Wednesday, May 19, 2010

And the Winners Are...

Congratulations to Christina Gonzalez and Beth Perry, winners of our National Dance Week contests!

Christina was the winner of our National Dance Week essay contest and won a gift card to Twelve Oaks mall and a FREE registration for the 2011 Adrenaline Dance Convention.

Beth won the craft contest and also won a gift certificate to Twelve Oaks mall and a Metro Dance tank top.

Both Beth and Christina will be featured in our 2010 recital program.

Congratulations to both ladies and thank you to all the contest participants. Can't wait until next year!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Four Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Dance Studio

If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren’t they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are 4 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 4 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio.

1. WHAT TYPE OF DANCE FLOOR IS USED?
Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional “floating floor.” A floating floor is a dance floor which “gives” on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. Very few studios use professional floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular tile floor. Our specialized floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.

2. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE CLASS?
If the dance class has fewer students, 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 and allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique. We also have advanced dance students working as teacher assistants to help our teachers with younger classes.

3. CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studio has office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.

4. WHAT IS THE STUDIO ENVIRONMENT?
We are committed to providing safe and quality instruction to children and adults of all ages and skill levels. We have a relaxed, family friendly environment and offer students a choice of technique, recital and/or competitive dance classes. We teach our students about teamwork, having a positive attitude, eating healthy and setting goals. Our studio is a home away from home and we consider our dancers a part of our extended family.