Throughout May and the beginning of June, Impact Dance Studio goes into full-blown recital mode. Teachers are busy rehearsing and perfecting choreography while students are eagerly practicing and sharing their dances with other classes. That’s why in preparation for the big day, it’s important your child doesn’t miss dance class. Actually, regular attendance isn’t just important during recital time, it’s vital year-round.
Here are some reasons why regular attendance is vital for your child’s success, inside and outside the dance studio:
“Can you show me that step one more time?” Learning and retaining choreography is one of the biggest challenges a dancer must face. If your child misses class a lot, they’ll constantly be playing catch-up with dance terminology, technique, and combinations. Of course, teachers don’t mind helping out kids when they’re struggling with a step. But when a child is repeatedly absent and the teacher has to take extra time out to get them up to speed, it holds back the class as a whole.
Better attendance = improved memory. The more consistent your child is about making it to class, the more they’ll improve their listening skills as well as memorizing steps and combinations given by the teacher. The higher a child progresses in skill level, the less a teacher demonstrates – all the more reason for them to be in class.
Encourages self-discipline and focus. From as early as age two into adulthood, dancers are required to utilize self-discipline and focus in dance class. By attending class regularly, children get better at taking turns, staying attentive and focused, and following the teacher’s instructions. These important skills carry over and prepare them for school and life in general. The mentality of “I’m going to get this step” comes from the same place as “I’m going to finish this project.”
Builds more confidence. It takes a lot of courage for kids to get up in front of their peers and perform, especially when they’re struggling with a particular step. Dancers who attend class consistently learn that in order to get a step right, they may have to do it wrong several hundred times. The best part about the process is they recognize that it’s okay to not be perfect.
Get to class and make more friends. Friends from dance class often end up becoming best friends because they spend so much time together sharing everything from car journeys to competitions. Whether it’s snacks during water breaks or skipping hand in hand in class or having sleepovers, friendships in dance class are priceless. Who wants to miss out on that?
Kids thrive on structure. Kids tackle and learn new skills and information at a rapid pace, whether it’s reading, riding a bike or dancing. It’s a lot of change at once, much of which is not within their control. Children and adults handle change better when it’s expected or occurs in the context of a familiar routine. Kids need routine because it gives them a sense of security and helps them develop self-discipline.
As the saying goes, 80 percent of success is showing up. If want your child to get a leg up in dance class, make sure they show up. It’s never too late!
It’s also not too late to register for Impact Dance Studio summer classes. For more information, call 708-354-JUMP or visit www.impactdancestudio.com.
