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9 Things Every Dance Mom Should Know


tap dance class

It’s that time of year again! Moms everywhere are coordinating fall schedules that would make a professional organizer panic… deftly arranging carpools, drop offs and pickups on time tables worthy of a board at Grand Central Station. If you are fitting dance class into your family’s routine this fall, here are a few things that will make you look like the most together mom in the waiting room!

Label Everything! Considering your dance studio most likely requires a certain color and style of shoe for class, it is reasonable to assume that all of the dancers in any given class will have similar shoes. And since they are probably also grouped by age, the chances of those shoes being identical right down to the size are pretty decent. With this in mind, grab a sharpie and label away! You do not want the brand-new tap shoes you just paid for going home in another child’s bag. But they probably will. If they are labeled, the mystery can be solved by the studio staff far more easily and quickly…and with less panic.

Arrive Early for Class. Dance class is designed in a particular order so that a dancer’s body will be prepared for the more challenging work toward the middle and end of class. For older ballet dancers, missing the first exercises at the barre leaves the dancer unprepared for the center work that lies ahead. (In my teen classes, dancers who arrive late are required to complete these exercises independently before they can join the class. The dancers understand this is not a punishment, rather it is for their own safety.) Even in the preschool classes, arriving a few minutes early allows the dancer to settle in at the studio, get their shoes on and enter class with the group. This is far more comfortable and productive for the dancer than rushing in on mom’s hip with their ballet shoes already on and getting ushered through the studio door to a class that’s already in progress. Students who come in relaxed and happy have a better class every time. Additionally, for younger classes, the line leaders are necessarily chosen at the beginning of class. Students who are not present when the leaders are announced may never get a turn to be first.

Water Only. Hydration is very important and older dancers should be encouraged to have a water with them for breaks during class. For younger dancers who are in class for 45 minutes or an hour, this may not be necessary and water should be enjoyed during shoe changing time so as not to disturb the flow of class. Water bottles should always have very secure caps and dancers should be old enough to close them on their own if they are bringing them into class. A leaky water bottle can ruin new dance shoes very quickly when these items share a dance bag. Soda, Gatorade and other sugary beverages should never be brought into the dance room where a potential spill could wreak havoc on the dance floor.

Pay attention to the studio’s dress code. Some studios require students to wear a particular color or style that indicates the level of the class. Other studios require special leotards adorned with the studio’s logo. All studios have some sort of parameters that outline what a student should wear to class. You’ll probably receive this is writing. Read this and ask questions if you have any to be sure that your dancer has the appropriate attire for the class in which she is enrolled. Proper attire is important for any activity and sets the tone for a serious learning environment. I tell my students, “You don’t wear your prom gown to the pool.” Dress for the class you are attending. Most studios will require a leotard and tights as basic necessities. Accessories such as skirts, camisoles, boy shorts or leggings may or may not be allowed over the leotard and tights depending on the genre. For ballet