Check out this short video showcasing some of our favorite photos from the 2015-2016 dance season! So many fun moments throughout the year!
Thoughts about overstretching and safety in dance
It’s a common thing to see on television and social media these days when it comes to dance, and particularly with young dancers: overstretched bodies in contortionist-type movements. Movements like the scorpion, where the leg can be extended so high in the back that the dancer’s head touches it; the oversplit, where a dancer’s legs go well past 180 degrees; and my personal un-favorite, the tilt — a legitimate modern dance step that has been distorted in order to reach the leg past the head.
Although you see these movements practically everywhere (and many dancers unknowingly imitate them), they aren’t a safe way to train, especially with young bodies that are growing and dancers who are still learning muscle awareness and control. Serious damage can occur whether the move is performed once or repeatedly, especially in the hips and back. Not only that, the artistic integrity of dance suffers at the expense of these “tricks,” so-called because of their wow-factor but lack of choreographic merit. Television ratings and likes on social media have trumped safety.
And let me be clear that flexibility IS still very important for dancers; what I’m referring to here is overstretching past correct body placement and alignment.
This article from Lisa Howell’s Ballet Blog (Lisa Howell is a well-known physical therapist in the dance community), is an eloquent summary of the dangers of overstretching. This news story, also featuring Lisa Howell, is an eye-opener.
Are these things going to go away overnight? Nope. But by educating our dance families and students about correct placement, appropriate progress, and injury prevention, we can help them understand that dance is so much more than the tricks they see on TV and social media. Dance is about a love of movement and the artistry and passion that tug at your heart. It’s about having a home away from home with great friends and great role models. And it’s about having a strong, healthy body.
– Ms. Julie
It’s time for a new year of dance!
The new dance season is almost upon us! With our 10th Anniversary Kickoff Party happening this Saturday, FYDE rehearsals beginning next Tuesday, and classes starting August 31, it’s one of the busiest times of the year at Studio Dance Centre!
At the risk of sounding cheesy–and before the busy-ness of the school year sets in–I wanted to share with you some of the hopes and dreams our SDC team has for your children:
- We hope they look forward to dance class each week (or each day!) and know that we are always eager to see their smiles
- We hope they make new friends and grow the friendships they’ve already made
- We wish for them a love of learning and a curiosity for new things, in and out of the dance classroom
- We encourage them to make mistakes and recover; to fall and get back up stronger
- We encourage them to work to their fullest potential and always put in the hard work
- We dream that whatever their future goals are, their joy for dance lasts a lifetime
And parents: we wish you much luck during this busy, exciting, fun, emotional time of year! We are sending you many positive vibes for a smooth start to school and can’t wait to see you soon.
– Ms. Julie
Our remodel is complete
It’s been a super busy six weeks, but our remodel is finally complete! We heard your feedback and made some exciting changes:
- Studio B has been expanded so we can enjoy more room to dance
- Our waiting area now includes tables and chairs, as well as a homework bar, to make it easier on parents and students who want to work or snack
- Our bathrooms have been updated for a streamlined look and feel
- The new dressing room includes lockers for those dancers who spend many hours a week here
- The reception space has been redesigned so we can offer you even better service in-person
Thank you for your patience while we were in our temporary dance space. We CAN’T WAIT for you to see all of these changes during your next visit or dance class! Yay!
– Ms. Julie
Great dancing, happy kids, proud teachers!
It’s been a whirlwind spring here at Studio Dance Centre!
Our Spring Concert performance week went off without a hitch, despite Mother Nature’s threats of bad weather. The Preschool and Early Elementary dancers never cease to amaze us with their excitement to perform — there are always a few who really ham it up! Hearing the audience’s rousing applause and laughter was absolutely priceless. And our Level 1-4 dancers — wow! They impressed us so much with their professionalism and dedication. There was such joy present onstage during each and every dance.
Wrapping up the dance season is always bittersweet, especially looking back at the wonderful memories created during the past several months. It’s exciting too though, as we head into our summer camps and workshops — I mean, you can’t be too sad as you prepare for Frozen Friends or Cinderella’s Ball, right? And this summer in particular will be even more special as we celebrate the beginning of our 10th season and remodel our space to offer even better service.
Huge thanks to our dance families for making this year so fabulous! We are grateful for you!
– Ms. Julie
Nu Delta Alpha & Our “Have a Heart” Food Drive!
Last month we proudly inducted sixteen dancers into our chapter of Nu Delta Alpha, the National Dance Honor Society! These dancers were accepted into the honor society because of their high GPAs, commitment to dance, and community service — they are true leaders to their peers, and we are proud to recognize them and their hard work.
Nu Delta Alpha National Dance Honor Society Induction Ceremony 2015
This week, our Nu Delta Alpha members are sponsoring our “Have a Heart” food drive benefiting Frisco Family Services. February isn’t the most popular time of year for donations, which is why we felt it was important to give back when “love is all around.”
We invite you to help us support Frisco families in need by bringing your donations to the studio by Saturday, February 21st. THANK YOU!
Is dance good for athletes?
Yes! Dance and sports often complement each other quite well!
Dance helps with:
Agility
Fast footwork
Flexibility
Balance
Focus
Commitment
Teamwork
Our friends at Kick Dance Studio in New Jersey (a fellow More Than Just Great Dancing ™ studio) say it perfectly in their blog post: http://patch.com/new-jersey/rumson/5-reasons-trade-your-childs-cleats-dance-shoes-sports-season
Although the dance season is longer than many sports seasons, it’s not always “too late” to join — just ask! At SDC, we have some classes still accepting new students through November, and we add in new classes periodically throughout the year.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steve McLendon can take up ballet and love it, anyone can! (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/22954120/steve-mclendon-ballet-is-harder-than-anything-else-i-do%20%20n)
Little dancers, big dreams
I read a wonderful story the other day that was making its way around the internet (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-josephson/fit-and-funky_b_5571593.html). It really struck a chord because as a studio owner and dance teacher, I’ve been witness to many a story like this.
In sum, the mother who wrote the story had signed her young daughter up for dance classes, but her daughter was shy and mostly stood in the classroom watching (not dancing). For weeks on end, this was the case. When her daughter finally decided to actually dance, it was because she finally felt comfortable–she needed all that time to warm up to the idea of dancing, absorb her surroundings, and observe what was being taught. From there, the girl blossomed, continuing to dance as well as act and sing. She’s a young adult now, pursuing her dreams in the performing arts.
The mom in the story writes “I often think back to that little dance studio and wonder if I had responded differently, would [my daughter] be where she is today? Would she have had all of the years of enjoyment and life lessons that come from pursuing something that she feels passion for and that is hard? Would she have had the confidence to express her desires of which activities she wanted to do? Would she have discovered her talents and passions?”
It’s hard to say precisely, of course, but I commend this mom for her patience and follow-through. She allowed her daughter the space to observe in her own way and join in at her own pace. The teacher, too, must have shown great patience and encouragement. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as an educator, it’s that you can introduce the same material in the same way to each child in class, and they will each respond and progress in their own way. And that is a good thing! Dance is very personal, even when you are a part of a group.
But back to the story. Was this first dance class experience, as the mom suggests, a pivotal moment for her daughter? I think the answer is a huge YES! Whether it is dance or another activity, children crave finding their way, enjoying what they do, and achieving their goals. If it takes a little extra patience and care along the way, then I think it’s time well spent.
– Ms. Julie
It’s summer: here we go!
Last week, in our preparations for the Princess-in-Training Camp, my staff and I were discussing the merits of decorating paper crowns versus making pipe cleaner tiaras. (Really, we were way overanalyzing.) Which project would be easier for little hands? Would one be appealing over the other? Was each one “princess-y” enough? I was sure we needed to keep it simple and pick just one. No over-indulging; no over-complicating things.
We made practice crowns and tiaras, marveled at our own crafting abilities (or for me, lack thereof), mulled it over, and ultimately decided that yep, it would be best if we did both the crowns and tiaras.
Both were cute, both were easy, both were fun. It’s summer camp, after all, and what princess doesn’t need options? It’s win-win! So lesson learned: maybe it’s OK, sometimes, to have your cake and eat it too. While wearing a crown. Or a tiara.
– Ms. Julie
Welcome to Studio Dance Centre’s blog!
Check back here often for behind-the-scenes news, updates on events, and general musings about dance.
As we wrap up our eighth dance season and dive in to our ninth summer, we’ve been inspired to breathe new life into SDC’s vision: you’ll notice that little changes and improvements (like this website) are popping up here and there. Updates to our teacher training and curriculum are in the works, and our dedication to best practices is stronger than ever.
So what is it, exactly, that sets SDC apart?
Our Culture
We strive to create a positive, nurturing atmosphere for our students. Our dancers are immersed in a learning environment that is both disciplined and loving, with instructors who are passionate about dance. Our choices in music, choreography, and costumes are always age-appropriate.
Our Life Lessons
SDC dancers learn that dance class is about much more than just learning steps: it’s about leaving your worries at the door, working hard, respecting your teachers and friends, working as a group, taking turns, saying thank you … and ultimately, achieving your goals.
Our Expectations
Students of all ages know straightaway that we expect them to try their best in every class. We don’t settle for “I can’t.” We encourage dancers to compete only with themselves, not to compare themselves to others.
Our Beliefs
Every child can dance. Every child can feel the joy of moving to music. Dance class is more than an opportunity to plié and jeté and shuffle-ball-change; it’s an opportunity to ignite a passion!
Throughout everything we do, SDC is incredibly proud to be More Than Just Great Dancing™. We’re excited to see where next season takes us!
— Ms. Julie
