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It’s their first dance class, maybe even their first anything class! Together, we can make it a most wonderful experience. Let us introduce your little girl or boy to the joy of movement to music!
We strive to provide the highest-quality dance education in a secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
Our preschool dance classes for 3- to 5‑year-olds and our primary combination beginning dance classes for 6- and 7‑year-old girls and boys include an introduction to dance, and introduce ballet and tap basics.
What to expect in our Preschool and Primary Combination Dance Classes
The first few weeks of classes serve as an introductory phase to help students become comfortable with the overall dance experience, the classroom, their teacher, and their classmates.
Right from the beginning, we focus on your child’s coordination, listening skills, musical awareness, and developing imagination. We accomplish this through age-appropriate music and song, simple stretching exercises, ballet and tap basics, and games in an environment of creativity.
These comination classes serve the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of our youngest students. We meet these goals with our age-appropriate curriculum and ongoing communication with parents.
Tips for a positive dance experience
Successfully separating from the parent to attend dance class is an important accomplishment for young children.
As children mature, they begin to identify themselves as independent personalities. In separating from the parent, your child is learning:
- to develop an interest in the activities of the dance class
- to feel comfortable with other children in the class
- to understand that his/her parent will come back and pick him/her up
- to understand that all parents leave their children and come back for them
It is important to know that, at times, young children will explore the limits of attending dance class and say they don’t want to go. It may coincide with a holiday break or a missed class due to illness. This period may occur anytime, and is usually short-lived.
Here are some suggestions that might help you handle the situation:
- Focus on what the child is doing at the dance class rather than what you do while he/she is in class.
- Before you leave, see that the child is involved in an activity or is in the hands of a teacher.
- Avoid prolonged good-byes.
- Ask the teacher for help in separation. We expect the crying (and usually the tears are for the parent’s benefit).
Each age group has a defined focus
- Preschool Dance: Our 3- to 5‑year-olds are still very self-centered and team-building activities play a large part in their development.
- Primary Dance: Our 6- and 7‑year-olds are bursting with social needs! We continue with more development of tap and ballet vocabulary, and offer introductions to jazz, hip hop and lyrical/contemporary. Dance class etiquette becomes a part of the weekly lesson plans.
Combo Classes Offered
Schedule
Click to expand for technique description, classes, age and skill requirements, and dress code
Our preschool dance students will swim like a fish, jump like a bunny, and roar like a lion as they are introduced to a combination of ballet and tap technique with an emphasis on listening, coordination, and gross motor skill development.
| Class | Ages/Requirements | Dress Code† |
|---|---|---|
| Combo 3-5 | Ages 3-5 (must be potty trained) | CSDC Dress Code 23/24 Season |
Our 6- and 7‑year-olds are eager to show you what they can do so we give them the opportunity to shine! Ballet and tap basics and their relationship with the music are the focus.
| Class | Ages/Requirements* | Dress Code† |
|---|---|---|
| Combo 6-7 Ballet/Tap | Ages 6-7 | CSDC Dress Code 23/24 Season |
*Students must be of qualifying age by December 1.
FOR NEW & EXISTING STUDENTS
If you have questions about which classes are right for you or your child, please complete our Class Inquiries Form and we'll be in touch promptly.
Please refer to our COVID-19 Policy and Important Studio Procedures page for additional information about important class procedures, studio policies, and dress codes changes that are affected by COVID-19 protocols, or contact the office at 248-380-1666 if you have questions.
†For your convenience, we offer a line of apparel available for purchase at competitive prices, including:
- Dance shoes (we’ll custom fit your dancer for tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and hip hop)
- Leotards, tights, ballet skirts, dance undergarments
Our apparel store is open during studio hours.
If at first you don’t succeed…
If your child cries or does not want to take class, don’t panic. If we push children and create more stress than they are already experiencing, they may come to perceive dance class as a bad experience. That kind of negativity could make them apprehensive about dance for a long time, which isn’t good for anyone involved. Never force your child into the classroom. We encourage you to have your child try again at a later time. Repetition is one of the key elements for success with preschool dance students.
We recommend consistent and regular attendance to assist the child in gaining comfort and a sense of security in the studio and in the classroom.
