3 Things to Know Before Choosing a Dance Studio | About our Early Childhood Program
Are all Studios the Same? | Ways to Get the Most out of Lessons

:: 3 Things to Know Before Choosing a Studio ::

WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN “EXTRAS” INVOLVED AT THE ANNUAL RECITAL?
Aside purchasing costumes, parents are often blind sided with the additional expenses of tickets, DVD’s of the performance as well as flowers, balloons and gifts. Although they have purchased a ticket to actually watch the show, they find themselves backstage changing costumes, re-applying makeup and babysitting. Our studio charges an ONE FEE, which includes your child’s costume, UNLIMITED TICKETS, a DVD of the production and a program book. We fully staff the auditorium as well as backstage. You arrive at our show, drop your child backstage and return to the auditorium where you can relax and enjoy our show.

DOES THE SCHOOL OFFER ANY OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES BESIDE THE ANNUAL PRODUCTION?
All studios will have a big show at the end of the year, and for most schools-that is it! Of course most schools, including Academy of Dance and Music, have performing companies who do perform several times a year. Those companies are often limited by age and ability requirements. We feel that every student is valuable to our program and take several opportunities throughout the year to include ALL students in our public performances. Although our year end production is a “formal affair”, we have additional casual performance opportunities.

HOW DO I PAY FOR LESSONS?
We require all tuition to be paid by electronic funds transfer of your checking or savings account. You may also choose to pay for the session in full and receive a discount. In many studios the management staff and often the owners spend hours on collections of past due accounts. Paying by direct withdrawal is a win-win situation. You will never have to worry about late fees or being called for collection of a past due bill for your dance lessons. Instead of spending hours of energy on collections, the staff at the Academy of Dance and Music devotes its time and energy ensuring students are getting 100% attention.

More about the Academy -

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
20 months to second grade

The Early Childhood Program is specially designed to provide children between the ages of two and six with a strong foundation in dance and movement. It teaches the young dancer the basic elements of movement and dance: space and how we relate to it, both as an individual and as a member of a group; the basic locomotor movements; music rhythm beat, beat and time; opposites and directions; some elementary positions of ballet, tap, jazz, and acro. Integrated with these physical concepts are the intellectual concepts of self-awareness, creative expression, imagination, teamwork, and basic body/health awareness.

Through participation in these classes, students also learn the basics of classroom manners and behavior, which remain the same throughout their dancing years. These concepts include learning how to take turns, following another dancer or leading the way, waiting patiently, working together with others and having a positive attitude.

Educators now know that training young children in the concepts of movement, sequencing and pattering lays a strong foundation for the later development of reading, mathematics, and other educational skills. Children in our Early Childhood Program work actively in all of these areas.
By the time students are six to seven years of age, they will be placed in a combination class, which replaces creative movement with jazz dance. At the discretion of the director he/she may also be ready to begin studying dance more intensely. For instance, instead of being enrolled in a combination class, the student may be ready to take one-hour increments of each discipline.

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
Progressive curriculum method teaching proper technique
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 in to 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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