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5 ways to prepare your child for their first class:
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Shop for clothing and shoes: For basic leotards and dance slippers, we
recommend Target. Unfortunately, we do not currently have a store in Seattle
that we recommend. We used to recommend Creative Fashions but they have gone out
of business. For online choices, we recommend:
Clothing guidelines: Comfortable clothing for movement. Most kids wear a leotard. Boys wear sweats or dance pants.
Shoe guidelines: Most kids wear ballet slippers. Bare feet are OK, too, but no feet in stockings or socks (too slippery).
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Hair: Long hair should be up to help avoid distractions.
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Arrive early: We encourage you to
arrive early to show your child around – the studio floor they will dance on,
the dressing room, the bathrooms, etc. Your instructor also will be available
before class for an introduction.
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Anticipate separation issues: For ages 3-4, let your child know ahead of
time that they will be dancing in class with their instructor and other dancers
and that you will be just outside the door waiting for them. If issues arise,
your instructor will work with you to strategize the best plan. We find that it
works best if parents and caregivers stay out of the dance studio to help their
dancers begin building confidence to be on their own. It is normal for young
dancers to take several classes before acclimating to being on their own.
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Discreet watching: You are welcome to watch glass through the
veiled curtains. We find that children do best – staying most focused and
engaged with the rest of the group – when their parents are not clearly visible.
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The two primary type of introductory children's classes are:
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Dancin' Tots – for ages 18 months to 3 years old;
caregiver takes class with child)
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Creative Ballet – for age 3-4; child takes class without
caregiver
What if your child is older than age 4? No problem. We pride
ourselves in being able to find the perfect class fit for every child,
regardless of age, skill level or experience. To start the process for getting a
personalized recommendation, visit "Find the perfect class".
The overriding goal of these introductory classes is to create a rich, positive learning environment
that is focused on the whole child. The top three benefits of dancing with us
are:>
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Enhanced creativity
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Social development
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Brain development
Fun and creativity abound as instructors incorporate playful stories and fun
props into weekly class activities. Social skills develop as dancers learn how
to take class with an emphasis on partnering and engagement with fellow class
members. Brain development is enhanced by research-based curriculum.
As an example, each week we incorporate a different "dance concept"
for every class at the studio. The weekly concept could be pathways, which would
entail an exploration of moving in ways that are curvy, straight, zig zaggy and
more. As dancers are playfully enticed to move in these multitude of patterns,
they are engaging their bodies in cross-lateral, vestibular and head-tail
connection movements -- all of which have been shown by research to promote
brain development.
We carry this curriculum throughout every classes at All That Dance, though it
is more evident in classes for younger dancers. As dancers get older, more
emphasis is placed on specific dance movement and skills pertaining to the genre
of dance they are studying. Students progress within a well-defined curriculum
and parents receive annual checklist reports, which lead to
Personalized class recommendations for each and every
dancer.
In addition to the benefits listed above, we believe your child will experience
an enhancement of:
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Self-esteem
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Critical thinking
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Concentration
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Coordination
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Discipline
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Gracefulness
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Motivation
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Respect
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