Freqently Asked Questions

1.Where are you located and what are your hours?
Joyce Matthies Dance Centre is located at 707 W. Clark in Albert Lea just 6 blocks west of Broadway Avenue in downtown Albert Lea. Our hours during the school year are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 4-9pm and Saturday 9:30-1pm

2. What is the difference in levels?
All the levels are based on experience and age. The Novice levels are for ages 4-5 and 6-7. The classes learn the basics of tap and pre-ballet. The beginning levels are 45 minute classes. Beginning Tap works on Grade 3 Tap and Intro to Ballet learns basic ballet barre and centre. Intermediate level in tap does Grade 4 Tap and ballet is learning more difficult moves at the barre and centre and starting pirouettes etc. the levels are each learning more techniques and skills.

3. What is pointe? Lyrical?
Pointe is taken only after many years of serious technique classe in ballet and never before the age of 12. The body, legs and feet need the years of study to be strong enough to stand on the ends of the toes in the hard pointe shoes and not be injured. Lyrical classes can be taken after the dancer has had a year of study in the intermediate level and the normal jazz class must also continue to be taken. The class works on control, balance and flowing movements besides turns and jumps.

4. What do I wear to class?
Leotards, tights that are solid colored and cover the knees and the proper shoes must be worn for each class. No unattached skirts may be worn. The teacher must be able to see that the dancer's body is moving correctly. Hair must be pulled back so the neck can be seen.

5. Does the Joyce Matthies Dance Centre take credit cards?
The Joyce Matthies Dance Centre does not take credit cards. Classes should be paid by monthly auto/pay through a check or savings account, or with a check (or cash) for the 9 month year or bi-yearly.

 507-377-1183
 Email

 707 W. Clark
 Albert Lea, MN 56007