Memoirs of a Dancer

“Let them praise his name with dancing” -Psalm 149:3

Photography by: Amanda Jameson

Matching dresses gifted by: EleStory

Location of photo shoot: TuTu School  

(Tutu school is an adorable dance studio offering quality dance lessons to young students. It is in NO WAY associated with what is written below. They graciously allowed us to take our photos here and I highly suggest checking out a class near you!)

I remember my first dance class like it was yesterday. The music, the sounds of the tap shoes, the smell of the wood floors, the feel of the movement. It was like I had found my heart’s true beat. Over the years I gradually signed up for as many classes as my parents could afford. I became a sponge to everything I could possibly learn. Dancing came naturally for me, not always easy (there is a difference), but it just felt like it was something I was meant to do.

I always hoped that one day I would have a little girl to one day pass on my love of dancing…and then that day arrived. Except it has not been the journey I thought it would be so far. You see, I grew up in a small studio with one teacher and didn’t broaden my horizons until leaving for college. I was definitely behind in certain styles, but seemed to catch up pretty quickly. We didn’t do competitions or take classes outside our studio, but we were taught the value of hard work, dedication and traditional performing skills.

I have now been on the hunt for a studio, since our Rosalie Belle also loves to dance, but it has been much harder than I ever thought. I figured that living in such a metropolis and having so many options would be amazing, but it has been anything but amazing. I frequently get asked from other moms (who were never dancers) what exactly I am looking for in a studio, so I thought I would share that with all of you.

Before I go on, I want to warn that this is just MY personal preference. Some people may want the exact opposite as me and THAT’s OK! Great news, you don’t have to want the same things and hopefully we can all find a place for our kids to dance. Also, in case you don’t know my history, I started dance at the age of 5, graduated from college with a Bachelor of Performing Arts as a Dance Performance Major, danced professionally during and after college AND taught for over 15 years.

FOR ME, I have found that most places are either one of three options: 1) a super competitive studio 2) a super serious ballet conservatory OR 3) an older studio with teachers and/or spaces that need updating.

I also want to point out that I am not against competitions for dancers. I see the value in the master classes that are offered with great teachers and the chance to perfect and perform a routine on stage is a great experience. What I do have a problem with is the amount of weekends spent away from family traveling to these competitions AND the amount of money parents are spending for their kids to do this.

Our daughter’s journey began at the community center. The teacher was older, but I valued her experience and the fact she was letting the littles have fun. The space was not ideal, one room with no viewing windows. I would categorize this as #3. Then we did the Christmas show and I was disappointed. The choreography was the same 8 counts repeated every chorus, the dancers looked slightly clueless and I cringed in my seat.

Then we found a “ballet conservatory” (category #2), that did other styles of dance so we gave it a try. My first inkling that we should have dropped out was that they didn’t allow the 3-5 year olds to wear any color leotard. At the age of 4 my daughter was told she had to wear pink tights and a black leotard to class every week, NO TUTU’s. Now listen, I am all about a dress code. As a former teacher I know it is very important for students to wear the proper attire so that corrections on body placement can be made. BUT, the fact that she had to wear a black leotard, not even a different color and NO TUTU’s?!? They are 4 years old! Let them have a little fun! Who cares what color their leotard is at age 4!? There were other things that drove me a little nutty about this place, but I’ll continue…

We then tried a musical theater summer camp at a pretty reputable studio. I walked in and was immediately claustrophobic, fitting category #3, it needed some major TLC. The rooms were old, the bathrooms needed a good cleaning and the teachers looked like they were still in high school.

Over the summer we tried another studio (also category #3) that didn’t have air-conditioning in the largest room and I thought the kids were going to die a slow death during adagio. NO AIR-CONDITIONING?!?! It was ridiculous, right along with the fact that the young teacher was a beautiful dancer but had NO IDEA how to teach 4/5 year olds. She was having them do steps way beyond their abilities and again I found myself cringing.

I’ve tried to get recommendations from other parents about where their child takes dance, but sometimes I can’t even get the studio to call me back.

BUT, the most common complaint I heard is that the price is ridiculous. I have avoided trying classes at some studios just because I know what they charge per ticket for the dance recital and I think it’s absolutely asinine. These are KIDS, not Broadway performers. I realize stages are expensive to rent, but charging $30+ for a ticket is insane! But what is more insane to me is that parents are paying for it all!!! If we don’t say something, the prices may get higher!!

People have asked me what I am looking for in a studio so I thought I would break it down with a list…

1. Not too far from home.

2. Amazing teachers: teachers who have either had real performing experience OR have gone to college & taken pedagogy classes on how to teach dance. Plus, they need to be teaching a curriculum that is based on age and ability.

3. Reasonable prices: please do not charge me $30 OR MORE for a dance recital ticket, plus another $100+ for one costume, plus other random “recital fees.” AND PLEASE don’t tell me I can’t even record my own child dancing, but I can buy your recital video! I don’t want to watch 100 other dancers, I only want to watch my daughter.

4. Clean/Working Facility: it doesn’t have to be new, but it does need to be clean. Have soap in the bathroom, a working air-conditioner & enough space to do a combination across the floor.

5. KEEP IT AGE APPROPRIATE: I don’t want to see my 5 year old booty dancing to inappropriate music or wearing clothing so skimpy it makes a grown man uncomfortable. We are not training to be back up dancers for Brittany Spears at the age of 5. KEEP IT CLEAN PLEASE!!

6. Teaching Technique while having FUN! I want to see the basics being taught first, not some trick leg hold that takes absolutely no coordination other than being flexible. It should also be lighthearted at a young age, dance class can have games that are educational (just like regular school).

7. Supportive Atmosphere: I don’t want the show Dance Moms. I just want kind parents and kids who are not constantly comparing why one child got moved up a level and another didn’t.

8. Variety of Classes: I would love to find a place that offered Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theater and Hip Hop with the occasional master class.

9. Performing opportunities: Besides just one recital every year (and not necessarily competitions) are there any other performances? Does anybody just go to the senior home anymore and dance for the little old people? I realize it isn’t a money maker, but since when did dance become all about the money?!?

10. Room to Grow: Are there multiple levels offered for each style of dance? Ideally there would be beginning, intermediate and advanced classes as my child improved. In a dream world I would also like to see a syllabus of what is required of each level so there is no confusion as to how to move up to the next level.

So, my search continues for my daughter. I am hopeful we will find something sooner rather than later, but I won’t give up. I had no idea it would be this difficult, but a good studio is worth the wait. If you are a local Orange County family and love your studio, please feel free to send me a message, would love to hear about your experience. And if you want to read more about my past performing, you can read about that HERE.

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