Dancers Raising Dancers
I first stepped foot in a dance studio when I was 3 years old and didn’t step out until I was 22. My sister and I both lived in that studio, made friends who became family, and have memories that will be in our hearts forever. So when I found out that my second baby would be a girl, I went running for the tutus! I don’t want her to feel any pressure to be a dancer, but I secretly want to be a stage mom with every fiber of my being…true confession. I know where to buy the cute dance outfits, I can do a mean ballet bun, and I’ll bedazzle the heck out of her costumes! Mia is only 4 right now and she may only be humoring me by putting on her legwarmers and going to dance class, but I’m hoping that this is one extra-curricular activity that sticks.
Why Dance?
There are so many choices when it comes to activities to enroll your child in. Soccer, karate, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, the list is endless. So why should a parent consider dance for their child? These are only my opinions and based on my own experiences growing up in a dance studio:
Dance is an art form. It allows anyone who steps foot on that floor to express themselves in whatever way serves them. For a child, and especially as a teenager, that freedom is completely liberating. Dance gives you permission to be who you are, without judgment, and embrace that individuality proudly. What greater gift to give your child than the gift of self-worth?
For anyone who says “Dance is not a sport,” I challenge them to take a 1.5 hour ballet class in pointe shoes, or rehearse a combination until it’s just right. The sweat, blood, and tears (cliché, I know) that comes pouring out of dancers is no different than those shed by athletes. Dance is physically challenging and a form of exercise that engages every muscle in the body. My favorite part is that you’re usually having too much fun to realize you’re also getting in a great workout!
Confidence. Everyone wants their child to possess as much of it as possible. What better way to instill confidence than to step on a stage in front of a live audience and come alive doing what you love?
There’s nothing better than being part of a team! The dedication to your fellow dancers, the loyalty you offer to your art, the trust you put in your training, and the work ethic you exhibit hour after grueling hour in rehearsal…none of this sops when you step out of the studio. You carry these traits with you through life and they will serve you faithfully.
How to Choose a Dance Studio
In our town, and the ones surrounding, there definitely isn’t a shortage of dance studios. It is a wonderful thing because not every dance studio is for every dancer. You need to find the one that works best for your budding performer and for you as a family. Ultimately, I ended up bringing Mia to the same dance studio that I grew up in, but here are 5 questions I would suggest consulting when choosing where to seek dance education:
Are the dance instructors appropriately trained to teach the age of your child?
Children begin dancing at all different ages and a dance teacher should know how to deliver the appropriate instruction to their age and ability. The following is a recommended curriculum from Dance Masters of America:
Ages 3-5: A teacher for this age group should be knowledgeable about the physical, mental and emotional development of young children. Classes in dance for this age should encourage the young child’s natural ability for dance expression, develop his/her sense of body awareness and focus on the joy of participating in a variety of movement experiences. Instruction in specific dance forms, such as ballet, tap and jazz should be directly related to the child’s physical development. Classes should have a maximum of no more than 12 children and last no longer than 45 minutes.
Ages 6-9: Children at this age are ready for a more formal approach to dance; an emphasis on increasing body awareness and acquiring dance skills. Classes should have a maximum of 12-16 children and last at least 45 minutes.
Ages 10+: Students starting dance at this age should focus on developing technique and performance skills broadening the student’s knowledge of proper movement mechanics, anatomy and dance appreciation. Classes should not have more than 16 children and last 45 minutes to one hour, with longer classes for the more advanced and serious students with several years of previous training.
What is the education background of the dance instructors? Do they continue their education?
The above question is one that I’ve asked of preschool teachers as well when scouting out schools for Gavin and Mia. Although preschool teachers in New York state are not required to hold a degree in education, it certainly is one of my non-negotiables. As for dance instructors, a background in education will help in fostering the social-emotional well-being of your child. Other skills that go hand-in-hand with a degree in education may include an understanding of anatomy, time and classroom management, and child psychology.
What is the performance philosophy of the studio?
Each studio is unique in their viewpoint on performance opportunities. Some studios are active in the competitive dance world, others cater to recreational dancers, and some offer a balance of both. If your child is old enough to have the discussion, you may want to consider speaking with them about their long-term dance goals so that you find a studio that they can grow with accordingly.
How are the parents kept as an active participant in their child’s dance education?
Communication is extremely important to me for any activity where I am not present with my child. Being kept informed and up-to-date about studio happenings and policies answers many questions before they need to be asked. Another consideration is whether or not there is an observation window into the studio in which your child will be dancing. Having the opportunity to view your child’s dance class can be beneficial in engaging in conversations as well as supporting their progress and struggles. Plus, who doesn’t love watching their tiny dancer wiggle around in their tutu?!
What times/days are classes available and what will the expense be?
This is the nitty gritty of choosing a studio. You need to find one that fits into your family’s schedule and financial budget. A studio should be straightforward in answering both of these questions.
Where to Find the Cute Outfits
**I haven’t raised a male dancer, so I am only speaking from my own experience of having a daughter who dances. **
Ok, time for the fun stuff! I love, love, LOVE dressing up Mia and being able to dress her in dance outfits brings everything to a whole new level! Legwarmers, tutus, crop tops…I just can’t take the cuteness overload! Here are some of my favorite sites to fill my cart up on:
Both of these sites are a one-stop shop for a variety of different dancewear brands:
When you think dance shoes, you think Capezio. Around since 1887, this brand is a classic and offers so much more than just dance shoes on their site:
Bloch has dancewear of every category, but my favorite has always been their beautiful leotards with the most interesting back designs. Don’t forget to check out their warm-ups for those chilly winter months running from the car to the studio:
Ok dance moms (and dads), grab your hairspray and your tap shoes and I’ll meet you in the wings! 5,6,7,8 – DANCE!!
