Summer Camp FAQs
How should we contact you?
- Prior to the camp day, you are welcome to email info@danceversity.com
- For emergencies and urgent situations, contact Samia Karimi, Program Manager at (805) 407-8877
What is the schedule?
- Camp runs 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Ashkenaz in Berkeley
- Extended care is available at an additional charge (see below)
- Monday-Thursday schedule generally looks like this:
- 9-10 am: Circle time and gentle warm-up, yoga, or dance fundamentals class
- 10-11 am: First dance class
- 11-12: Second dance class
- 12-1: Lunch & enrichment class such as visual arts, costuming, geography, music,
- 1-2: Third dance class (JC choreo) or visual arts cont.
- 2-3: Fourth dance class
- 3-4: Fifth dance class / Cool Down
- Friday’s are reserved for final rehearsals and preparing for the student performances at 3:00 pm
Do you offer childcare before or after camp hours?
We offer before care from 8:30 am and after care until 5:00 pm. Please make sure to check that you want that option when you register! There is a separate fee ($10 a day) payable the first day of camp.
What should my child wear/bring?
Children should wear comfortable clothes, ideally pants or leggings that can stretch as needed. Full skirts are fantastic for certain dance forms, but it is best to have pants or leggings on underneath so that students can easily transition from one dance form to the next. Hard-soled shoes (such as dress shoes without rubber on the bottom) are useful for some classes which require foot-work. You may choose to bring soft dance shoes (such as ballet slippers) to protect the feet in other classes but they are not required. Other details will be provided via email before the first day of camp.
Do you provide lunch?
No. Children are asked to bring their own bag lunches, water bottle, and snacks. The campers will be physically and mentally active for most of the day so it is important they eat a healthy breakfast and pack a healthy lunch and snacks.
What happens if I can’t make the pick-up time?
Camp ends at 4 pm but we have extended care until 5 pm by prior arrangement (please select at registration or request morning of). Ashkenaz has other bookings that start at 5 pm. If you think this could be a problem please make arrangements ahead of time and notify us as to who is allowed to pick up your child. In an emergency, please call Samia Karimi at (805) 407-8877.
What is the camp tuition and what kind of discounts do you offer?
Full week summer camp i s$380 per dancer. At the moment we do not offer scholarships, however junior counselors receive a stipend based on number of years they have been a JC (see below). Discounts offered are:
- Early Bird: 25% off if you register/make a deposit by May 7!
- Multiple weeks: 15% off if you register for more than 1 week
- Siblings: 15% off if you register multiple siblings
How do half days work?
If you would like to sign your child up for half days, you may choose morning attendance, 9am – 12pm, or afternoon attendance, 1pm – 4pm. You are free to drop off or pick up your child anytime during the lunch break (12 – 1pm). **Please note that those attending the morning session do not participate in the Friday performance.
What happens if my child can only attend part of the week?
Camp registration is by the week. If an illness or other unfortunate circumstance prevents your child from completing the week please be aware that campers who miss two or more days in a week may not be able to participate in the Friday afternoon performance due to inadequate rehearsal time. Make-ups cannot be guaranteed but we will do our best. Each case will be treated individually. Please contact info@danceversity.com to discuss this.
Do you allow drop-ins if my child wants to bring a friend?
The DanceVersity Manager can let you know whether or not it is possible for your child to bring a friend with them to camp. When camp is at full capacity, we simply do not have the space for drop-in guests, as we want to maintain a safe environment. Drop-ins are $12/hour.
What types of dance are taught?
Danceversity offers classes in folk, classical, social and theatrical dance forms from around the world taught by world class performing artists. Each week has a large regional focus but we may include other dances as well. Please inquire about specific programming for each week (as faculty vary from week to week). In addition, a weekly creative dance session is offered where youth explore their imagination and create their own meaning using dance elements and themes.
Which week should I sign my child up for?
Campers may register for any week they choose or attend multiple weeks. Multiple week and sibling registrations are given discounts (see question above).
My child is 6 1/2. Is she/he too young?
Enrollment is limited to children 7-17 years old. In some cases exceptions can be made, please inquire with the program manager.
What if my child is shy or easily overwhelmed?
DanceVersity is a highly stimulating atmosphere. With 20-30 campers, several dance classes a day, and an elaborate performance, it is a whirlwind of information and culture. Many children love it, and even if they are initially a bit overwhelmed, most participants are caught up in the spirit of the dances and find they enjoy participating and performing. Performing is optional, and children are allowed to sit out or take quiet time as needed. Please communicate any concerns you may have so that we can meet the needs of your child right away.
My child has a medical condition. Can she/he participate?
Your child must receive doctor’s approval before participating in Danceversity if he or she has a medical condition that can be aggravated by physical activity.
How do you choose your instructors?
We hire ethnic dance teachers who are accomplished performers, well known in their respective communities, and whenever possible, native to the communities they represent. For a list of past instructors, please visit our Master Faculty page.
What is the role of the junior counselor and how does one become a JC?
A junior counselor (JC) is a dancer who has completed at least 2 summer camps and is age 12 -17. The JC plays an important role in helping run a smooth camp experience but is also able to fully participate in dance instruction. JC’s are also able to develop leadership skills and explore the artist within by creating their own choreography and teaching it to the other campers in small groups. Their choreography is performed at the Friday performance. JC’s also receive a stipend that is calculated based on number of years they have served as a JC. Reach out to the program manager (Samia) if you are interested.
What do I need to know about the performance?
It will start at 3 pm on Friday, and parents are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early in order to get a good seat! In most cases, DanceVersity provides costuming and/or the kids create part of their costumes during the week. Any additional costuming or prop needs will be communicated to parents by Wednesday afternoon.
Can I visit a class before signing up for the camp?
Please do! DanceVersity offers weekly classes on Mondays at 4:30 – 6:00 pm or you may observe part of our summer camp in considering future enrollment. Please contact us (info@danceversity.com) before coming.
Who is AACS and what is fiscal sponsorship?
AACS stands for Afsaneh Art and Culture Society and they are a non-profit agency that serves as our fiscal sponsor, thereby lending their non-profit status to Danceversity as a fiscal sponsee. This allows us to accept tax-deductible donations. See our “Sponsorship Rate” in the registration form for helping us to meet the full costs of providing camp. For other donations you can also make checks out to “Danceversity-AACS” and send them to: Danceversity at PO Box 2404 San Anselmo CA 94979.