Click here to Learn Ways to Get the Most out of Lessons

Compare all the options… Here’s why Academy of Dance & Music is the right choice:	Academy of Dance & Music	Other Dance Studios
No “hidden extras” involved in the annual production
Additional Performance Opportunities
Age Appropriate Music and Costuming
Dance Masters of America, Inc. certified school and staff
Annual Award System for ALL students
Programs are offered year round
Convenient Payment Methods
We alter and sew costumes for you
Each student receives a yearly evaluation

Ways to Get the Most Out of Lessons
These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience learning how to dance and do acrobatics.

1. How Young is too Young—Starting at the right age.
Adults can often begin lessons at any age. Their success is based on how willing an adult is to committed to practicing. We teach many beginner students in their 50’s and even 60’s. For children, starting at the right age is somewhat important in their overall experience. Some people will tell you that sooner is better. Often times if a child is put into lessons too young they may feel overwhelmed, anxious and frustrated. We begin children in lessons between the ages of 18-24 months. Generally by this time, children are ready to begin separating from their parents in short intervals. Our “Earth Angels” class is designed to delicately ease children into a dance environment. We aim to empower their creative spirit and give them confidence to participate in class without mom or dad by their side.

2. Taking Lessons in a Professional Teaching Environment
Learning to dance is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that is focused on dance education. In a professional school environment students can not be distracted by ringing phones, siblings, other parents and anything else for that matter. Although parents may view their children from the television monitor or observation window, we do not allow parents, family and friends into directly observe the class. It is very important that instructors have each child’s attention during classes.

3. Make practicing Easier
As with anything, improvement takes practice. One of the main problems with dance and acrobatics is the drudgery of practicing and the fight between parents and students to practice. Here are some ways to make practicing easier:

• TIME-
  Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day practicing can occur, the less reminding time is required by parents to get the child to practice.

• REPETITION-
  We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child, 20 to 30 minutes is a long time. For example, practice your “new move” 4 to 5 times a day. The child then does not pay attention to the amount of time they are actually practicing. Instead they know if they have done it 3 times, they are almost finished.

• REWARDS–
  There is no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done. Don’t bribe your child, encourage him/her instead. Use a sticker chart. This works great!
  HAVE FUN! Dance and music can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey.
  

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