question is left to your discretion and comfort level.
- Note that before each performance, we designate 'video days' where parents/guardians are welcome to come into the studio and video their student's dance during the last 10-15 minutes of class.
Can my student make up a missed class?
- Generally we do not allow make up classes because each class is unique and progresses at a different pace. Additionally, a temporary student can be distracting to an existing class. Nevertheless, on occasion and with preapproval from Miss Jocelyn we may allow a make up class.
Does TVBA organize individual and class portraits?
- Each year depending on availability we try to schedule sessions with a photographer for both individual and class portraits. We organize this as a service to our students so that you can have professional portraits taken of your dancers in costume. There is no obligation to purchase, but all students should attend for the class portrait (see Photos page for past class portraits).
When can my student start dancing on pointe?
- Dancing on pointe is one of the most exciting achievements for a ballerina! To reach this level a student must be dedicated and prepared for the rigors of pointe technique. Readiness is typically based on fundamental ballet technique, strength, maturity, and anatomical development.
- Students choosing to enroll in pointe class should have studied ballet seriously for three or more years. This generally constitutes attending ballet classes at least twice weekly the two years prior to beginning pointe (Ballet 2 and Ballet 3 or equivalent). In addition to receiving instructor approval, students must be 12 years of age or within a few months of reaching this age. They must commit to regularly attending a minimum of three classes each week to maintain strength and build technique while dancing on pointe.
- Before beginning pointe class, students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to thoroughly research this advanced ballet technique and consider your own readiness. We recommend that you seek any medical guidance that may be relevant to you.
- TVBA Pointe Technique Policy
Dancewear and Costumes
What should I look for in dancewear?
- Girls should look for a comfortable dance leotard (with straps or sleeves) and pink tights with or without feet (footed tights are required for the performances). They also need pink ballet shoes (canvas or leather). Split sole ballet shoes are recommended for Primary Ballet and up, but full sole shoes are fine for younger levels. For pointe shoes, ask your instructor for advice on your specific needs.
- Boys should look for a comfortable but not loose white T-shirt, black dance pants (or dance shorts), and black ballet shoes (canvas or leather).
Where should I buy my student's dancewear?
- Quality dancewear can be purchased from online retailers or dance specialty stores. From past experience Discount Dance Supply and Dancewear Solutions provide some of the best values online. If shopping at Discount Dance Supply you can use discount code 45709 to receive a small discount. You can also find a list of some recommended items on our Discount Dance Supply dress code page. Dancewear can also be purchased at a discount price (though sometimes lower quality) from big box stores such as Target and Wal-Mart. For pointe shoes and fittings we recommend Spokane-based Empire Dance Shop. On occasion we will try to arrange for Empire Dance Shop to be available at the facility for fittings and purchases.
Do I get to keep my costumes?
- Yes, any costumes you've purchased are yours to keep. Note that some associated props or costume accessories may remain property of the Academy.
- On occasion we designate special 'costume days' where students are welcome to wear a dance costume from a previous performance or elsewhere.
Are TVBA's costumes modest?
- Although there is subjectivity in this area, we feel that the costumes we choose are both attractive and modest. Please view the Photos page to see past costumes.
How are TVBA's costume fees set?
- Exact costume prices are not known beforehand and vary somewhat from class to class. A significant amount of time and effort is spent finding attractive costumes at reasonable prices that match our choreography. The fees are set to cover the average price we anticipate with only a small allowance for shipping, handling, and other incidental costs. In some cases the Academy actually pays more for a costume than the fee collected. Upper-level costumes cost more and so the fees are scaled accordingly.
Where can I purchase TVBA branded apparel?
- Apparel and other accessories with the TVBA name and logo may be available at certain times throughout the year. Any relevant details will be included in email newsletters.
Rehearsals and Performances
Where and when does TVBA hold rehearsals and performances?
- We lease auditoriums within the Treasure Valley for performances. Both the January and May performances are held on Saturdays with multiple shows (see Calendar for dates).
Dress rehearsals may be held at the studio in the weeks leading up to the performance. Ballet 3 level and up will perform in multiple shows while classes from Pre-Ballet 1 through Ballet 2 will perform in one show.
What can I expect at the performances?
- Ballet is a performing art so it is important for students to have the opportunity to dance on stage. We have two performance days each year:
- Winter Showcase (January): a showcase of progress centered on a theme for which each class performs their own dance (i.e. 2024-2025 was Dance & Play )
- Season Finale (May): a celebration of our students' accomplishments centered on a story in which each class performs a part (i.e. 2024-2025 was Peter Pan)
- The Winter Showcase and Season Finale will both have multiple shows. Ballet 3 level and up will perform in multiple shows while classes from Pre-Ballet 1 through Ballet 2 will perform in one show.
- Many family members and guests attend including some young children (ages 3 and under are free). Dress is quite varied from casual to formal; dressing up is traditionally appropriate for a ballet but not required. Many attendees bring flowers or other gifts for their dancer. We mention this so you can be prepared if this is important to you or your dancer since these items are not available for purchase at the show.
- We highly recommend that all dancers participate in both performances as ballet is a performing art. However, we do recognize that on occasion schedule conflicts or other concerns may arise. Please contact Miss Jocelyn if your dancer will be unable to participate in either performance.
Am I permitted to take video and photos at the performances?
- Yes, both video recording and non-flash photography (for personal use only) are permitted at the performances but please ensure that you do not approach the stage or block others’ views while doing so.
- Miss Jocelyn’s husband may record video at the shows and edit the footage as he has done for past performances, possibly including some candid footage from dress rehearsal and before each show (see Videos page).
Can parents/guardians help at performances?
- Yes. Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising younger students during backstage time at the show. In the weeks before each performance we will have a sign up available for those who would like to volunteer. These volunteers do not need to buy a ticket and can view their student's performance from the wings.
Why is there a cost for performance tickets?
- The ticket price is to help pay for the signficant costs associated with each performance. Costs include renting the theatre, technicians, props, music license fees, and supplies etc. Rather than bundle these costs with tuition payments or a performance fee we have found it to be most fair to sell tickets. This way, those with more attendees pay proportionately more and other guests for whom the dancers perform such as grandparents can share in the performance costs.
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