Choosing Dance Courses for Your Child, and Resources in Southern California

During my formative years, my mother did everything she could to ensure that I was "cultured." From the get-go, my childhood was filled with activities, classes, attendance at various arts and cultural events, and any other real-world experiences that were bestowed upon me. I was an active kid, - inquisitive - the first-born. My parents weren't quite sure what to do with me, but they knew it helped to keep me busy.

After somersaulting into the living room couch a few too many times, my mother enrolled me in my first dance class. Like any kid, I wasn't too enthused about the prospect of donning tights-- even if they were of the pretty, pale pink variety. There are a lot of things that four-year-olds don't want to do, but once I got into the music and the movements, there was no going back. For me, ballet was the gateway to the dancing universe. Ultimately, that led to an exploration of jazz, belly-dance, tap, pointe, and other dance styles.

As an adult, I can clearly see that my early introduction to dance has had positive, long- lasting effects on the person I've now become ~ not to mention my posture. Dance encourages overall fitness, boosts self-confidence, increases coordination and flexibility, and offers both a creative and emotional outlet for people of all ages.

For children, especially, it allows physical movement to become a lifestyle. It's no secret that children who are introduced to physical activities, such as dance, have a much better chance of staying active throughout their lives. In addition, these diminutive dancers have better posture, flexibility, coordination, and self-confidence than their non-dancing peers. Dance offers wonderful socialization for children in a creative environment. Little dancers get to meet other kids their age, burn off extraneous energy, and have fun while they're at it. What could be better?

If you're ready to enroll your child in dance classes, don't be swayed by the class schedule and rates alone. Many a parent has made that mistake.

Tips For Choosing A Dance Studio For Your Child

Check out several dance studios out; feel the vibe. They may look the same on paper, but trust me, not all dance studios are alike. For instance, The Athletic Garage in Pasadena, California offers kids' classes in ballet, hip-hop and jazz. What sets them apart? They're able to offer small classes so each individual child gets the personal attention and nurturing that he or she deserves. That encouragement alone will help your child have a positive dancing experience. Many studios can offer the training, but not every studio has the capacity to do so in a welcoming, non-competitive manner.

Observe the instructors by monitoring a class. See how they interact with students. Are they patient? Do they use positive reinforcement? Do the kids look like they're having fun? I once had a dance teacher from New York that was adamant about training all of her students to become professional dancers. Not everyone wants to become a professional dancer. Some of us just want to have fun. That was the most miserable dance class I'd ever had.

Have your child audit a class. Many studios will offer a free trial class. Get feedback from your child and really listen to them. Encourage them to stick with it, but if dance truly is not their thing, don't force it. Find a similarly active hobby for your child.

Get feedback from other parents. Hang out in the studio lobby after a class and ask other parents what they think of the studio and what their child's experience has been. You'll be more likely to get honest opinions.

My relationship with dance has evolved over the years, but dance is something that I can continue to do well into my adult life. I still have the costumes from every dance recital: the swirling colors of cascading fabric, the tutus, the too-small ballet flats, the sequins galore, and of course, the pale, pink tights. Although their glitter may fade, those costumes hold within them the memories of my childhood and the promise of the future I'm now living.

Remember that childhood is the foundation of the future adult self. Give your kids the gift of dance. For dance is not just an activity, it's a life-long friend that your kids can rely on for years to come.

For quality dance instruction in Southern California, check out the following studios.
(This is by no means a comprehensive list of studios. Wherever you decide to enroll your child, make sure that you've taken the time to find the right place. It's worth it!)

The Athletic Garage
Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz For Kids.
121 Waverly Ave
Pasadena, Ca 91105
626-229-9769
www.athletic-garage.com

Anisa's School of Dance
Music, dance, theatre classes for children
14252 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks CA 91423
818-752-9829
http://www.anisadance.com/

Dance In Motion
22776 Ventura Blvd, Suite B,
Woodland Hills, California 91364
818-222-2085 | fax 818-222-2583
http://www.danceinmotion.net/