s 34 The Courier SUN • dance • august 22, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com s 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 find 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 definitely 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) “Raise Your Hands If You Want To Keep Lice Out Of “The Classroom!” a full-service company dedicated to the detection & removal of head lice… guaranteed! • Non-Toxic Pesticide-Free Removal Methods • Flat Fee for Treatment • Complimentary Recheck • Guaranteed Results • Pediatrician & School Nurse Endorsed Nassau COuNTY 216 Lakeville Road (Rear Cottage) Great Neck, NY 11020 516-773-4333 suffOLK COuNTY HAVE YOUR SCHOOL LICE FREE THIS YEAR WHILE RAISING EXTRA $$$ FOR YOUR PTA! • FREE Head Lice Screenings at Schools/Day Care Centers FREE Shampoo, Mint Repellent Spray & Lice Comb ($45 value) with treatment & ad 1 angelica Court Hauppauge, NY 11788 631-724-7444 www.deliceful.com WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS [email protected] Two convenient child friendly, state-of-the-art salons: • Full Line of Treatment & Prevention Products • Reimbursed By Medical Flex Spending and by some Insurance Companies Back To School Special FREE HEAD CHECKS Hauppauge & Great Neck Locations Saturday, August 31st By Appointment Only. Call Today!
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