OK- dance studio owner here so I'm sure my opinions are biased. But actually, from what I've been told from the most recent 50 students that transferred over from other studios
, I am one of those realistic ones.
Actually in our town, gymnastics is more expensive at the local gyms (If you go to the Y or park district, it's probably less, but you are not getting the same equipment, experienced coaches, etc. Though to "try" an activity that's probably the way to go rather than spend the money, not to mention that they're 4 years old so as long as it's safe and fun, it's probably the same exercises they'd get at a gym).
DD has several friends who have done gymnastics for a 3 or 4 years. They are pretty strong and the movement is great exercise. Coordination is developed too. Also, great class experience- listening, taking turns, etc. I know that at some point unless they decide to do it full force and go 5-6 days per week/5 hours a day, they don't advance any more. Much of the local gyms' classes are little ones beginner classes and then more advanced team classes. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be many "just continuing for fun or to get better but without the major commitment" gymnastic classes out there. (that's a plus for dance, there's usually competitive levels, pretty involved but not competitive levels, and just for fun once in a while levels)
Now heres my speel on dance... Dance is great exercise, develops strong bodies, helps with coordination, teaches class structure, PLUS they learn rhythm, expression, and performance (confidence). If done correctly, classes should be done in a fun way. We teach our students to love dance and to love seeing themselves dance. Dance studios are very different from each other though. Some focus too much on competition, some focus too soon on "disiplined" techniques, others don't focus on technique at all. A good studio would focus on all of those things in the right amounts at the right time in a student's training and at the right ages. So many little dancers stop because they feel too pressured or too bored. A good studio should be able to tell you what their strengths are HONESTLY-you should not feel like you are being fed a story. It is my business to tell prospective clients what our current parents say and what our current dancers have gone on to achieve. Actually, many of our new students come in from referrals and when someone that wasn't referred comes in and sits in the lobby, some of my kids' parents will give them the scoop on us and why they are with us. In my opinion, that's the best thing! When you do look for with a gym or a dance studio, ask around, go in and take a tour- see who you meet there and what they have to say.
As for all of those that complain about costume pricing- let me let you in on a little secret....costume prices are marked up by studios. So if you are paying $75.00 or up for a 4 year olds costume- you are paying alot. Now if you are ok with that, fine, I'm sure your studio thanks you for it. If not, find a new studio. Myself, we charge $50.00-$55.00 for most costumes for 4 year olds. That is marked up a LITTLE. Most studios use the mark-up to cover the extra time that teachers spend choreographing or at rehearsals. As the dancer gets older, the costumes are more expensive. It's inevitable, they are going to get more elaborate and size matters too. I'd have to imagine that with gymnastics though, if a student gets more involved and is in meets there are uniform fees and competition fees. I also just heard someone say that they paid $90 for a new gymnastic leotard for the meet and $800 to the gym for a portion of their beam routine to be choreographed- heck, maybe I need to get involved in that too
The beam is only one part of the meet!
I do have a beef with the people who say that dance was boring because they practiced the same thing over and over. Dance is repetitive- especially ballet. The point in repeating it is to MASTER it. Just because your child can "plie" (bend their knees) doesn't mean they are doing it exactly right. Do you really think you are paying for a teacher just to show your dancer how to bend? Maybe the first month the teacher was making sure their knees were over their feet and not turned in, and the second month they were watching for little butts sticking out in back, and the third month they were focused on back being up straight, oh wait and then we have to try it in other positions and with arms! Also, some of the repetitive is the "warm-up." Every dance class is going to do "plies"- from ages 2-22. Just like every gym class who start with forward rolls or another basic skill- it's a warm up! Now if a four year old class practices for an hour every week for five months on JUST the recital dance- find a new studio, but don't give up on dance! Most experienced studios will realize that at 4 years old, some kids will learn the dance and others will follow along. Keep a regular class going and just practice the dance for 10-15 minutes at the end of class each week for 2-3 months. Then add a few extra minutes to that part of class during the last few weeks. We used to do the practice ALOT thing and now we do the other. On stage, the kids perform the same either way. But at least now, during class they are still having fun and are not bored. And as for the gymnastics comparision- it's pretty repetitive too unless they are older or more experienced. Can you honestly say that in a gym they don't do somersaults every week or jump on the trampoline? Not that I'm knocking that. Again, there's a reason for repetition. I just think that saying it applies to dance only is unfair.
Another thing- the class attire? That irritates me too. If you sign up for gymnastics, yeah all you need is a leotard. That's just the luck of the sport, but that's got to be the least dressed sport out there! I just signed DD6 up for soccer (throwing a little something else into the mix besides dance classes) and spent $100.00 just on her uniform- socks, knee guards, cleats, shorts, shirt, etc. No matter what you sign up your child for, you do have to dress them accordingly. Dance gets such a bad rap for that, but really in comparision it's not that bad. I'll be the first to say that dance is expensive, but SO ARE MOST YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES! A little tip...Target and
Walmart sell black or pick leotards and Payless sells dance shoes, as do other discount stores and if you need specific color leotards or specific shoes, go online to discount dance suppliers (or PM me and I'll get you good, cheap, quality websites!
).
Well, I'm going to shut up. I love what I do and feel very strongly about doing it! I say call around and get your info. Then go and check out both- and check out more than one place for each. Most places will allow you to try a free week or class. See which one she likes best. Either way, at 4 years old, both would be good exercise and hopefully, tons of fun! Let us know what you decide and how it goes. And if you do decide dance and need some advise, let me know. Anything for a fellow DISer!
And for those of you who gave up on dance, maybe try another studio or different style of dance. Or just have fun sticking with the gymnastics, but don't give dance classes in general a bad rap! Thanks!
Just thought I'd chime in. I have no experiance w/ gymnastics but I can tell you what I spend for dancing. My DD is also 4, she started last year at the age of 3. Yes, it really helps w/getting out all that extra energy they have. Dancing has helped her learn how to act in a group and take turns. As far as the $$, yeah, it's a bit pricey. I pay $28/month tuition, costumes were about $125 last year (that was for 2 costumes total), $60 recital fee, tap shoes $25, & (this year) Jazz shoes $25.
. Good luck with which ever class you put her in.
I bought her new skates yesterday $759!!!
) I think both are great but I do think that gymnastics is the better first time class for 2 reasons.
How cute that your DD was giving you the encouragement. Isn't is funny how "knowledgeable" they are once they have a year under the belt.
