Beating the Back-to-School Blues

“But I’m too tired!” 

It’s that time of year again!  School is back in session and after-school activities abound, meaning “I’m too tired” can become a frequent refrain from the backseat of your car.

It’s not uncommon for us to hear about young dancers who fall asleep on the way to class during the first month or so of school.  Getting used to a new schedule is not easy!  Some children won’t be shy about stating how tired they are after school is out; others just feel a little grouchy by the time dance class rolls around.  

What can you do to help turn this feeling around (and end your own exasperation)?  In our experience at Expressions Dance, the suggestions included here have the potential to completely bust those back-to-school blues!

• Create a fun “going-to-dance” ritual.  Whether it’s the music you jam out to on the way to class each week, or a family pizza night afterward, a special ritual can always perk up the day.  The routine built around attending dance class can have a tremendous impact on your child’s ability to adapt to their new schedule.

• Offer gentle, consistent reassurance.  While we all know that logic doesn’t always fly with children, sometimes they feel better just knowing you understand and are there for them.  Remind them that feeling tired after school is normal, and that the feeling will get better over time. Let them know that you’re proud of them for making an effort.

• Be prepared with water and snacks!  Children who are well-hydrated and who’ve had a light snack before dance class feel more refreshed and ready to move.  They have the energy they need to enjoy the experience and retain what they’ve learned.

If there is a “best part” about the back-to-school blues, it’s that they are temporary.  At Expressions Dance, we know that this period of time will soon become a distant memory, one replaced with the refrain of “Is it time to go to dance class yet?”  Consider yourself warned!

How to Make the Most Out of Your Child’s Classroom Experience

Dance lessons can be an awesome way to encourage your child’s personal growth!  At Expressions Dance, we’re not just teaching dance steps in our classrooms—we’re developing curious, compassionate young leaders and equipping them for success.   

We know that it can be a challenge sometimes to know what to do to offer support and encouragement for your dancer—especially if you are still new to the world of dance!  Here are four of our best tips for making the most out of your child’s class experience at Expressions Dance:

1.  Talk about dance at home

   • Although many of our young dancers take just one or two classes per week, dance is usually on their minds every day!  Read dance books together or listen to music and try some dance moves in the living room.  This helps keep your child’s mind engaged about dance in an extra-fun way—because they can share it with you!

2. Ask your child to teach you what they are learning

   • Since dance lessons are built on structure and repetition, teaching someone else can be a fun way to practice.  Even if your child is still working on remembering their steps, this can help exercise their memory!  (Plus, it can be pretty cute.)

3. Find out what your child likes best about class, or what they find challenging

   • Gain insight into what your child loves about dance—and what they think is hard—by asking them about their class.  Do they have a favorite step?  Have they made some new friends?  What do they like about their teacher?  These answers can help you understand what your child’s experience is like.

4. Voice your support

   • The way you praise your child can be very useful in helping them get the most out of dance class!  Use phrases like, “I love watching you dance!” or “I can tell you’ve been working hard.” or “Did you try your best?  That’s what’s most important.”  Your child’s confidence and enthusiasm will continue to grow with this kind of encouragement at home and at class.

We hope these four tips come in handy as your child progresses through our dance season and of course, we’re always happy to help with any class curriculum or programming questions you might have.  We’re so thankful you’ve chosen Expressions Dance for your child’s education in dance! 

Why is the Dress Code Important?

It’s a common question to hear from dance parents and students alike: What purpose does the dress code actually serve?  We’re glad you asked! Expressions Dance’s dress code was established for a few very important reasons:

• Safety

  • The number one factor in establishing a dress code is for all students’ safety in class.  A basic leotard and tights, along with hair pulled back and the appropriate shoes, ensures that there are no extraneous clothes or jewelry that can become hazardous.  The dress code also helps teachers see that students are using the right muscles and alignment in order to learn the correct movements in class. 

• Modesty

  • At Expressions Dance, we want every student to feel good about trying his or her best in class.  Following the dress code helps us make sure that everyone is appropriately covered ... but not so covered that their movement is restricted!  We know that kids can sometimes feel self-conscious, and we want to encourage their confidence by helping them feel comfortable with what they wear in the studio.

• Respect

  • A dress code is one way students show respect for their peers and their teachers.  It demonstrates an understanding of how a dance class operates, with minimal distractions and the ability to move easily for any combination of steps or choreography.  It shows that the students are prepared to learn and are willing to save their fashion statements for outside of class.

• Practicality

  • Because leotards and tights also often serve as a versatile base layer for costuming, it makes sense that students become accustomed to them during class time.  Just as swimmers wear swimsuits and basketball players wear jerseys, dancers wear leotards and tights to have the freedom of movement required to practice correctly and efficiently.

Everyone benefits with the dress code in place: dancers can learn comfortably and instructors can teach efficiently!  At Expressions Dance, we take pride in our dress code and are happy to help you with questions at any time.

Congratulations! You’re Officially a Dance Parent...

Welcome to the club, dance moms and dads!  Now that you’ve formally signed your child up for lessons and you’ve gotten all the pertinent information about the season, you are officially a dance parent at Expressions Dance!

Being a dance parent here is a little bit like being in a secret society; there’s this new lingo to learn and a whole culture that you are now a part of.  Here’s the inside scoop on what you need to know for your new status as an Expressions Dance mom or dad:

• Study up on your dancewear vocab.  A leotard is the form-fitting bodysuit that dancers wear to class, and tights are worn underneath (kinda like pantyhose). Tights and leotards take the place of underwear, make sure to take those off before putting on their tights!  Ballet shoes are usually pink and should fit snugly on your child’s feet; don’t buy them with room to grow!  Tap shoes are the noisy ones, and jazz shoes look a little like slip-on ballet shoes, except with a small heel.

• Practice how to do a bun.  A bun is the hairstyle we recommend for most classes, as it allows students to move freely without getting hair in their face.  Our favorite method can be found in our tutorial video HERE. A quick Google or YouTube search will give you oodles of tutorials to choose from—or just ask us!  We can give you a demo right here in the lobby.

• Pack a dance bag.  Dance shoes, a water bottle, extra dancewear, and hair supplies … all of these things belong in your child’s dance bag.  (Avoid allowing your child to wear their dance shoes outside; it’s damaging.)  Be sure to label everything with your child’s name or initials! 

• Learn about the recital.  At Expressions Dance, we offer an opportunity every year for our students to perform.  The recital, as it’s commonly known, is when each class performs a routine onstage and in costume, and family and friends watch the show from the audience.  Stay tuned all year to our emails and handouts for all the need-to-know recital info!

•  Introduce yourself to the other parents.  We love building a community of like-minded moms and dads who understand our culture and enjoy having their children involved in dance.  Our super-friendly dance parents are some of the best people we know, so we encourage you to introduce yourself in the lobby.  Share stories, find carpools, plan playdates, or ask about their personal experiences at Expressions Dance! 

 Being a dance parent is pretty awesome but being a dance parent at Expressions Dance is even better!  We hope this primer serves you well and helps you feel welcome at the studio.  We’re glad you’re here!