Toddler Dance Class

[ahavnes]

Lately DD (nearly 3) is all about wanting to take a dance class. She dances all the time at home and asks about it every day when I take her to school.

Here's my question...they offer a dance class at DD's school every Wednesday during school hours--while I'm at work. I'm sure she'd love it, but (selfishly) I want to observe the cuteness for myself. :) Has anyone enrolled their child in a dance class through a studio? Do you actually get to observe the class, or do you just wait outside? Also, if you do watch, does it interfere with your child's lesson? I'm not so sure DD wouldn't keep running over to me.

TIA!

[ihearttx]

I have done a lot of research and all of the "dancing schools" where we live make you sit outside. The only dance class I have found that has a big window for observation is at The Little Gym. My DD turns 3 at the end of August, so I will most likely put her in The Little Gym class for next year and then put her in a real dancing school once she's 4.

[ManteoChik]

As a kid, I started dance at age 3.

We do (now) have two "studios" here in our area, but they are so darn serious. We actually do the dance pictures for one of the dance studies in my area each year and I feel like a lot of those kids are like little models. Its almost like they aren't having any fun because their teacher is so strict.

When I was a kid the only dance classes were offered through our counties "Parks and Rec" department. That is what I did, and its still HUGE....in fact they now have three different sets of classes for each age group to accommodate all the kids in our very spread out county. There is sill a fee for the class, plus the cost of outfits/shoes but I did it for 9 years and had a blast. I'm from a small town so I knew most of the kids anyway but it can be a great place for interaction. I had a great time doing it through P&R and while we were there to learn we still had fun.

[Tray85]

The dance classes through our Park District are held in a room with glass windows where you can observe.

[kiddo]

The studio I went to for 12 years as a kid had a window with a shade, which was only open once a month. I know a big reason they did it was that parents can be a big distraction, especially for the little ones.

I would definitely recommend if your DD is interested that you get her signed up for classes. I think at her young age the dance class at her school would be ideal. Then when she gets a little older, if she's still interested, sign her up at a studio.

[EJH]

My DD will only go to a studio where we can watch from an observation room, and I've found a couple around here. I started dance at 3 and parents were always able to watch and I think it's really important. Sure there were closed rehearsals for different things but for the most part parents could always watch.

Unfortunately around here are all 3 and up so I have to wait until August to start her...sigh.

[mamax2]

My DD started ballet/tap at age 3.5 at a local studio and parents wait in the lobby. We have 2 observation days a year when we can bring cameras, video, etc. After participating in those, I see exactly why parents aren't usually allowed! The girls are so unfocused and don't pay nearly the attention they should to their teacher when we're in there. It's the same thing at DD's pre-k class. When parents are there, it just gets kind of wonky.

Of course, at the time I registered my DD for the class, I specifically wanted an experience where she would be separated from me because I felt it was a good preparation for entering pre-k this year. Her teachers are also young and really fun. They aren't serious and stuffy dancers, it's really a fun time and they get to act silly. It's been a great experience so far.

[Geranium]

DD has been in dance classes for almost a year now. For her pre-ballet/tap, there is a large viewing window for the parents. She's been with the same group since Sept. and it is amazing to see how well all the girls have improved. For that class they hold a spring recital with the costumes and pictures.
The other class she takes is centered more around music and the teacher encourages the dancers (boys and girls) to interpret the music through movement. There is some singing and music terminology that the kids learn as well. Every five weeks there is a "parent day" when the kids show what they've learned.

[pixiecat]

Yes, I'm torn on this too... there is a ballet studio here, but I was a little nervous about the fact that I wouldn't be able to watch (even though I understand the reasoning!) and then turned off by the seven pages of rules for the studio! It just doesn't sound like fun, although I'm sure it's very prestigious if you decide that ballet is your thing.

We do swim lessons (where we can participate and watch!) and are going to sign up for karate soon, instead of dance at this point (Daddy's request).

[SusieQ]

When I was in dancing school growing up we had Observation Day twice a year (once in the fall and once in the Spring) and then had the huge recital each June. I think having people watch during every lesson would have been a distraction, at least for me. I might not have been nervous if it was just my mom but having 10 or more different people who I didn't known crowded around the window would have made it harder to concentrate. Usually for the younger kids the parents sat in the waiting area right outside the room so you can kind of hear what is going on anyway, you just can't see because the door is closed.
Very recently my two younger sisters were also in dance school and the policy was still the same.

[EJH]

It's so interesting to hear all of the rules...there was an observation window in both the up and downstairs studios and then a huge space for families on the 2nd floor that overlooked the downstairs studio. We only closed to obs. for auditions and rehearsals.

Part of me really wants to find a studio where I can watch with DD at this age b/c I drop her at daycare every single day and I think she'll have serious issues if she feels like I'm dropping her off on a Saturday too.

I can understand when she's older, I suppose, but I'd prefer a studio that lets parents watch. We never saw it as a distraction.

[Geranium]

I love to watch DD's ballet class. She takes the class at 5:30pm so DH often comes too. We watch DD1, talk about the week, hold and play with DD2...it has become a really nice "down time" for us. I have never noticed any of the kids being distracted by a parent watching them. Every once and awhile one will turn and give a quick wave but it is well understood that the attention needs to be on the teacher/assistant.

[ahavnes]

Thank you all so much for your opinions & experiences. I decided last night to try out a free session at a local dance studio with an observation window. That way I can observe the cuteness and/or provide a little moral support the first few times and then back off if I prove to be too much of a distraction. :) Also, DD's best friend is going to start the class with her, so I think that will help. Like EJH said, I already send her to school 3 full days a week, so I don't really want to totally drop her somewhere on Saturdays too. Plus, I want to see!! :)

Honestly, I took dance throughout my childhood and I don't even remember if there was an observation window! I do remember that, when I was in dance team in high school, I actually performed better and had more focus if strangers were watching us practice.

[Geranium]

We have reached the end of DD's 3yr-4yr dance class and are in the thick of the recital process. There are a couple issues that have come up that *had I known* I would have picked a different studio. This has been our first full-year class, my first experience with a spring recital since I took dance as a child.
I'm a little shocked at the cost involved with this class. The costume, shoes, tights pictures and recital tickets added up quickly over the past month.
We arrived for pictures and I was surprised to see about half the girls in full make-up. I wouldn't even know how to apply mascara on a three year old but I guess it can be done:rolleyes:. This created a little confusion and DD's teacher made it clear that make up is required for the recital. She pointed out that the studio backs her on this and that it is clearly stated in "the recital handout" Needless to say, I'm annoyed that someone is telling me I have to put make-up on my child.
I picked this class because it had a nice facility, convenient time and location. I should have asked more questions but I never thought a dance class for 3 year olds could be this complicated.

[TenOClockBird]

Wow, this is interesting. I just started both my daughter (4) and son (3) in a pre-ballet class today.

I found the studio almost by accident on the internet. They have art, music, and dance/movement classes. I liked that it was sort of one-stop-shopping to let the kids begin to sample some things in the arts, without having to commit to anything. The prices are very reasonable ($59 for six weeks for 40min/week), and the commitment is only six weeks.

The atmosphere is really relaxed and I was encouraged to be in the classroom, especially because 40 minutes is a long time for a 3-year-old to focus. I'm sure this place is not producing professional musicians or dancers, but it's a wonderful place to "taste" a few things. If either of them find something they love, we can always look for a more intense sort of experience.

[mamax2]

Geranium ~ Yes, welcome to " Recital He!!" :D I think the make-up requirement is ridiculous. Ours just have specific hairstyles, which I'm fine with because I think that does look better. As a treat, I allowed DD to wear some lip gloss in her photos, but it definitely wasn't mandated!

Only 2 more weeks! I hate to say it, but I'm hoping she picks a new sport or something next year. :o

[Mrs. M.]

My DD started a tap/ballet combo class when she was 3. We made sure they had the parents out of the room, because parents are really distracting the class. Kids tend to "put on a show", keep running to their parents, not pay attention to the teacher, etc...

I would love one of those mirror windows where we'd be able to see them but they couldn't see us. Alas, our studio does not have that but they do have one day when parents (and cameras) are allowed.