Why Choose CenterStage Dance?
3 Things to Know Before Choosing a Dance Studio | About our Early Childhood Program
Are all Studios the Same? | Ways to Get the Most out of Lessons

 

3 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a Studio:

WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN “EXTRAS” INVOLVED AT THE RECITAL?
Aside purchasing costumes, parents are often blind sided with the additional expenses of tights, last minute alterations and tickets to watch your own child perform!  At CenterStage Dance this is all INCLUDED.  We fundraise annually to help you cover the price of costumes and tution! We also fully staff our annual recital in order to allow the parents to enjoy watching their child on stage.  We do not expect you to change your child’s outfits or get stuck babysitting backstage.  Our studio charges a Recital Fee, which includes your child’s tights, UNLIMITED SEATING, a program book, and alterations for costumes.  You arrive at our show, drop your child backstage and return to the auditorium where you can relax and enjoy our show.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD BE LEARNING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
CenterStage Dance has it’s very own dance curriculum that is a progressive method to teaching proper dance technique to all ages.  We ensure that all music and moves are always age appropriate!  We want your child to not only enjoy the time they spend in dance class, but be able to come home and show you, the parent, what they are learning.  Dance lessons are fun and educational at CenterStage!

HOW DO I PAY FOR LESSONS?
We require all tuition to be paid by electronic funds transfer of your checking or savings account. You may also choose to pay for the session by semesters. In many studios the management staff and often the owners spend hours on collections of past due accounts. Paying by direct withdrawal is a win-win situation. You will never have to worry about late fees or being called for collection of a past due bill for your dance lessons. Instead of spending hours of energy on collections, the staff at CenterStage Dance devotes its time and energy ensuring students are getting 100% attention.

 

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
18 months to SIX years old

The Early Childhood Program is specially designed to provide children between the ages of two and six with a strong foundation in dance and movement. It teaches the young dancer the basic elements of movement and dance: space and how we relate to it, both as an individual and as a member of a group; the basic locomotor movements; music rhythm beat, beat and time; opposites and directions; some elementary positions of ballet, tap, jazz, and acro gymnatics. Integrated with these physical concepts are the intellectual concepts of self-awareness, creative expression, imagination, teamwork, and basic body/health awareness.

Through participation in these classes, students also learn the basics of classroom manners and behavior, which remain the same throughout their dancing years. These concepts include learning how to take turns, following another dancer or leading the way, waiting patiently, working together with others and having a positive attitude.

Educators now know that training young children in the concepts of movement, sequencing and pattering lays a strong foundation for the later development of reading, mathematics, and other educational skills. Children in our Early Childhood Program work actively in all of these areas.

By the time students are six to seven years of age, they will be placed in a combination class, which replaces creative movement with jazz dance. At the discretion of the director he/she may also be ready to begin studying dance more intensely. For instance, instead of being enrolled in a combination class, the student may be ready to take 45 minute increments of each discipline.

 

 

Compare all the options… Here’s why CenterStage Dance is the right choice:	CenterStage Dance	Other Dance Studios
No “hidden extras” involved in the annual production
Age Appropriate Music and Costuming
Dance Masters of America, Inc. certified school and staff
Programs are offered year round
Convenient Payment Methods
We alter and sew costumes for you
Each student receives a yearly evaluation
Additional Performance Opportunities
Fundraising Opportunities

 

 

Ways to Get the Most Out of Lessons

These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience learning how to dance and do acrobatics.

1. How Young is Too Young—Starting at the Right Age.
Adults can often begin lessons at any age. Their success is based on how willing an adult is committed to practicing. We teach many beginner students in their 40’s and even 50’s. For children, starting at the right age is somewhat important in their overall experience. Some people will tell you that sooner is better. Often times if a child is put into lessons too young they may feel overwhelmed, anxious and frustrated. We begin children in lessons between the ages of 18-24 months. Generally by this time, children are ready to begin separating from their parents in short intervals. Our “Rhythm Rompers” class is designed to delicately ease children into a dance environment. We aim to empower their creative spirit and give them confidence to participate in class without mom or dad by their side.

2. Taking Lessons in a Professional Teaching Environment
Learning to dance is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that is focused on dance education. In a professional school environment students can not be distracted by siblings, other parents and anything else for that matter. Although parents may view their children from the television monitor, we do not allow parents, family and friends into directly observe the class. It is very important that instructors have each child’s attention during classes.

3. Make Practicing Easier
As with anything, improvement takes practice. One of the main problems with dance and acrobatics is the drudgery of practicing and the fight between parents and students to practice. Here are some ways to make practicing easier:

• TIME-
  Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day practicing can occur, the less reminding time is required by parents to get the child to practice.

• REPETITION-
  We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child, 20 to 30 minutes is a long time. For example, practice your “new move” 4 to 5 times a day. The child then does not pay attention to the amount of time they are actually practicing. Instead they know if they have done it 3 times, they are almost finished.

• REWARDS–
  There is no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done. Don’t bribe your child, encourage him/her instead. Use a sticker chart. This works great!
  
  HAVE FUN! Dance and music can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey.