How old does my child have to be to start ballet at MDSB?
We welcome students at any age, and it’s not a prerequisite to begin in our pre-ballet program.  However your child must be three years old in order to enroll in our Creative Movement Class.

How do you determine level placement?
Age range provides our general guideline for initial placement.  Students will be evaluated at 10 years or older to determine their class level if they are just starting ballet, or transferring from another ballet school.  Students are expected to spend one year (two 16-week semesters), and often spend two or more years at a particular level before moving to the next level.

How do I register my child for classes?
Review the online schedules and find the class that is age appropriate for your child. (These age placements are guidelines.  If your child has had extensive ballet training we will put him or her in the level that is right for their ability regardless of age).

• Pick a day when the class is being held.
• Bring your child to take a Placement Class. (This is a trial class to ensure your child is placed correctly, and allows you to see the school.)  The placement class costs $15.00.
• After your child has attended the Placement Class the instructor will discuss with you the most appropriate level for your child.
• You may then sign your child up for the semester.
• Please arrive 20 minutes early to fill out forms before your child begins the class. 

Can I sign up online for classes?
Currently we’re not set up for online registration, but we hope to offer this service in the near future. In the meantime, you can call us @ 323.965.0333 or email: information@maratdaukayev.com if you have any questions.

How much do classes cost?
Prices vary depending on the number of classes taken per week, but the average cost is about $16 per class.  Please see level price lists.

Can I just bring my child to a class occasionally?
No, students are required to join the school on a per semester basis.  We offer a Fall & Spring semester and as well as a Summer Intensive program.

Is there a boys’ ballet program?
Yes. We have Junior and Intermediate levels for boys taught by male instructors. The curriculum acknowledges the gender differences in learning.

Do you have classes for adults?
Yes, please review the Adults schedule on the website.   There is no dress code but dancers are expected to wear appropriate dance attire.

Is there a family discount?
Yes. If there is more than one dancer in your family, we offer a reduced rate for the second registration. Please call 323.965.0333 for details.

Are parents allowed to watch the class?
Parents may visit the Placement Class (see above), or with special permission from the teacher. For young children (under 7 years old), parents are expected to accompany their child to the studio classroom, and wait in the lounge area until class is finished. 

What happens if my daughter misses a class?
Dancers are allowed to take a make-up class for the missed class provided that it’s taken within the semester. There are no carry-overs to the next session.

How many students are there per class?
Classes will vary depending on the level, however, the average is 15.

Is MDSB and Dance Arts Academy the same entity?
No, they are separate entities. Marat Daukayev School of Ballet is the resident ballet school at Dance Arts Academy.

Are there requirements for dancewear?
Yes. Please review the Class page for your child’s level for information on proper dance attire.

Where can I buy dance shoes and leotards?
The Marat Daukayev School of Ballet carries leotards and skirts at a discount for our students.  Here are several other places we can suggest:

Yumiko leotards are available for Levels 5, 6, 7.  Please email the Yumiko rep at: MDSBYumiko@gmail.com

Are there any other expenses not indicated on the Class Price list?
In addition to tuition, you must purchase the appropriate dance attire for your child's class level. There will be additional fees if your child participates in The Nutcracker, our Summer Intensive program, or requests private lessons.

Are private lessons offered?
Yes, private lessons are available to enrolled students.  Please contact michele@maratdaukayev.com for more information.

Where do I park?
There is street parking on La Brea but please read the signs carefully.  You may also park in the Bank of America parking lot adjacent to the studio which is approximately $2-4 per hour, depending on time of day. You can also find street parking on Detroit (1 street west of Wilshire).  We recommend you park across Wilshire Blvd. in the public lot on the Northeast corner of Wilshire Blvd. & Detroit St.