FAQs

Yes, we offer various performance opportunities throughout the dance season! We participate annually in events like Marketfest, local fall arts festivals, and community give-back performances at local senior living facilities. In addition, we provide chances to join dance conventions and parades, all of which are optional for dancers. If your child is interested in a more company-oriented class with additional performance and competition opportunities, we also offer Performance Company.

Each of our dance classrooms and music rooms is equipped with a large viewing window and seating so you can comfortably watch your child in action. For our youngest students, one parent of dancers ages 3 & 4 is welcome to join their child inside the studio. Additionally, one parent may accompany their child to any music lesson.

We also have additional seating available in our bright, welcoming lobby, providing a comfortable space for families.

At Inspiration Performing Arts Center, we believe in the importance of small class sizes. Our smaller classes allow for more individualized learning, ensuring that each student receives the attention they deserve.

In our dance classes, we maintain a maximum of 15 students, which allows for 1 teacher and 1 Company Mentor based on age, level, and experience. Our company-based classes also adhere to this maximum of 15 students to foster a focused and supportive environment.

Dancers at IPAC have the opportunity to perform in two recitals throughout our season: a Winter Recital in December and a Spring Recital in May. Both recitals are held at Stillwater Middle School located at 523 Marsh St W, Stillwater, MN 55082.

For season-specific dates, ticket information, and more details, please visit our recital page.

Our beautiful, state-of-the-art studio is equipped with the best floors. Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Unfortunately, most dance footwear does not provide the needed cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional “Floating Floor.” A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high‐density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. Our floating floors all rest on high-density foam here at IPAC with a overlay of Marley flooring!

Click here to find our complete class schedule, membership fees, monthly tuition, costume fees, and dress code.

Dance Dress Code

• Dress code is designed to ensure an educational and safe environment.
• Dancer’s hair must be pulled back at all times.
• Jeans are not to be worn in a discipline.
• Please visit inspiration-dance.com for the full list of required leotard color by class level.
• PLEASE NOTE: There will be times during class in which the instructor may need to assist a dancer through movement. In such cases, the instructor may need to physically touch the dancer in order to ensure proper instruction.

Click here for class specific dress code.

Give us a call! We’d love to chat with you! Or, shoot us an email!
Studio Contact by Phone: 651-214-8713
Studio Contact by Email: info.inspiration.dance@gmail.com

Great question! That all depends on the instrument. . .

Piano – At Inspiration Performing Arts Center (IPAC), we recommend starting private piano lessons at age 5. By this age, children typically have longer attention spans, can retain lesson material more effectively, and their hands have developed enough to comfortably begin playing the piano.

Guitar/Ukulele – At IPAC, children can start private ukulele lessons as early as age 5. For guitar, we recommend starting at age 8 due to the instrument’s size and the need for stronger finger control. Pressing the strings with the fingertips can be challenging for younger children with smaller hands, which is why guitar lessons are best suited for ages 8 and up.

Vocal Lessons – Voice lessons can be fun and rewarding at any age! However, due to the natural development of the voice, we typically recommend starting at age 5. At this stage, children are better prepared for lessons that focus on proper breathing techniques, vocal cord endurance, and lung strength. Younger voices may not yet be ready for the full structure of voice lessons, but we can adapt our approach to suit any age.

Violin Lessons – students can begin private violin lessons as early as age 5. At this age, children have developed the motor skills and coordination needed to start learning basic techniques, such as holding the violin and bow. Starting young helps build a solid foundation in music fundamentals while fostering a love for the instrument. Our lessons are tailored to each student’s pace, ensuring an enjoyable and supportive learning experience from the very beginning.

No, you do not need a full drum set to start drum lessons. Of course, we provide the drum set in the studio for use during lessons. Students can start lessons by using a practice pad for basic drum rhythms.

It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons using an electric keyboard. Many students rent or buy small keyboards for practice. We recommend one with full-sized, touch-sensitive keys, which allows for dynamic playing (press harder for louder sounds, softer for quieter).

There is no set answer of how long it takes to learn an instrument. With regular practice, a basic level of playing can be accomplished in a few months. Most of our students take lessons on a long term basis because they want to be constantly improving and they find the lessons enjoyable.

Yes! Even if you don’t have a musical background you can ask the teacher for advice on how to help your child practice. By simply monitoring that they are doing exercises a certain number of times per day, the student will progress. Many parents occasionally sit in on their child’s music lesson to get an idea of the proper way a song should sound or how the student should be positioning their hands.

Please check our Policies & Procedures Informational Page, click here.

All music students should dress in an age-appropriate fashion. Students must be able to practice their instrument of choice comfortably in whatever they are wearing.

Group classes work fine for ages 3-4 music programs, and theory lessons. However, when actually learning how to play an instrument, private lessons are far superior. It is hard to miss important material when receiving one-on-one instruction. And, each student has the ability to learn at his or her own pace. The teacher can take the time necessary to focus on the student’s strengths and weaknesses – for the entire lesson time, the student is the sole focus of the teacher. The teacher also enjoys this as they do not have to split their attention between many students who may be at different levels.

The music students of IPAC will have the opportunity to perform in two recitals throughout our season. The recitals are optional, although highly encouraged.  Recitals are held at Chautauqua Fine Arts Center – 8000 75th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082. For season specific dates, tickets, and more information, please visit our recital page.