What Ballet Teaches Kids

Parents have their pick of numerous extracurricular activities. If you want your kids not just to have fun, but also to learn something valuable, consider signing them up for ballet lessons. Here’s what children’s ballet teaches kids.

The Value of Hard Work

At first glance, ballet looks dainty and cute, but as soon as you try it for yourself, you realize how physically and mentally challenging it is. Even children who pursue ballet as a casual hobby develop strength, flexibility and endurance. They quickly learn that when you work hard, you can achieve great things. Kids who stick with ballet often implement this work ethic in other areas of their lives.

The Payoff of Persistence

Attending your child’s ballet performances is incredibly rewarding. It gives you a chance to witness the outcome of your child’s determination. After a few months of taking children’s ballet lessons, your child will start to see their improvement as well. This teaches them that willpower and dedication are all you need to master a new skill.

The Importance of a Strong Foundation

As the first standardized form of dance in the Western world, ballet serves as the groundwork for numerous other dance styles, especially lyrical and contemporary. It’s also the foundation for pointe, the advanced derivative of ballet that most people think of when they picture ballerinas. Yet all great ballet dancers start at the barre, practicing their turnouts and leg extensions. If your child can master the basics, they will go far.

The Meaning of Discipline

Ballet is a formal dance style, with highly structured lessons and the goal of matching every dancer’s movements perfectly. This requires incredible mental focus, discipline and self-control. Students learn not to speak out of turn or disrespect the teacher. They also quickly discover that the rules are there to ensure everyone has a good time.

Be aware that while movies and TV shows often depict ballet teachers as cruel tyrants, this is rarely the case in real life. Expect your child’s instructor to garner mutual respect from everyone in the class and treat all students appropriately for their age and skill level.

A Sense of Self-Confidence

Many youngsters are shy and hesitant when they attend their first children’s ballet class, but as time goes by, they break out of their shell and gain newfound confidence. Your child’s self-assurance is further bolstered after each performance when parents and teachers offer much-deserved praise. The physical benefits of taking ballet – including toned muscles, increased flexibility and good posture – further enhance your child’s self-esteem.

The Power of Creativity

As with all performing arts, ballet gives your child an outlet for self-expression through movement. Give it a little time, and your child may begin choreographing their own dance routines.

8 Things Good Dancers Do to Learn New Choreography Faster

Is dance more than just a hobby? If you’re passionate about the performing arts, you may dream of putting on show-stopping performances and winning national dance competitions. The key to becoming an accomplished dancer is to master new moves quickly. Here are eight tricks good dancers use to learn choreography faster.

Practice at home.

The time you spend learning in dance class is not enough. If you truly want to gain momentum in your dancing, you should spend more time practicing at home. The best way to ingrain new choreography in your mind and muscles is to go over the steps right after class. If a particular movement is extra challenging for you, spend the most time on that.

Dance in front of a mirror.

While you eventually need to reach a point where you can dance without a mirror (after all, there won’t be one on stage), the mirror is your best friend when learning new choreography. Analyze your posture and movements to make sure you’re getting them right. Then, with repetition, it will become muscle memory.

Visualize the movements while listening to the music.

It’s even possible to practice choreography without moving your feet! Play the song on your headphones, close your eyes and envision the steps that go with each 8-count of the music. This will help you master the sequencing, which is critical to avoiding mistakes on stage.

Analyze videos of yourself dancing.

Set up a camera or ask a friend to videotape you practicing a dance. You can also play back videos from performances. Seeing yourself from another perspective can help you realize where to make improvements.

Seek one-on-one instruction.

If you miss a class or feel behind the other students, schedule an individual practice session with your teacher. The one-on-one time should help you grasp the choreography and catch up to the rest of the class.

Take injuries seriously.

While eager dancers never want to sit it out, the best dancers listen to their body and don’t push injuries too far. If you continue to dance on a twisted ankle or with shin splints, you may never fully heal. This could be detrimental to your dance career and lead to chronic pain. The moral of the story is if you’re injured, see a doctor and sit out the next few classes.

Learn more than one style of dance.

A well-rounded dancer tries multiple styles of dance, which complement each other in surprising ways. The poise and flexibility gained in ballet translate perfectly to contemporary/lyrical dance, and the rhythm and precision of tap can help hip-hop dancers.

Exercise outside of class.

Dancers are the ultimate combination of artist and athlete. You need strength, flexibility and endurance to succeed on the dance floor, so make strength training and conditioning a priority.

7 Ways Kids Benefit from Dance Lessons

7 Ways Kids Benefit from Dance Lessons

Dance Promotes Creativity 

Participating in dance lessons promotes creativity and helps a child develop an appreciation for the arts. Dance is a form of self-expression. Children who explore the world of dance at an early age will find a constructive outlet for their creativity and a positive way to express themselves. Honing their creativity at a young age will help them later in life.

Dance Improves Classroom Performance

Studies show that children who participate in dance lessons tend to perform better in the classroom. Dance requires discipline and focus, which translates to an improved academic performance. In addition, dance lessons help reinforce educational basics, like counting. Children also learn to differentiate right from left and fast from slow.

Dance Improves Self-Esteem

During dance lessons, a child gains a better understanding of their body and how it moves. Children with a background in dance are typically more comfortable about their body and have improved levels of self-confidence. It takes great courage and confidence to dance on stage in front of an audience, and dance helps encourage both of these wonderful qualities. Dance also helps foster a positive attitude. The instructors at Dance Academy USA help create an encouraging environment that helps turn each dance lesson into a positive, constructive experience.

Dance Encourages Socialization

Dance lessons are a great place for kids to make new friends. With each class, children learn to improve their communication and social skills by interacting with other dancers in their class. They also learn how to work together as a team. In time, students learn how to cooperate and trust in one another. It’s not uncommon for children to forge lifelong friendships from dance. If your child is fearful of performing in public or shy, taking classes can help alleviate these fears and help your child feel more confident.

Dance Encourages an Active Lifestyle

In today’s technology-driven world, it is becoming increasingly important for children to adopt a physically active lifestyle early on. Dance is the perfect way to keep kids physically active in a fun way.  They will improve their flexibility, range of motion, stamina and their strength. The movements in dance also help improve balance, coordination and posture. Dance focuses heavily on proper body alignment and learning how to move the body to create fluid motion. It’s no wonder dance has been used to help train athletes in some of today’s most competitive sports like football and basketball.

Dance Helps Improve Behavioral Issues

Dancing is a skill that requires intense focus, discipline and coordination. Many parents find that dance lessons help improve behavioral issues, such as hyperactivity. Classes designed for young children are not quite as demanding, but as your child progresses in dance, their lessons will require more focus, dedication and discipline. The art of dancing tends to have a calming effect on children and also helps them release pent-up energy.

Dance is Fun!

This is perhaps the greatest benefit. Dancing is so much fun for kids. It allows them to stay active in a fun and exciting way. All the while, your child develops important social and emotional skills without even realizing it. As your child progresses, they can explore different areas of dance and make new friends in the process.

Register Today!

source:/www.danceacademyusa.com

Christmas 2018 Recital Information

General Recital Guidelines- CHRISTMAS 2018

There are a lot of components involved in staging our recitals. Following these guidelines allows us to provide a professional, safe, and fun performance opportunity. We ask that you carefully go over this information and if you have any questions please call the studio.

General
Show A is planned to last 1 hour and Show B 1 hour and 30 minutes. We expect all dancers to stay backstage for the entire show. We do not allow early check-outs. All teachers and staff will be helping backstage. We play games and watch a movie while we wait. Dancers are well taken care of. If there is ever a problem with your dancer we will contact parents immediately. If you are uncomfortable with leaving your child with us during the show then we ask that your dancer wait until they are older to participate or a parent may volunteer to stay backstage for the entire show.


Recital Arrival Recital will be held at South Hills Middle School, 13508 S. 4000 W. Riverton, UT. Please arrive 30 minutes before show time. Dancers are to go directly backstage. Please see Arrival Information sheet for more details. (on back) Students will check in and remain backstage until the end of the performance. Students can be picked up where they checked in. NO student will be allowed to leave backstage during the show.

Costumes Please make sure that you have all parts to your costume and hair accessories. Please wear the tights included with your costume. All tights need to be the same color and brand. Not all brands produce the same color. You will receive most everything you need for recital, except shoes. Students should wear new looking shoes as needed with their costume. Please label your shoes and any personal items. We recommend all female dancers who have more than one dance wear a Nude Camisole Style leotard to wear underneath costumes. This helps with costume changes.

All dancers need to wear the tights that came with your costume (if applicable). Tutus and costumes may need to be steamed. We recommend a laundry steamer or hang it in a steamy bathroom to allow the tulle to "soften". DO NOT USE AN IRON ON COSTUMES. Please remember that costumes are for performances only. Please do not wear the costumes to play in before the recital. Any damage that occurs will be your responsibility to repair. We may not be able to order a new costume. We think our costumes look excellent on stage but wish to remind you that they are costumes, not regular clothing made to withstand everyday wear. We consider our costume choices to be more modest and age appropriate than many other studios in the area. While not all costumes have sleeves, we are very careful to avoid low cut and bare midriff styles.

Hair and Makeup
All female dancers need to have hair in a left part bun, bangs secured off face. Dancers with short hair should have hair pulled away from face. Generally, all makeup should consist of the following: foundation, powder, blush, neutral colored eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, and bright red lipstick. We recommend: Lipstick color: Revlon ColorStay Overtime in Ultimate Wine, available at Walgreens and Walmart. For our younger dancers a little blush and lipgloss is appropriate. Because the stage lights can pale the dancer’s face, applying makeup enhances how they look during the show. Don’t be afraid to apply more than usual. Please no blue eyeshadow, no purple lipstick, red lipstick only.

Recital Etiquette:
 No flash photography during the performance for the safety of the dancers. It is blinding and distracting to the dancers and the audience.
 If you must leave the performance, please wait to leave BETWEEN numbers.
 No video cameras are allowed to be set up in the auditorium. We will have professional video cameras in place to film the show. Order forms are available in the lobby and will be available the day of the performance. The DVD is only $25 if purchased before or on the day of the performance.
Other questions? Please let us know if you have additional questions regarding this information. Please call the studio at 801-253-6323. We look forward to a great show!


Wasatch Arts Center
Christmas Recital 2018
Instructions for Dancer Arrival for Recital
1. Recital is held at South Hill Middle School, 13508 S. 4000 W. Riverton, UT. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before show time. Please enter main entrance. Guests remain in the lobby, one parent and the dancer should proceed to the backstage for check-in. Please know the name of your dancer’s class. Show A: 4:00 pm Show B: 6:30 pm

2. Please arrive in costume, with makeup on. Space is limited to change and put make up on your child. However, extra make-up, hairspray, etc., will be available for touch-ups. If your child is in more than one dance please have them arrive in their costume for their first dance. We also recommend a nude leotard underneath costumes.

3. Once your dancer is Checked in he/she will not be allowed to leave without prior permission from Studio Director, Alice White. We expect all dancers to stay backstage for the entire show. We do not allow early check-outs. All teachers and staff will be helping backstage.

4. There will NOT be an intermission during the Shows. Parents will not be allowed backstage during the show or at intermission. Show A is planned to last 1 hour and Show B 1 hour and 30 minutes.

5. At the end of the show we invite one parent to come get your dancer at the check in Table. Children will not be released to the parents directly from the stage. Parents will not be allowed backstage or in the dressing rooms. Please respect our safety procedures! After you have checked out, your child will be released to you.

6. You may bring quiet toys/games, coloring books, and other amusements. Snacks can be brought.
Please no sticky or messy varieties. Please bring all personal belongings and snacks in an identifiable personal bag. They will be having fun!

7. Where Dancers Go Backstage Each class will be assigned a dressing room. Dancers will wait with their teacher in assigned dressing rooms or classrooms. Dancers in more than one dance will be assigned a dressing area. Staff members will help with costume changes.

8. Your enjoyment, the student’s safety and happiness are our primary concerns.
HAVE A WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE!

Christmas 2018 Recital Dress Rehearsal Schedule

	Wasatch Arts Center
	DRESS REHEARSAL
	Friday, December 7, 2018
	South Hills Middle School, 13508 S. 4000 W. Riverton, UT
	PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE STAGE TIME
	Time	Class	Teacher	Show
	4:30	Ballet 1A Wed	Victoria	Show A
		Ballet/Tap Mon 4:30	Crystal	Show A
	4:40	Jazz/Tap Tues	Kristen	Show A
		Ballet/Tap Wed 10:30	Crystal	Show A
	4:50	Jazz/Ballet Tues	Kristen	Show A
		Ballet/Tap Wed 6:30	Victoria	Show A
	5:00	Beg Modern	Isabella	Show A
		Beg Tap	Victoria	Show A
	5:20	Ballet 1A/B Tues	Kristen	Show A
		Ballet 1B Wed	Sarah	Show A
	5:30	Jazz/ Tap Wed	Victoria	Show A
		Ballet 2 Mon	Carly	Show A
	5:40	Jazz 2 Mon	Victoria	Show B
		Ballet 3 Mon	Carly	Show B
	6:00	Jazz 4/ 5	Alyssa	Show A, B
		Tap 1/ 2	Lynette	Show A
	6:10	Modern 2	Isabella	Show B
		Modern 3/4	Carly	Show  B
	6:20	Boys Hip Hop 6:00	Keith	Show A
		Ballet 4	Alexandria	Show B
	6:30	Adv Tap	Lynette	Show B
		Hip Hop 7:00	Keith	Show B
	6:40	Jazz 2 Wed	Elle	Show B
		Adv Hip Hop	Keith	Show B
	6:50	Tap 3/4	Lynette	Show B
		Jazz 3 Wed	Elle	Show B
	7:00	Ballet 2 Wed	Sarah	Show B
		Ballet  5	Carly	Show A,B
	7:20	Contemporary	Sierra	Show B
		Adv Modern	Carly	Show B
	7:30	Teen Ballet	Sierra	Show B
		Adv Co	Jessica	Show A
	7:40	Mini Co	Alexandria	Show A
		Percussive Tap Company	Lynette	Show B
	8:00	Nativity	All Companies	Show B
	**Please note:  This is NOT the show order**
	Recital is Saturday, December 8th:  Show A at 4:00 pm, Show B at 6:30 pm

Summer Classes 2018 July 9 to August 17

SUMMER CLASSES 2018

JULY 9TH TO AUGUST 17

 Ages 3 -5
 Ballet/Tap Combo Tuesday 4:30 – 5:30 PM

Ages 6 - 9
Ballet 1/2 Tuesday 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Jazz 1/2 Tuesday 5:30 to 6:30 PM (some Tap technique will be included in these classes)

Ages 10 +
 Ballet 3/4
Tuesday 4:30 to 6:00 PM
Thursday 4:30 to 5:30 PM

Jazz 3/4/5 (Intermediate to Advanced) Tuesday 6:00 to 7:00 PM


Ages 13+ (permission needed)
 Ballet 4/5/Adv
Monday 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Tuesday 4:30 to 6:00 PM
Thursday 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Tap (Age 6 and up)
Tuesdays 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Tumbling (All Ages)
 Level 1- Beginner Thursday 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Level 2 – Intermed. Thursday 5:30 to 6:30 pm


Dance Company Only Technique/Workshops Wednesday 4:30 to 6:00

FEES:

6 Week Session Tuition:
Combo Classes ………….…...$65
 Levels 1 - 4 Punch Card:
12 classes………….………....…$120
6 classes………….…………....…$65
Unlimited Classes…………..…..$195 (for one student)

Levels 5 – Adv
Punch Card:
12 classes……….…………....…$165
 6 classes………………….…....…$85
Unlimited Classes …….…..…....$295 (for one student)

 Dance Company Fees Apply for Company Technique Classes- please see Ms Alice

Wasatch Arts Center Dance Company 2018 -2019

Congratulations to our Dance Company 2018 – 2019

Thank you to all who auditioned.  We love your courage, confidence and your love of dance!

Mini Company

Savannah Jenkins

Cami Roundy

Lilliana White

Julia Mitchell

Zoe Nissen

Bethany Snow

Kambriella Trickett

Olivia Stott

Junior Company-  TBA  (This company needs more members to make a full company.  We will be looking for additional members.  If additional members cannot be found this company will be combined with Mini Company.  Please see Ms Alice for more details.)

Kaylie Mitchell

Baylee Allen

TBA

TBA

TBA

Advanced Company

Briella Hanny

Annie Astle

Mariah Abbott

Allyson Green

Ella Stott

Abbie Cross

Samantha Rich

Olivia White

Penelope Rose

Ashley Rich