FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 22, 2019 • THE QUEENS COURIER 47
Want your kids to dance? Here’s what you need to know
BY THE QUEENS COURIER STAFF
editorial@qns.com
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.
Th erefore, for a student to do well and
receive the best dance education off ered,
be sure to attend every class,” said Regina
L. Hill, artistic director of Th e 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 off ered
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 oft en tell new parents, ‘Just
come and try it. Take a couple classes, if
your child doesn’t like it, there’s nothing
lost.’ Th ey 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
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