Movin' Easy Dancewear

Virginia’s Ballet Austin Experience

Dance class as an adult can be a little scary. Our bodies don’t recoup as quickly as a hard workout, our brains run a little bit slower than they did at age 16, and I am sure none of us look the same as we did 10 years ago.

At the Butler Community School at Ballet Austin these fears all seem to disappear. I have been taking class at Ballet Austin for about 6 months and couldn’t feel better about myself. Not only am I working out with fantastic teachers, I am invited into this amazing environment of people who make art all day and want me to get involved. And let me tell you about the facility. WOW!! State of the art to say the least.

Whether you’ve never put on a pair of dance shoes, or are just squeezing back into that leotard, everyone deserves to take a dance class at Ballet Austin.

The Austin area is blessed with excellent instruction for children and youth in all of the dance academies. Teachers are well trained and have an enthusiasm for making sure your child gets the benefit of knowing how to dance. Boys and girls can find a class that fits their personality and satisfies the goals of the parents.

Find a list of all the Austin area dance schools at www.movineasy.com/wheretodance with listings by location, age, and style of dance.

Choosing a dance school is an important step for a family. Your choice will increase your child’s excitement for learning throughout their life, and you will enter a special support network with other caring parents.

Your challenge is to select the type of dance education based on family goals and on the child’s personality and desires.  Choosing a school is a focus for your child and for you as a parent.  That focus can be as varied as relationships with neighborhood friends or a window to the art of professional dancers.  The opportunities offered are different forms of expression in dance styles and performances.

Parents find a support group that is involved in experiencing the growth of exuberance and skill in their children.  This is a focus that is a growing experience for parents as well as their children.

Recommendations from friends are a great way to choose a school. Most schools will allow you to observe a class or come to an open house.

It is important for your child to bond with the teacher and connect with the other students in the school. You will know these things after the first week of class, although most times parents are very satisfied with their decision after visiting a school with their child.

Dance studios have different approaches and each has its advantages. Some options are: 1. Academies associated with professional or semi-professional companies 2. Academies that build performance and competition into their curriculum 3. Training academies that focus on instruction and use performing as an option.

Parent goals are important. Having a neighborhood school where friends dance together may be your priority. Or you may want a school associated with a well known performing youth group or professional company. Or you may decide on one form of dance or a specific set of skills that you want for your child’s development. Honor your preferences for the type of instruction and the kind of involvement you wish for your child. Then be open to the direction that excites you and your child.

It is not hard to find the right school with excellent instruction and caring, dedicated teachers. If you have special needs, the directors and teachers of the academies are always willing to help.

ENTRY LEVEL DANCE

1.  Choose your dance form

2.  Select a studio or teacher that works for your location and schedule.

3.  Try out several styles if you can not decide.  Some studios have a monthly package to sample all the dance styles.

4.  Make the choices that will make dance more fun:

Who are the people you love to be around?

What is the dance music or type of movement that turns you on?

Do you want a group class or private instruction?

Are you drawn to the cutting edge, the local rage, formal dance training, improvisation, or folk and ethnic forms?

Do you want to dance with a partner, alone, or in unison with others?

Do you want to move a little or a lot, fast or slow?

Do you want direct instruction or an exercise format following an instructor?

5.  Choose your mentor, an instructor or leader who you feel comfortable learning from.

6.  Find a buddy who will encourage you and you can encourage.  Classes do not require a partner so you can bring someone with you or find a friend there.

7.  Watch television shows and movies to see how others have gone through the process of learning to dance.

8.  Encourage boys, brothers, sons, and husbands.

Bring your buddies or mates  along with you or practice with them at home.  Men and boys are finding the fun of dancing to music.  No excuses should keep them from improving their level of fun, coordination, communication, and build their brain while they are at it.