MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS EVERYTHING THEY NEED FOR CLASS.

Many dance schools have a dress code. Make sure that your dancer follows the dress code if that applies to your school and has the appropriate shoes for each class. Check in every so often to see if your child has outgrown their shoes.

STAY INFORMED ON STUDIO EVENTS AND IMPORTANT DATES.

Most studios will send out email reminders with important information such as special events, performance dates, and deadlines for ordering costumes and/or merchandise. Taking a few minutes to read through that information can help alleviate missing an important deadline.

LISTEN TO YOUR DANCER.

Ask your child how the class was and what they have been working on. If your dancer is older and quite serious about their training, you can even help them set goals and reinforce positive self-talk. There may be times when your child expresses that the teacher was too hard on them in class that day, or that the casting was unfair, or that they feel they should have been moved up to a higher level class. Often, your dancer simply needs to vent their frustration and they want to feel that they’ve been heard, so listen to them. However, if this is happening every time they come home or seems to be an ongoing issue, then you should call and schedule an appointment with the teacher or school director to talk over the concerns.  

TRUST THE TEACHER AND SCHOOL STAFF.

This one has to be the most important on the list. What do you want out of your child’s dance education? People choose dance studios for various reasons: some are looking for competition, some are looking for recreation, and some may be looking for a pre-professional track for their serious dancer. First and foremost, do your research. What are the credentials of the teaching staff? How long has the business been in operation? Is the studio affiliated with a professional dance company or university? Is the studio non-profit or for-profit? What is the mission of the school? Attend a performance to see what styles of dance, music choices, and costuming are showcased. Most schools will offer a trial class for placement or to see if the studio is a good fit for your child. Once you feel comfortable with a school, trust needs to be built. Most dance instructors spend their careers developing various ways to make this art form accessible and interesting to their students. Trusting the school and the teacher is so important as a basis for learning. Trust takes work and it begins with trusting your teacher, and having realistic expectations. Building a solid foundation in dance is just as important as building a foundation for a house. The teacher and the school director want the very best for each and every dancer that steps foot into their studio or classroom. Communication with your student’s teacher and/or school director is important for laying a foundation of trust and understanding that will pave the way for your dancer’s success.