You've seen the show and probably have your thoughts on "Dance Moms" but there's more than meets the eye when you join a dance community. We talked to self-proclaimed "Dance Moms" around the area and came up with a top 7 list of things you should know before taking the plunge into this amazing Dance World!
- Not all studios are created equal! Figure out what is important to YOU, and find the place that best fits your needs. There are so many out there, and some places are a better fit for some than others. For example, our studio focuses on dance as a PART of what makes the dancer great. We put a lot of emphasis on school and other activities so that our dancers can develop in other areas, while dance is still integral in their lives.
- Even in the best of scenarios - things happen: you child might be upset they didn't get their favorite spot (even more-so now that we are limited to social distancing!), they WILL have to pee once you've put their tights and leotards on or JUST before the performance, they will lose parts of their costumes or run their tights at the end of dress rehearsal.
- Know the difference between recreational classes and the competition teams and that you have a choice. One is for fun and the other is a serious commitment. At We're Dancin', we really encourage our recreational dancers to try all of the different types of dance and if they are serious, we will get serious with them. We never push competition with our dancers until we've spoken with the parents - we know that it can be a huge let down if a parent is not on board and the child already knows its an option!
- Dance can get expensive so a great tip is DON"T let your kids wear their dance shoes outside! It ruins the shoe. This includes leather-soled ballet slippers, metal taps, soft-soled jazz shoes - everything. One great suggestion is to send your child to class with her slippers on and her rain boots over his or her slippers. They can easily pull off her boots and doesn’t need assistance to put on the slippers!
- Dance is not just for girls! We have plenty of young boys who join us for all sorts of dance classes - but most gravitate towards Hip Hop and other more modern movements. If your child is interested in trying it - let them join us for a class! The first class at We're Dancin' is ALWAYS FREE!
- Keep a backup dance outfit on you at all times. Because you know that kid in the perfect, clean little outfit is going to decide to lay down in the parking lot some day and roll around while laughing her buns off. Not sure how to make that perfect bun once they've totally ruined it? Read this article for some tips/tricks!
- Our studio is ready for your child whenever you are ready to try us. We are taking safety and cleaning precautions to ensure the health and well-being of our dancers' (and their families). We are eager to have you join us for recreational dance programs as young as 2 (and no, they don't have to be potty-trained!) and welcome older friends like moms or caregivers for some of our adult classes!
No matter what you decide, know that Dance has so many benefits - from the obvious health and physical wellness side to nurturing creativity and letting loose. It's a lifelong enjoyment for many and we love being a part of that!
We're Dancin' is located across the street from the Sun Valley Commons in the Publix shopping center at 5136 Old Charlotte Highway in Monroe, North Carolina. Offering classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern and tap to children as young as 2 as well as teens and adults, our studios has both competition and recreational dance for everyone's enjoyment. We'd love to have you come try a class with us!
