Parent's Guide
First of all, why choose dance? When there are so many activities available for children, what makes dance the right choice?
Physical Benefits:
- promotes a healthy, active lifestyle
- builds strength and stamina, increases flexibility, coordination, and balance
- develops body awareness and correct posture
- relieves stress, burns off energy
Developmental Benefits:
- great way to meet new friends
- builds confidence, focus, and discipline
- develops communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
Educational Benefits:
- there is a strong correlation between arts involvement and academic achievement
- improves brain function through memory, movement, and rhythm skills
- teaches goal setting and time management
Artistic Benefits:
- utilizes student’s imagination and nurtures creativity
- promotes self-expression
- teaches musicality
And best of all, IT’S FUN!
How to Choose a Dance School
As your child’s body grows and develops, it’s important to have proper dance training. A strong technical foundation will provide the skills to enjoy dance for a lifetime, while poor training can cause lasting damage. Dance classes should be appropriate to the student’s physical development and learning ability. The atmosphere should promote a child’s self-esteem, creativity, and happiness.
Here are some questions to consider:
- Are there a variety of levels of training offered? Are classes offered by age and proficiency?
- Is the faculty knowledgeable and experienced in teaching certain genres and age groups?
- Is everyone encouraged to participate in performances? What are the performance opportunities?
- Does the school focus on its competition program or are recreational and beginning students given as much priority as the advanced dancers?
- Do students spend time on learning HOW to dance, not just on learning a dance?
- Are there classes in a variety of dance styles available for students with individual interests?
- Does the facility have spacious classrooms with resilient flooring and other amenities for students and parents?
Our Studio:
Of course, at Alderwood Dance Spectrum, we answer “yes” to all those questions. Visit About Us and Frequently Asked Questions for more information on our studio.
- We focus on giving every student the technical background to maximize their potential.
- We offer a wide array of classes, with varied scheduling options to suit your family’s needs.
- Our choreography, music, and costumes are age appropriate.
- We communicate with parents through email newsletters, bulletin boards, and friendly, informed desk staff.
- Our recitals are short, enjoyable, and entertaining.
From a Dance Parent:
The other night someone asked me "Why do you pay so much money for your girls to dance?"
Well I have a confession to make, I don't pay for dance. Personally, I couldn't care less about dance. I grew up in a family of 4 boys and no girls. The "Nutcracker" was something you did on a dare off of the high dive at the pool or something you unpleasantly surprised your brother with. Up until the day I met my wife if I were asked to go to Swan Lake I would have asked if we were water skiing or fishing.
So if I am not paying for dance what am I paying for?
- I pay for those moments when my daughters become so tired they want to quit but don't.
- I pay for those days when my daughters come home from school and are "too tired" to go dance but go anyway.
- I pay for my daughters to learn to be graceful.
- I pay for my daughters to learn to take care of their body.
- I pay for my daughters to learn to work with others and to be good teammates.
- I pay for my daughters to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don't get that part they hoped for, but still have to work hard at the part that they received.
- I pay for my daughters to learn to make and accomplish goals.
- I pay for my daughters to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create something beautiful, and that success does not happen overnight.
- I pay for the opportunity my daughters have and will have to make life long friendships.
- I pay so that my daughters can be on stage instead of in front of a screen...
I could go on but to be short, I don't pay for dance, I pay for the opportunities that dance provides my daughters to develop attributes that will serve them well throughout their lives and give them the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far I think it is a great investment!
From http://shadmartin.blogspot.com/2015/10/why-i-dont-pay-for-dance-anymore.html
