Class Placement & Evaluations
Helping every dancer find the class where they can learn, grow, and succeed.
New Dancers
Welcome to Courtney’s Dance Artistry! We are excited to help your dancer begin their journey with us.
Preschool and Mini dancers are placed by age and do not require an evaluation before enrolling.
Petite, Junior, Teen, and Senior dancers are placed using the information provided during registration. If a dancer is new to CDA and has not previously been evaluated by our staff, they will be placed in the level that best matches their current dance experience until an evaluation can be completed.
After the evaluation, placement may remain the same or be adjusted to a different level if it is determined to be a better fit for the dancer’s current skill level.
For summer camps, workshops, and classes, the same placement process applies.
Why We Evaluate
We believe every dancer deserves instruction that matches their current stage of development. While age is one factor, it isn’t the only factor we consider when placing dancers.
Annual evaluations allow our instructors to better understand each dancer’s technical ability, confidence, coordination, and readiness so we can recommend the class where they will be most successful.
Our Placement Philosophy
At Courtney’s Dance Artistry, advancement is something dancers work toward and take pride in earning. Each level includes specific technical skills, developmental goals, and expectations that help dancers build a strong foundation before moving forward. We believe dancers are most successful when they are placed where they can be challenged without becoming overwhelmed, and where they can continue growing safely and confidently. Every dancer progresses at a different pace, and moving to the next level is an exciting milestone that reflects hard work, consistency, and growth.
How Placement Works
Each year, CDA holds evaluations after our Spring Showcase to determine placement for the upcoming season. During evaluations, our instructors observe each dancer’s technique, coordination, strength, musicality, classroom readiness, and ability to demonstrate the skills required for their current or next level. Age is considered, but placement is not based on age alone. New students who were not present for annual evaluations may schedule a private evaluation before registering so we can learn more about their previous training and recommend the class that will best support their success.
What We Look For
Each class level at Courtney’s Dance Artistry has specific technical skills and developmental goals that dancers work toward throughout the season. These expectations provide clear milestones, encourage steady progress, and help ensure every dancer has the foundation needed before advancing to the next level. While evaluations consider many factors, demonstrated mastery of level-specific skills is an important part of the placement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dancer have to attend evaluations?
Dancers ages 10 and up must be evaluated if they wish to be placed in the Junior, Teen, or Senior levels. Beginner dancers ages 10 and up may register for the Petite level without an evaluation and progress through the program from there.
Will my dancer move up every year?
Not necessarily. Dancers typically spend about three years developing the skills and technique taught at each level. To advance sooner, a dancer must consistently demonstrate all required skills with appropriate technique and overall readiness.
Can my dancer change classes after evaluations?
Yes. Dancers may change classes while registration is still open, as long as space is available. Dancers who miss evaluations may email us to schedule a private evaluation.
Will I receive my dancer’s evaluation scores?
Evaluation score sheets are used internally and are not distributed to dancers or parents. However, our teachers speak with dancers about their progress, areas for growth, and expectations for their current level.
Our Promise
More Than Just Dance
At CDA, evaluations are never about comparing dancers to one another.
They are about understanding each dancer as an individual and placing them where they will be challenged, encouraged, and given every opportunity to succeed.
Our goal is simple:
Build strong technique. Grow confident dancers. Create a lifelong love of dance.