— frequently asked questions —

1. At what age can my child join KAI?

   We don’t focus on age as much as natural talent and prior training. With that being said, our intermediate group has an age range of 10 to 13 years old and the KAI collective has a range of 13 to 18 years old. If you have a younger child who is passionate about joining our program, we are more than happy to hold a private evaluation!

2. We don’t live in NYC. Can my child train with KAI? 
   Yes, KAI has an alternate option for out of town kids. Our Apprentice program meets once a month and consists of two full days of dance in our studio. We also encourage students to reach out for private coaching when they are in the area.

3. How does my child audition for your full-time program? 
   If you are a local family, you can schedule an in person audition. We also accept video pre screens. Email us for more information!

4. We really love going to competitions. Does KAI attend any?
   The KAI Collective does not attend conventions or competitions as a group. However, if you would like to attend as a soloist, you may do so on weekends designated and at events that we approve. Solos are approved by Laurie, and choreographed and coached by Laurie or a KAI staff member. The KAI Kids program however attends 1 to 2 competitions a year as a group as well as soloists to gain performance experience.

5. My child is a serious ballet student, but I’d like to broaden their horizons. Would KAI be a good fit for us?

   100%! We believe in fundamental dance training first and foremost. We continue to train classically in ballet and modern dance techniques while fostering individuality and mentoring dancers to find their passion.

6. I’m not sure if my child wants a professional career, but they definitely want to go to college for dance. Will KAI prepare them for that?
   Certainly! Our graduates attend major universities, conservatory programs and colleges that support a double major. Laurie will consult with you upon entering the program, and the staff and Laurie will mentor your dancer through the application process. (It goes without saying that we do not handle the academic side of college applications.)

7. My child just wants to be a dancer. Can we skip the acting and voice lessons?
   Unfortunately, no bueno. We believe wholeheartedly that everyone has a voice! If your dancer doesn’t become a professional, or aspire to a career on Broadway, we still believe that learning to break down the walls of singing or speaking in front of other people is a valuable lesson. This type of comfort and confidence will carry your dancer into college, as well as any job interview in their adult life!

8. Can we apply for a scholarship or financial aid?
   Yes. Please email us for more information.

9. What is a daily schedule like in the full-time program?
   The KAI Kids program trains Tuesdays and Thursdays after school and all day Saturday. The KAI Collective currently trains 3 days during the week and on Saturday. Each class day starts with a ballet class, and moves onto another fundamental technique. These are all done after school hours and Saturday we dance all day!

10. What sort of performance opportunities will my child have at KAI?
    We typically perform 2 to 3 times per year around NYC. We also get individual requests for our dancers to perform with NYC’s most fabulous working choreographers! We feel that the learning, rehearsing, performing process is just as much a teaching lesson as a ballet class.