Register Now for January Classes
We have Open Enrollment at A Dance Place which means you may register & begin classes anytime! Students registering between now and February 10, 2012 are eligible to participate in our year-end recital. In order to participate, you must have your Costume Fee of $50 per class turned in by February 10, 2012 so that a costume may be ordered for you! Costume Fees can also be mailed to our PO Box 205, Eaton, CO 80615.
Are all studios the same?
If most dance studios seem to have friendly teachers, nice facilities and a big show at the end of the year, aren’t they all pretty much the same? NO! There are 7 items that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 7 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.
1. The Beginning Years-What is Expected of my Preschooler?
“The class was too serious” is the most common feedback we hear about other dance studios in regards to their preschool programs. Our Directors have over 28 years of combined teaching experience and 12 years parenting experience with 4 of our own children still in their Preschool years. We have developed and perfected, through many years of both training and personal experience, an excellent preschool dance program for children ages 2 and up. While many studios don’t allow students until age 3 and then have preschoolers doing plies at the barre, we use age-appropriate music, props, and creative lesson plans to engage your child in learning the basics while keeping them entertained with fun preschool material! While our school-aged programs are well-designed, our preschool program is truly top-notch. Lastly, we keep our class sizes between 8-10 students depending on the average age of the class.
2. What Is The Focus of the Studio?
A positive, encouraging environment is crucial to a dancer’s enjoyment and success. Our studio’s goal is to build confidence and esteem in our students, while instilling a love of dance that will last a lifetime. We pride ourselves in welcoming all dancers, regardless of their ability or experience, and conducting classes in a positive, encouraging atmosphere. Our students go home feeling confident and accomplished while receiving quality technique. We are family-friendly–scheduling class times, rehearsals & performances at age-appropriate times (That is, we never expect a 3 year old to perform at 9:00 PM!) and selecting conservative and age-appropriate music, choreography, and costumes for our year-end show.
Many studios offer competition programs and end up focusing heavily on this facet of the studio. While we have tried competition programs in the past, we have found that it is usually a less than positive experience for the student unless they consistently place #1–a difficult feat if you want a well-rounded child. We have replaced our competition program with a Performance Troupe which is an all-inclusive group of dancers who perform at various events around the community. Their is no “placement” after they perform–only applause, leaving the students feeling accomplished and never defeated.
3. What is the Class Size?
If the dance class has fewer students in it each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more and have more fun. With younger students it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size also allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.
Our studio limits all of our classes (ages 6 and up) to a maximum of just 12 students per class. With our Preschool & Level 1 classes (ages 2 – 5) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 8-10 students per class, depending on the class.
4. Is the Studio Organized?
Teaching is certainly an important part of a dance studio, but equally important is a well-run business. We have developed a system of online registrations, e-newsletters, and more to assure a streamlined registration and account management process for our parents. Furthermore, if a question or concern arises, we have administrative staff available by phone to answer your questions at all times of the day–not just during studio teaching hours. Question that cannot be answered by our administrative staff will be forwarded to a director.
5. Is there a Structured Curriculum in Place?
Consistency among different instructors, despite their varying teaching styles and personality, is so important. We have a structured curriculum our instructors follow which assures quality-control in our programs. While students certainly have their “favorite teachers”, parents can be confident their child will receive the same quality training regardless of the class instructor.
6. What Can I Expect for the Year End Show?
Most studios put on a year end show in a professional theatre. Students that perform in the show must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child’s costumes, or pay extra and the parents must find their own seamstress to do the sewing. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for parents who are busy or can’t sew. Most studios also require parents to purchase tickets for the recital performance night.
Our studios use our own professional seamstress to sew and alter the costumes, so parents do not have to worry about any costume hassles. Our studio also gives each parent 2 tickets included with your paid recital fee for our year-end show. This way you as a parent will not be faced with any extra work or expenses.
7. Can You Watch Your Child?
Entrusting your child with a new instructor can be unsettling for many parents. Many studios do not allow parents to observe their child in class. Our facilities are equipped with observation windows into each of our dance rooms so that you may check in on your child at any time. In addition, we have beautiful dance floors, ballet barres, and room-length mirrors.