FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 23, 2018 • DANCE • THE QUEENS COURIER 41
What parents should know about dance classes
BY THE QUEENS COURIER STAFF
art that is worthy to be studied. It requires
jazz or African. If the child enjoys moving
editorial@qns.com
discipline, commitment and should defi -
slow and graceful then ballet is a good
nitely be taken seriously. Classes are usually
start. If you want to dance, try it. I oft en tell
Dance is both fun and educational.
progressive. Th erefore, for a student to
new parents, ‘Just come and try it. Take a
If parents teach their kids that dance is
do well and receive the best dance education
couple classes, if your child doesn’t like
important and should be taken seriously,
off ered, be sure to attend every class,”
it, there’s nothing lost.’ Th ey may not be
the child will follow suit.
said Regina L. Hill, artistic director of Th e
ready or it may not be for them.”
It is important to attend all classes so as
Dance Hut in Jamaica.
“Don’t force them otherwise they’re not
not to fall behind the others. You should
If you’re not sure of what style of dance
going to be happy and they’re not going
let an instructor know in advance if your
is best for your child, speak to the instructor/
to enjoy it,” said Terri Cassiglia, owner of
child won’t be attending. Also, aim to show
director of the studio.
Gotta Dance Studio in Middle Village.
up to class 20 minutes before it starts to
“To help parents decide I give them a
Inquire about tuition and fees ahead
give the student time to warm up and fi nd
description of the dances that are off ered
of time. You should be provided with a
a place in the studio, not getting stuck in
and ask them to tell me about their child,”
written layout of costs and fees you will
the back of the class because he/she is late.
said Hill. “For example, if they tell me that
be responsible for throughout the year.
“Parents should understand that dance,
their child enjoys a lot of moving around
Beware of studios that put more emphasis
like any school subject (math, science), is an
or jumping then I will also recommend
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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