FAQ’s

1.Is it necessary to have prior dance experience to join the group?: No prior dance experience is necessary to join the group.
2.What is the minimum age to join the group?: A member must be at least 6 years old by September 30th to join the juniors group.; A member must be at least 2 years old by September 30th to join the youngest group.

3.What is the maximum age to join the group?: There is no maximum age to join the group.
4.When do rehearsals start and end each season?: Rehearsals start early September and end middle of June. Check the rehearsal schedule on our website for detailed rehearsal schedule. Rehearsal Calendar
5.What is the cost of membership?: Class 1: Mondays 4:15pm-4:50pm – Boys & girls ages 2-3 - $400 if paid on or before September 15th, 2023. After September 15th, 2023 the fee will be $450 (space is limited).

Class 2: Mondays 4:55pm-5:40pm – Boys & girls ages 4-6 - $525 if paid on or before September 15th, 2023. After September 15th, 2023 the fee will be $575 (space is limited).

Class 3: Class 3: Mondays 5:45pm-6:45pm – Boys & girls ages 7-9 - $625 if paid on or before September 15th, 2023. After September 15th, 2023 the fee will be $675.

Class 4: Fridays 5:00pm-7:00pm – Girls ages 10-13 & boys ages 10 & up - $625 if paid on or before September 15th, 2023. After September 15th, 2023 the fee will be $675.

Class 5: Fridays 7:00pm-9:00pm – Girls ages 14 & up - $625 if paid on or before September 15th, 2023. After September 15th, 2023 the fee will be $675.


6.Is there a sibling discount?: There is no discount for siblings.
7.What does the membership fee cover?: Membership fee covers rehearsals and performance costumes.
8.Is there an additional fee for costumes during performances?: No there are no additional fees for costumes.
9.Does the member need additional items for performances?: Girls need character shoes, pantyhose, makeup, safety pins, and bobby pins
10.When and where are rehearsals held?: Rehearsals are held at the Church of Atonement in Tenafly NJ, click here for directions.
Ages 2—3 (girls & boys) - Mondays 4:15pm—4:50pm
Ages 4—6 (girls & boys) - Mondays 4:55pm—5:40pm
Ages 7—9 (girls & boys) - Mondays 5:45pm—6:45pm (including new members over 9 years old)
Junior Girls ages 10—13 and Junior Boys ages 10 & up – Fridays 5:00pm—7:00pm
Senior Girls ages 14 and up – Fridays 7:00pm—9:00pm


11.Will my daughter/son perform on stage the first year?: a)Members ages 3-6 years old will not perform
b)Members ages 7 and up will perform with the approval of the director
12.What is the dress code during rehearsals?: Girls – Black Shushi t-shirt with black skirt/shorts/leggings and pink ballet slippers
Girls – Hair must be tied back, off the face with headband
Boys – Black Shushi t-shirt with black shorts/pants and jazz shoes
13.What are the means of communication for scheduling updates?: -Email (shushi@shushidance.org)
-Website calendar is updated daily for rehearsal cancellations due to weather and all other information
14. Is a member required to perform at all performances?: No, as long as the director is notified when a performance date is announced.
15. Is there an annual performance/recital?: Not necessarily.
16. Do you rent Shushi costumes to Shushi and non-Shushi members?: We gladly support your efforts in promoting our Armenian dancing & costumes at other functions and are very happy to let you borrow Shushi costumes. Our policy is as follows:; A. All requests to borrow costumes must be made at least 2 weeks before you need them.; B. If you are a Shushi member, you can borrow a costume with a $150 per costume security deposit by check or cash. Once the costumes are returned (in the same perfect condition as borrowed), you will get back your check or cash. Your check will not be deposited unless the costumes are not returned within 2 weeks from the pick-up date (with all the accessories given to you, i.e. headpieces, aprons, belts).; C. If a non-Shushi member would like to borrow a costume, there will be a $150 per costume security deposit fee. In addition, there will be a $75 per costume charge to borrow the costume(s). The $150 security deposit will be refunded once the costumes are returned in the same perfect condition as borrowed (again within 2 weeks from the pick-up date with all the accessories).

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