48 THE QUEENS COURIER • DANCE • AUGUST 22, 2013 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com What parents should know about dance schools BY CATHERINE M. LOZADA [email protected] Dance is both fun and educational. If parents teach their kids that dance is important and should be taken seriously, the child will follow suit. It is important to attend all classes so as not to fall behind the others. You should let an instructor know in advance if your child won’t be attending. Also, aim to show up to class 20 minutes before it starts to give the student time to warm up and fi nd a place in the studio, not getting stuck in the back of the class because he/she is late. “Parents should understand that dance, like any school subject (math, science), is an art that is worthy to be studied. It requires discipline, commitment and should defi nitely be taken seriously. Classes are usually progressive. Therefore, for a student to do well and receive the best dance education offered, be sure to attend every class,” said Regina L. Hill, artistic director of The Dance Hut in Jamaica. If you’re not sure of what style of dance is best for your child, speak to the instructor/director of the studio. “To help parents decide I give them a description of the dances that are offered and ask them to tell me about their child,” said Hill. “For example, if they tell me that their child enjoys a lot of moving around or jumping then I will also recommend jazz or African. If the child enjoys moving slow and graceful then ballet is a good start. If you want to dance, try it. I often tell new parents, ‘Just come and try it. Take a couple classes, if your child doesn’t like it, there’s nothing lost.’ They may not be ready or it may not be for them.” “Don’t force them otherwise they’re not going to be happy and they’re not going to enjoy it,” said Terri Cassiglia, owner of Gotta Dance Studio in Middle Village. Inquire about tuition and fees ahead of time. You should be provided with a written layout of costs and fees you will be responsible for throughout the year. Beware of studios that put more emphasis on money than dance itself. Louise Benes advised parents to know what it is they’re looking for in a dance studio, but also be realistic about a dancer’s abilities. “Dance really is a lot of work. I’ve seen parents come down on students. I caution everyone to be patient because there is a progression from beginner to intermediate to advanced dance,” said Benes. As there are countless dance studios in Queens, don’t be discouraged if you come across one that is not up to par. Many dance schools allow late registration. What’s most important is that your child is able to have fun while dancing in a warm, inviting studio with encouraging, knowledgeable instructors. dance BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEANS BACK TO DANCE WITH ALL STAR DANCEWEAR 11-02 Clintonville Street, Whitestone, N Y 11357 • 718.746.7560 STORE HOURS Monday - Friday: 12 pm - 6 pm • Saturday: 10 am - 2pm • Sunday: CLOSED (the store will be closed Monday August 26th - Monday September 2nd) Great Neck School of Dance The Most Professional Dance School on Long Island Our student Ashley Hod recently accepted into the NYC Ballet We trained 2 Olympians including one gold medalist We are currently training a US and International Ballroom Champion REGISTER NOW FOR FALL CLASSES For Children • Mommy ‘N Me (2Yrs) • Kids Ballet‘N Jazz (3-5Yrs) • Ballet / Tap (4-6 Yrs) • Classical Ballet / Pointe (All Levels) • Hip Hop Jazz • Tap (Teen / Adult) For Adults • Classical Ballet • Ballet Body™ Fitness (a Barre Class) • Yoga Stretch • Ballroom Dance (Waltz, Tango, Salsa Etc) • Hip Hop Jazz • Broadway Tap OUR ANNUAL SHOW IS A FULL LENGTH BALLET 770 Middle Neck Rd • Great Neck • 516-466-3515 gnschoolofdance.com 32 YEARS
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