The Dance Mom Thread

[dreamer17555]

Update. The director has found a new location! It's still in the same area as the old one. They are still projecting that classes will start on time (first week of September).

Woohoo! That is great news! I know how excited your dancer must be to get back to class.

-Becca-

 

[dreamer17555]

Okay Dance Moms- Poll

Do you help your Darling Dancer practice? Do you remind them to practice? Or are they responsible for it?

-Becca-

 

[Sleepy]

Okay Dance Moms- Poll

Do you help your Darling Dancer practice? Do you remind them to practice? Or are they responsible for it?

-Becca-

I think the true test to see if your child is really interested in dance is to observe their behavior at home. Do they dance on their own? No child should be nudged or forced to practice. It should be something they want to do. This is a good opportunity for the child to learn self discipline.

If you are referring to ballet, I would not suggest helping. Only the teacher knows correct body placement. You could be teaching her bad habits.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[dreamer17555]

I think the true test to see if your child is really interested in dance is to observe their behavior at home. Do they dance on their own? No child should be nudged or forced to practice. It should be something they want to do. This is a good opportunity for the child to learn self discipline.

If you are referring to ballet, I would not suggest helping. Only the teacher knows correct body placement. You could be teaching her bad habits.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Oh I dont ask my DD to practice- she does enough on her own but a bunch of the mom's say that they "make" their children practice for an hour everyday. I thought that sounded a little harsh. I do my part by making sure she has her cut CD's and space to work in, other than that she is on her own (though I am always happy to watch)

-Becca-

 

[Sleepy]

Oh I dont ask my DD to practice- she does enough on her own but a bunch of the mom's say that they "make" their children practice for an hour everyday. I thought that sounded a little harsh. I do my part by making sure she has her cut CD's and space to work in, other than that she is on her own (though I am always happy to watch)

-Becca-

Don't mean to sound harsh, but the moms you describe want this more than their kids. It is an extracurricular activity. This means you have an interest that you would like to be involved in. It would be like the mom being interested in pottery and taking a class. Maybe what mom gets out of the pottery class is enough. Would mom really like it if dad told her she had to practice making pottery 1 hour everyday outside of class? Mom doesn't want to be a professional pottery maker. She just wants to dabble with it because it is fun and something to do once a week that is different from the normal routine. I think it important to allow a person to develop an interest at their own pace. That means not forcing a child to practice dance.

Maybe later down the road the child will become more serious about dance on their own. I can say this......As long as mom is forcing dance on the child when the child doesn't want to dance, it can be guaranteed that any chance of the child developing the interest, and keeping it something they want to do, will be crushed flat and it will be moms fault. I predict these poor kids will either quit in a few years, or hate it and stick with it because they are too scared to tell mom they want to quit.

 

[Minnie's Friend]

Dance shoe question

What is a good online place to order dance shoes at possibly a lower cost that the local dance store or do online places run about the same? Specifically jazz shoes?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[missypie]

After I know the size and brand, I just google it to find the best price. If I go to a store and have them fit my child, I go ahead and buy from them. But one time they didn't have the size in stock in the right color and it was on back order at their supplier. I saved about $20 by getting it online and I had it in a few days instead of waiting weeks.

 

[dreamer17555]

Sleepy-

Thanks for the reply. I felt like maybe I was slacking off in the mom department because I dont make her practice. She practices a lot don't get me wrong but she decides when and for how long and which routine. Sometimes she wants me to watch, mostly she wants to be on her own with her huge mirror, floor space, and music.

-Becca-

 

[Sleepy]

Sleepy-

Thanks for the reply. I felt like maybe I was slacking off in the mom department because I dont make her practice. She practices a lot don't get me wrong but she decides when and for how long and which routine. Sometimes she wants me to watch, mostly she wants to be on her own with her huge mirror, floor space, and music.

-Becca-

You are not slacking off. You are doing exactly what you should be doing. You are her driver and her support. Everything else she must do on her own.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We have our dance schedule for the fall now. Well, mostly. DD13 will be taking ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop, all on different days, and she'll have several roles in "Nutcracker" from the different classes, so that will mean extra classes. Interestingly, she decided she'll only do the school dance team if she can do both that AND cross country. We're new to the district, I have no idea what the "dance team" really is, nor does she. But she wants XC, and has lots of dance, so it's her choice. If she can fit the dance team in, she will.

While I was signing her up, DS11 decided that he wanted to be in "Nutcracker" as well, so he's taking tap this fall. He took for 2 years, then stopped, so I was surprised. Not sure he'll continue after Jan., but we'll see.

And I forgot to sign up DD5! I feel bad, but I'll go back and throw more money at them, they'll get over it.

I get dance supplies at discountdance.com In fact, we just got our shipment of shoes, leotards, and tights. I'm looking forward to DD13's feet not growing anymore!

As far as praciticing goes--no, I absolutely NEVER have to tell DD13 to practice! I'm much more likely to tell her to take a break, she's been dancing all day! The moms who insist on the practice time are going to shoot themselves in the foot--the girls will get tired of doing it and lose the sense of fun that a child should get from any outside activity. I will also point out that DD13 and DS11 both play musical instruments (trumpet and sax, respectively). THAT, I do remind them to practice--mostly because it's school and graded, but also because we have to respect DS2's nap and bed times. They only practice that ~10 minutes per day. I just throw that out there for comparison purposes--they are both in middle school and are competent, if not outstanding, band members. Just average, KWIM?

 

[missypie]

A couple of years ago, older DD was asked to help with one of the younger Company ballet classes. It met the hour before her Company classes started, so all we had to do was get her there an hour earlier. She enjoyed it.

Yesterday, the teacher of the younger daughter (12) called and asked if DD could help with her 3&4 year old class. DD was flattered to be asked but we had to decline. It was on an evening that no one else goes to dance, so it would have meant driving her 15 minutes to get there, then sitting in the waiting room or killing time, then picking her up an hour later...all so she could basically baby sit for free. It's a "for profit" dance studio, so it doesn't even count as community service.

Every year, there are girls who "help out" in classes for free. What do you think of this?

 

[Sleepy]

A couple of years ago, older DD was asked to help with one of the younger Company ballet classes. It met the hour before her Company classes started, so all we had to do was get her there an hour earlier. She enjoyed it.

Yesterday, the teacher of the younger daughter (12) called and asked if DD could help with her 3&4 year old class. DD was flattered to be asked but we had to decline. It was on an evening that no one else goes to dance, so it would have meant driving her 15 minutes to get there, then sitting in the waiting room or killing time, then picking her up an hour later...all so she could basically baby sit for free. It's a "for profit" dance studio, so it doesn't even count as community service.

Every year, there are girls who "help out" in classes for free. What do you think of this?

Students should not be correcting other students. As a parent with a child aspiring for a professional career, this would be very damaging to his training. I would be upset. Only a fully trained person should be making corrections. I don't care how talented a student is, there is always room for improvement and they too, make mistakes.

For the wee ones, if the instructor can't keep them focused, the director needs to either rethink the starting age at the school or hire paid help to teach the class.

 

[missypie]

Students should not be correcting other students. As a parent with a child aspiring for a professional career, this would be very damaging to his training. I would be upset. Only a fully trained person should be making corrections. I don't care how talented a student is, there is always room for improvement and they too, make mistakes.

For the wee ones, if the instructor can't keep them focused, the director needs to either rethink the starting age at the school or hire paid help to teach the class.

Right...with the younger DD who was asked to help with the 3 & 4 year olds, it sounded like it was more crowd control and/or that the class has too many little girls.

 

[DebD4T]

Just looking for a little pixie dust for DD#1. She fractured her foot on Saturday and is now in a cast from her toes to just under her knee.

She dances 3 nights a week (7 classes in total). Two of her classes are competitive. The intermediate school she attends is a magnet school for the arts - for which she is majoring in dance. Obviously she will be limited as to how much she can participate for the next 6 weeks. She will stretch with her classes and do as much as she possibly can.

My actual concern is that she will be auditioning for 3 different performing arts high schools only one month after her cast comes off.

Has anyone dealt with this kind of injury before and is it reasonable to believe that a month is enough time to get her leg back into shape?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jen0610]

Now see, I like our schools helper program. The little kids look up to and adore the older dancers. This is how the program is outlined for our school.

Helper Program

At the beginning of each dance year, the Northeast School of Dance staff will seek assistance from those students who made it known that he/she is interested in becoming a helper. If a teacher asks a student to be a helper, it will be required that the student sign a helper contract which follows requirements noted below. The student will receive “Helper Dollars” which is to be used towards credit of your monthly dance fee only. These “helper dollars” will not be able to be used towards credit on costumes. “Helper Dollars” = $3.00/per 1 hour worked.

Age: 13-over (13 before 8/1/08)

Must sign in on the day that you are helping. (clipboard by front desk) If you do not sign in, you will not get credit for “Helper Dollars”.

If you are sick and cannot be in attendance, call the TEACHER AND STUDIO. Remember that all of the teachers have other jobs. Do not let them down by not showing up. Get a substitute.

Must like students of all ages.

Must be willing to learn all of the dances.

Must do warm-ups and technique with each class.

Must be able to take constructive criticism from the teacher.

Must be willing to let the teacher lead and you follow. Do NOT correct students unless you are asked to by the teacher. Stay positive.

Come to class dressed appropriately with leotard on, tights on, shoes on and hair out of your face.

Remember you are setting an example for the younger students. Be cheerful - leaving whatever has happened that day for later discussion.

Do NOT interrupt the teacher or have him/her stop the class because you are talking or not paying attention to what is going on in class.

Our program needs good helpers and you are all important to the other students and teachers.

All helpers who have participated in the helper program for ALL FOUR YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL, may do a SENIOR SOLO.

Seniors who have done all of the above will be paid for their helping hours their senior year. This may goes towards a credit on your tuition, not costumes.

If for some reason the teacher that you are helping feels that you are not meeting the studio’s expectations, the studio has the right to dismiss you from being a helper and therefore, not receive helper benefits.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

My daughter helps out with the younger combo and hip hop classes. She does this only if she has a break in between her regular scheduled classes.

She is not in there to "correct" them on positions, these are only the 3,4 and maybe 5 year old creative moment, combo or hip hop classes, but she is in there so there is one more person that the younger girls can watch in class when they learn the dance. Then they usually have the "helper" stand in a complimentary costume (from our wardrobe, not purchased) on stage but off to the side for the younger creative movement classes so the girls are not constantly looking at eachother or off stage completely for the teacher if they lose their way. The parents of the young girls love it and say their daughters love having the "big" girls in the class as someone to look up to. I laugh because my daughter is only 8.

Like I said its not really Helping "teach" because she doesnt correct or instruct. I dont even think she talks except to say hello and good job and clap, but she is there as a model for the dances so if they lose their way they can get on track. Plus some of these classes are larger like 10 girls and they have trouble all seeing the teacher. I think having a girl in this situation helps.

Do I think they should help in ballet like how it was explained above, no but I dont see the harm done in this situation.

 

[missypie]

Nice program. Credit toward the cost of the classes is nice...of course, $3 per hour?...I paid our babysitter $3 per hour per child in 1992.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Just looking for a little pixie dust for DD#1. She fractured her foot on Saturday and is now in a cast from her toes to just under her knee.

She dances 3 nights a week (7 classes in total). Two of her classes are competitive. The intermediate school she attends is a magnet school for the arts - for which she is majoring in dance. Obviously she will be limited as to how much she can participate for the next 6 weeks. She will stretch with her classes and do as much as she possibly can.

My actual concern is that she will be auditioning for 3 different performing arts high schools only one month after her cast comes off.

Has anyone dealt with this kind of injury before and is it reasonable to believe that a month is enough time to get her leg back into shape?

Thanks in advance.

ixiedust: I dont know anything about fractures but I just wanted to say I wish your daughter the best and a speedy and full recovery.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Reading back to the asking your daughter to practice, I never have had to or have even thought to til this year. She decided she wanted to do a solo for the first time. Over the summer she had 5 sessions to learn her jazz solo. They finished it but since company auditions and the season started there have been no other sessions, its been too busy. Her first competition comes up in November.

Well, funny thing is I asked her if she was ready because I hadnt seen her do it in awhile or ask me to clear the space for her and she said she would in class next time. She wasn't quite getting that solo meant "on your own" She thought there would be more classes. Once I explained that there would not be any more except a couple to "clean" the routine before but nothing on a regular basis she started practicing. It was just funny to see the lightbulb go off in her head like "Oh, yeah I guess I better do something."

So It wasnt really me telling her to practice as much as reminding her she doesnt have any more classes for her solo and she was on her own for that so then she started doing it. Plus I'm not really sure she knew November was coming up as fast as it was. To an 8 year old that seemed forever away!

Otherwise we usually are telling that girl to stop dancing so she can eat dinner or chill with the family! My mom asked once if she ever walks in a straight line or if she always turns around the house.

 

[juligrl]

Students should not be correcting other students. As a parent with a child aspiring for a professional career, this would be very damaging to his training. I would be upset. Only a fully trained person should be making corrections. I don't care how talented a student is, there is always room for improvement and they too, make mistakes.

For the wee ones, if the instructor can't keep them focused, the director needs to either rethink the starting age at the school or hire paid help to teach the class.

At our studio, the students that help out are merely there to demonstrate movements to the children. The trained teachers are the ones who make corrections.
DD is always very inspired by the student helpers in her class. She wants to grow up to be just like them.

My daughter helps out with the younger combo and hip hop classes. She does this only if she has a break in between her regular scheduled classes.

She is not in there to "correct" them on positions, these are only the 3,4 and maybe 5 year old creative moment, combo or hip hop classes, but she is in there so there is one more person that the younger girls can watch in class when they learn the dance. Then they usually have the "helper" stand in a complimentary costume (from our wardrobe, not purchased) on stage but off to the side for the younger creative movement classes so the girls are not constantly looking at eachother or off stage completely for the teacher if they lose their way. The parents of the young girls love it and say their daughters love having the "big" girls in the class as someone to look up to. I laugh because my daughter is only 8.

Like I said its not really Helping "teach" because she doesnt correct or instruct. I dont even think she talks except to say hello and good job and clap, but she is there as a model for the dances so if they lose their way they can get on track. Plus some of these classes are larger like 10 girls and they have trouble all seeing the teacher. I think having a girl in this situation helps.

Do I think they should help in ballet like how it was explained above, no but I dont see the harm done in this situation.

I could've just said "What she said!" and left it at that.