Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual concert? Do I get to be involved?

At the end of each year Funky Butts students are involved in a showcase of their hardwork over the year in the form of the Funky Butts annual concert. All students have a chance to be involved with students performing a routine from each dance discipline studied and every student is involved in performing in the finale.  The end of year concert is the highlight of the dance year and our previous concerts have received rave reviews from students, mothers, fathers, grandparents , friends and other dancers. Funky Butts works hard to prepare all students in ability and confidence for the end of year concert so that they are not scared or nervous when performing. Funky Butts employs a number of reliable backstage helpers each year (usually dance teachers or childcare workers) to assist students while the concert is in progress so all parents need to to do is drop off their children confident they are in safe hands and sit back and enjoy the show! Each student also receives a DVD of the concert.

What is Performance Troupe?

Performance Troupe is a group that in entered by invitation only. Dedicated, talented, experienced and hardworking students are offered a scholarship of free classes which comes with performance opportunities at local events and competitions. Performance Troupe is a great experience and lots of fun but it is not for everyone. Accepting a Performance Troupe offer is making a commitment to your troupe and you must commit to attend all rehearsals, competitions and performances or your scholarship may be offered to someone else who can commit to te rest if the students in troupe. Troupe is a highly rewarding experience for all dancers invited and aids dancing and performance skills tremedously.

What is the Funky Butts Interstate Dance Tour?

Senior Students who have shown dedication and commitment in their classes consistently over their dancing years are offered a place in the Funky Butts bi-annual Interstate Dance Tour. In 2007 selected students travelled to the Gold Coast to perform at Dream World Theme Park. Students and their accompanying family members receive discounted accomodation, theme park entries and flights as well as a dancing opportunity and experience that will provide memories that will last a lifetime. Students have the option of being involved in fundraising towards their Interstate Dance Experience.  Here are some comments from 2007 Interstate Tour students about their experience:

'This trip has been heaps fun.Thanks for the opportunity.'

'Thankyou for giving me the chance to dance at DreamWorld!'

'Thankyou for giving me this opportunity for this fantastic experience. It has been fun and exciting!'

'The trip has been GREAT FUN and I have enjoyed it heaps. Thankyou for this great opportunity! :)'  

'Thanks heaps for everything the trip was pretty sweet. Thanks for taking the time and putting up with all of us.'

'Thankyou for everything. I am glad that you gave me this opportunity. I have had a great year at dancing and wont forget it. Thanks a billion.'

What costs are involved in Kids dancing?

At Funky Butts we are very aware of the different costs involved in kids sporting activities

and aim to keep all of our dancing fees and costs as affordable as possible. We also want parents to be 100% aware of all costs involved sp parents can plan ahead for costs rather than just becoming aware of them as they pop up. Below is an outline of typical dancing costs involved in a year. This is based on 7 costs and is a guide only.

UNIFORM FEES:

Depending on style chosen $40 - $45 (Very afforable compared to many other dance schools) Tights and shoes are also available at highly discounted rates via Funky Butts these prices depend on style of dance being undertaken.

YEARLY REGISTRATION FEE:

$25 an individual or $40 a family.

CLASS FEES:

Paid per 8 week sssion. Vary depending on age / style see Fees section for more details.

EXAM FEES:

Depending on age / level approximately $30 - $80. Paid once a year.

CONCERT:

Costume ($50 MAXIMUM Juniors, $80 MAXIMUM Seniors)

DVD $30 (Up to $80 - $90 at some dance schools)

Concert Tickets for family / friends ($10 - $20 each)

Other costs may occur if your child is offered and accepts a place in a Performance Troupe. Performance Troupe classes are offered free on Scholarship for selected students however costume fees and a levy would still be payable.

Are examinations compulsory?

For students in children's Hip Hop and Tap and Jazz and Ballet classes Hip Hop and Jazz - Ballet examinations are compulsory with Glenn Wood Tap examinations being optional for students. This is with the exception of boys classes where tap exams are compulsory and Hip Hop Examinations optional. We teach an examinable syllabus at Funky Butts as we believe that parents and students want the best dance education possible for the time and money they are spending. The Australasian Dance Association and Glenn Wood Tap Syllabui provide students with solid technical foundations in dance allowing them to be the best dancer they can be and leading to eventual Teaching Certificates for students who have passed all of their examinations. 

In the past we have trialled having optional  examinations at Funky Butts and noticed a markable decline in ability of students in classes as without a firm goal to work towards students do not improve in technique and ability as well as those working towards yearly examinations. For new students we can offer a medal test rather than an examination in their first year. This system of marking allows students to be awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal rather than a mark between Fail and Honours meaning that there is no pressure at all as students have no chance of failing and it is a good practice for the next year's examination. Please note NO student has ever failed an examination at Funky Butts and in 2007 30% of students received marks in the highest band. For young Primary One and B Bop students in their first year of examinations the teacher is permitted in the examination room with the students to offer support through their first examination.  

At Funky Butts we believe in preparing each and every student to perform at thier personal best and believe in making exams an enjoyable experience for all students. The Australasian Dance Association and Glenn Wood Tap Examiners are all very friendly and make exams a friendly and nuturing place rather than an intimidating place giving students every opportunity to excel.