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 […]
Sprained ankles, sore feet, pulled muscles. Dance injuries are, unfortunately, going to happen. While some minor bumps and bruises can be resolved at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation, other more serious aches or pains may warrant a trip to a doctor. But can your primary care doc help or do you need a […]
Q: After attending a summer program at a prestigious ballet school, my daughter has been invited to stay for the year-round program. She is interested, of course, but I’m not so sure. How can I be objective about this? A: An invitation to attend a top-tier academy is undoubtedly a great compliment to your daughter’s […]
Q: In this period of economic uncertainty, my family is looking at our budget from every angle. Summer enrollment at the dance studio is now—but no one is sure when we’ll actually be able to head into the studio. I want to support small businesses like our dance studio, but I also can’t help but […]
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 […]
Watching through the studio windows—or even from the sidelines in a Mommy and Me class—can surely make parents wonder what exactly our little tykes are getting out of weekly ballet lessons. After all, they’re repeating the same things class after class. Are they bored? Are they progressing? Why are they doing that again? Repetition, however, […]