Dance Magic Dance

(Yes, the title is from "Labyrinth", what are you gonna do about it?)

I figured I'd take this time to a little dance FAQ blog because apparently I have nothing else better to do. I get a lot of questions from parents, students, and prospective students all the time.

Q: What should I look for in a good studio?

A: A lot of things! The staff is one of the most important. I don't believe teachers necessarily have to have a degree to be a good teacher, but with that being said, it definitely helps out a lot. They need to be up to date on teaching and technique. For example, if you see the teacher forcing more turnout out of a student, let the owner know and if it's common practice there, take your business elsewhere. You don't need your child having knee problems because that teacher is stuck in "the old ways." Look at the flooring that they have. Ideally, a studio needs to have a floating floor. It reduces the risk of injury and the dancer won't get as tired as quickly. If they don't have a floating floor, make sure it isn't tile, concrete, or anything crazy like that. As far as mirrors are concerned, mylar mirrors are the best. They're safer than traditional mirrors. If you're not sure if a studio is great or not, ask around.


Q: How old does my child have to be to be enrolled in a dance class?

A: Most studios have the rule that if they're potty trained, they can be put into a class. There are usually creative movement for children around the age of two, and after that they can be put into classes that are more dance based. For example, I teach combo classes for kids ranging from 3-5 and they do some ballet and then some tap. It also depends on whether or not you think your child is ready for such things.


Q: What do you think about dance competitions?

A: I'm torn about them, to be honest. My studio is a very highly competitive school. I have never participated in one. The studio I grew up dancing at never went to any. I dance for art, not for a trophy, but that's just me. As with anything, competition has it's pros and cons. It definitely forces dancers to be better at a younger age. If you compared dancers from a non-competitive school versus a competitive school, the competitive dancers are going to be at a much higher level than the dancers who don't compete. With that being said, I'm not a fan of putting children into high stress situations. I know of students who go from competition to competition and they never get a break. Mentally, that's very tiring. Physically, it could lead to injuries. Not to mention, that's extremely expensive! The other problem with being expected to dance at such a high level is that the dancers will be very hard on themselves. It's a miracle if I go a day without having to diffuse a crying situation because they didn't get something new on the first try. This stuff takes time, but there's pressure on them to get it if they want to do well in a competition. On the other hand, if they do well at a competition it does wonders for their self esteem.


Q: Can adults learn how to dance?

A: YES!!! It doesn't matter how old you are! Most studios have adult beginner classes.


Q: What can I do to get a dancer's body?

A: Dance.


Q: Why are you so awesome and attractive?

A: Stop it! You're making me blush!