In an “ideal” world, we, as parents, manage to plan meals, then prep and set perfectly portioned plates for all family members at dinnertime each weeknight. But whose reality is that? Instead, we’re constantly tackling the after-work shuffle and post-school hustle that typically entails car pools, (more) driving to the dance studio or other practices, […]
As temperatures drop and our kids return to the grind of fall routines, it’s completely normal for teens to feel a sense of overwhelm. Thankfully, there is an uptick in discussion surrounding stress and self-care, which point to an increasing awareness and education about mental health needs. So how can you be a first point of support for your teen when the going gets tough?
Back-to-school can be a nerve-racking time for male dance students—especially as they approach middle or high school—and for their parents. Fears of bullying, isolation and low self-esteem are valid worry points, and, as parents, we want to do our best to help our kids feel supported and loved—especially in uncertain times. For a first-person account […]
Q: My family is moving to a new area in a different state, and we won’t know anyone there. How can I find a good studio for my serious dancer? A: As always, your first step should be to ask your dancer’s current studio owner or teachers for any leads. But what if that’s a […]
Q: My teen says she wants to quit dance, but I’m not so sure she should. She’s very talented, and I think she’s just tired. Plus, we’ve paid for the semester and recital. Help! A: You’re right to question if your dancer is experiencing burnout or a true lack of interest. Christy Curtis, owner of […]
It’s time to talk seriously about safety in dance education. As the physical and psychological demands put on student dancers escalates—thanks to competitions, social media and ever-evolving choreography—there is a pressing need to consider how we can successfully safeguard young dancers. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, we’ve heard numerous accounts of unethical, dangerous […]
Q: My tween is begging me to go to a faraway summer intensive, claiming “all my friends are going.” How do I know if she’s ready? A: It can feel like a rite of passage for serious dancers to attend an intensive at a major ballet school. They dance all day and often explore the […]
Do you have new preschool students enrolling in your upcoming dance year? These tiny dancers just beginning their movement journey are poised to become part of your studio community for the next decade or more. Keep in mind that dance class may be one of the first times a child under age 5 has been […]
Dance studios everywhere are looking for new ways to support the latest generation of dancers and dance parents. These Generation Z-ers and millennials need a little extra to hold their attention and keep them coming back to dance class year in and year out. Aside from strengthening their technique, imbuing their hearts with a passion […]
In 2019, dance parents are more eager than ever to observe their child’s progress, and stay up-to-date with the ins and outs of what’s happening in the classroom. That means yearly recitals aren’t always enough to keep them satisfied—especially if you have rules against visitors observing class from week to week. The solution? Visitor observation […]