| Every week, children of all ages attend dance classes. | | | | Researching will help you make the right choice for |
| They are filled with hopes and dreams of dancing like | | | | both you and your child. |
| their favorite pop stars, rappers, ballerinas and | | | | You have enrolled your child and are wondering how |
| celebrities. Girls and boys alike, energetically take the | | | | you can help make their experience better. Here are |
| classes, while parents responsibly make sure they | | | | a couple handy tips: |
| have transportation and the funds to attend. | | | | Class Placement Proper placement in class is very |
| Weekly classes provide technical training, body | | | | important. There are a lot of fundamentals and |
| alignment, muscle control, rhythm, coordination and | | | | techniques that the dancer must learn and master |
| structure. The repetition of the training and the | | | | before they can move to a higher level. You would |
| discipline of the techniques, create an amazing | | | | not enroll a child in algebra if they did not know how |
| capability of movement and self-control of ones own | | | | to add and subtract. Requesting or demanding that |
| body. These are such important elements in a child's | | | | they be placed above their dance level will only |
| growth. | | | | discourage them and prevent them from reaching |
| But what else is it about dance class that is so | | | | their full potential. Dance technique is not something |
| important to a child? | | | | you can 'pick up' along the way. Its a repetitive, |
| Structured dance programs give students confidence. | | | | structured process that forms a solid foundation for |
| When they learn to master a difficult step, technique | | | | the dancer. Without a good, firm foundation, a |
| or routine, it raises their self-esteem and allows them | | | | dancer is more inclined to be injured and discouraged. |
| to be proud of something. It will give them the | | | | Let the professionals place your child. |
| courage to show off the new accomplishment which | | | | Class Conduct Bad behavior by your child should not |
| helps them overcome shyness and feel a sense of | | | | be tolerated. It is not cute or funny when your child |
| appreciation for a job well done. | | | | is misbehaving. And I can tell you with great |
| The exercise element is also a huge factor as to | | | | confidence that the other parents who are paying |
| why dance classes are important. In the age of video | | | | for their own children to be learning are not happy |
| games, children discover a physical activity that they | | | | with your child's disruptions. No one thinks it is cute |
| enjoy doing. Most children have so much happiness | | | | but you. This could be a great learning experience for |
| about learning and participating in dance class that | | | | the child about good and bad behavior and reward |
| they do not even realize the extraordinary benefits | | | | and punishment. |
| they are receiving; such as team work, independent | | | | Gossip and Criticism Nothing will deflate your child's |
| thinking, creativity, pride, discipline and structure. | | | | experiences more than gossip and criticism. Your child |
| When children are regular participants in a dance | | | | is having a great character-building experience. Don't |
| program they learn respect. Respect for the | | | | tarnish it by constantly talking bad about the other |
| instructor, the other children and mostly, themselves. | | | | parents, children and especially the instructor. How do |
| When a child can feel good about themselves, they | | | | you expect your child to ever learn respect for |
| open their minds to accomplish so many other things | | | | others when you are constantly criticizing the people |
| that are important for their well-being and healthy | | | | involved. Gossip and criticism come directly from |
| mental and physical growth. If you have ever spoken | | | | jealousy and envy and are bad lessons to teach your |
| to an adult that attended dance classes as a child, it | | | | children. If you are that unhappy with the studio you |
| will be hard to find someone who has a negative | | | | are free to go somewhere else. If your child is the |
| opinion about the experience. Most will tell you how | | | | one gossiping and talking badly, you need to find out |
| much it helped them in certain areas. | | | | what the real problem is and find a solution. Its a |
| There is something special about the environment | | | | great time to teach them about problem solving and |
| within a dance studios walls. Over the years, children | | | | how negative thinking and words are not the answer. |
| grow and develop into happy, well-rounded adults. | | | | Using your child's experiences and accomplishments |
| The transformation is beautiful to watch and an even | | | | from dance are a perfect opportunity for bonding |
| greater experience to be involved in. There is nothing | | | | between you and your child. Allow them to enjoy the |
| greater in this world than to be part of a child's | | | | experience and encourage them to share it with you. |
| healthy, happy growth and development. As a dance | | | | You will witness your child transforming into a |
| teacher, it is my greatest joy. | | | | well-adjusted, respectful, grateful and confident adult. |
| As a parent, I encourage you to enroll your child in a | | | | Even if they never pursue a career in dance, the |
| local dance program. Talk to other parents for | | | | lessons that they will learn will benefit them the rest |
| referrals and other children for opinions. Its important | | | | of their lives. |
| that the studio be a good fit for your child. | | | | |