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Committed to the art of
dance for all ages and abilities.
The
truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music.
Bodies never
lie.
~Agnes de Mille
5 things every
parent should know:
1. Faculty:
Look for seasoned teachers with professional performing experience
and / or equivalent teaching credentials, in their field of
expertise. The fact that someone was a former professional
dancer does not automatically make them a good teacher.
2.
Curriculum: Classes should be age appropriate to a student
and/or child's
development both physically and psychologically. Too much, too soon
will sacrifice technique and will result in future injury.
There should be continuity between the classes and their syllabus. IDT has implemented a system for tracking curriculum and gives year
end assessments every May. Children's classes have teachers who love
children and exercise positive reinforcement within their classes.
The children's syllabus is not about how many steps they learn, but rather
building blocks to prepare them for future dance training, in the
meantime, instilling confidence and love for dance.
3. Class Size: The size of the class should be one where the
teacher can manage the class effectively and give individual attention where
needed. At IDT, our class size averages 10 students, depending on
the level. Younger classes that are larger will have class assistants
and student apprentice teachers working as an extra pair of eyes and
hands.
4. Performing Opportunities: Students are inspired by the chance
to perform. IDT is the only school of it's kind to extensively
offer many types of performing avenues: One is annual school
performances, another is through our non profit
youth ballet and contemporary company, "Eastside Youth Dance Theatre",
and last but certainly not least, "AXIS," competing dance teams. The focus
of performing will always be
artistic growth and work ethic.
5.
Floors: Ask the studio you are inquiring at about their
floors! DO NOT let your child dance on concrete, a gym
floor or a hardwood floor regularly. Athletic shoes
absorb shock when playing sports, but dancers do not wear shock
absorbent shoes when they dance. DANCE FLOORS are the most
important component of the dance studio! Dance studios have floating
professional dance floors and "marley", which is a professional vinyl, set
on high density foam blocks. These special floors reduce injury and fatigue
as they absorb much of the shock normally inflicted on the dancer's body.
Full - length mirrors help the student see their form and body alignment
needed for balance to facilitate dance steps.
Recommended
Reading:
The
Parent's Book of Ballet
Angela Whitehill
Co-authored by William Noble
Answers critical questions about the care and development of the
young dancer.
Please
feel free to
contact
us with any other
questions or concerns!
We
are happy to help!
!
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