In the world of dance, the place of competitions is a contentious issue. Some ballet schools argue that students who focus on competitions learn to be ‘trick ponies’ and their technique suffers as a consequence. Others dance studios argue that competitions offer dancers many opportunities to perform and are important in developing an all-round dancer. Because of the controversial nature …
Single VS Criss-Cross Elastic on Ballet Shoes? Which is Better?
When I danced years ago, you had to buy ribbons and sew them on to your ballet shoes. Later on, I was able to pre-buy canvas shoes with single elastics. Today I have the choice of pre-sewn single or criss-cross elastics when buying ballet slippers for my daughters and so not having both when I danced, I needed to do …
How to Prepare for A First Dance Competition-Ultimate Guide for Parents
My daughter was recently asked to join her studio junior competition team. Although I have competed at the top level and won whilst performing with a jazz and contemporary team, from my recent experiences as a dance mom at recital photo day (turning up with ballet shoes and tights, nail polish on toes for a costume requiring jazz transition tights …
RAD Ballet Presentation Classes Vs Exams – The Differences For Parents.
Since writing the article RAD Ballet Class Awards Vs Exams: A Helpful Guide For Parents I have had some requests from parents to write about the RAD Presentation Class as they had similar concerns about the difference between the RAD Presentations and Exams. I hope the following article is helpful too! The RAD Presentation Classes for grades six to eight …
Dance Parent 101 Interview: Strategies for Parents – Dr. Patrick Capriola
Hi and welcome to the Dance Parent 101 Interview Series. I am so excited to welcome our first ever guest on the Dance Parent 101 blog Dr. Patrick Capriola creator of the website Strategies for Parents. Not only is he invested in learning about how enrichment activities and hobbies enhance learning in schools, but he is also the father of …
Tall dancers vs. Short dancers: What’s the height debate about?
In dancing is it better to be taller or shorter or in-between? My eldest daughter could be 5″9 and so I am really curious in getting some answers to this question! In this post, I take a look into the history behind how the height of a dancer even became an issue and the situation regarding it in dance today. …
30 Nursery Rhymes for Dance Kids & Toddlers (Video, List & lyrics)
I love singing and reading nursery rhymes with my kids and we love to make up our own. We find it really fun to find and sing different versions of those we love best. The following are 30 well-known nursery rhymes that with the help of my kids have been remastered into wonderful rhymes all about dance. We hope you …
How to Measure, Fit & Buy Ballet Shoes for Toddlers & Kids: Complete Guide
If you haven’t danced before or have never had other children in lessons, buying your child their first pair of ballet shoes might seem a little daunting especially with the amount of choice there is out there. This complete guide will help both the new and experienced dance parent measure, fit and buy ballet shoes for their toddler or kid. …
Do you need to give a dancer flowers or a gift after a dance recital?
We have all seen those scenes where the star of the show is presented with flowers as the curtain falls and seen dressing rooms flooded with flowers. But do you need to buy flowers or a gift for a dancer for their dance recital? Everyone appreciates receiving gifts or flowers and they would make any dancer feel extra special. However, …
How to Motivate a Young Dancer to Not Quit in Just 3 Steps!
It’s thirty minutes before your kid’s dance class and you need to leave in ten to get there on time but your child isn’t even dressed yet and when you tell them to hurry up or they will be late, out comes the dreaded reply ‘but I don’t wanna go to dance class anymore!‘ So should you let your child …
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