A parent’s work is never done, am I right? Even though it’s barely May, we’re already busy making plans and preparations for 2023-24 school year activities, and making sure we’re registered and ready to go when opportunities open and quickly fill up. And while swimming, gymnastics and soccer are all popular choices, including dance in your child’s schedule can be as beneficial as it is fun! Read on to learn all about our Twirl classes — and why Turning Pointe Dance is the best studio for preschool dance in Colorado Springs.
What is preschool dance?
We know what you’re thinking: Is my child going to learn REAL dance or just spin around and play dress up? Will they get anything out of a preschool dance class? The answer is—both! At Turning Pointe, our goal is that preschool dancers have FUN, and learn to love dancing… that’s what keeps them coming back to learn more and more as they grow and improve! At the same time, we want our littlest preschool dancers to learn ballet basics and simple dance terminology, mixed with creative movement and props to spark their imaginations.
My child is shy or gets easily overwhelmed. What if he/she won’t go into class?
We get this a lot – and it’s completely normal! There may be a few tears at first, but usually once they start dancing, they quickly forget their troubles and have so much fun. If they continue to cry or stay upset for more than a few minutes, we’ll bring them to you. We know this takes trust on your part, but at Turning Pointe, Twirl parents can know that their dancers are in a loving and encouraging environment. Our Godly role models and well-trained staff will do their very best to make everyone feel comfortable and secure!
That said, don't be discouraged if all your dancer does is watch class and not move/dance at all during the first few weeks. Some students just need to see what we're doing and think about it at home before they’re ready to jump in and join! Some students take longer to warm up than others, and that is perfectly fine with us. We love giving them the space to feel comfortable and grow in their confidence!
My child may have some separation anxiety. Can I sit in the classroom?
Having some anxiety about being away from mom or dad is completely normal. Our goal for the little ones is to get them ready for a classroom setting that they will have in preschool or church: learning to follow directions, listening to the teacher, being aware of others, taking turns, sharing, and building confidence. These are all important goals in their development, along with our dance goals! If a child is consistently having a hard time being away from mom or dad, it may be a good idea to wait and try again when they are ready.
Our policy also limits distractions that often change children's behavior, such as having an audience, or wondering why some parents are present and not others. We want to help our students practice the habit of attention, and most of our Twirl dancers are still learning. So the more we limit distractions, the more dancing, learning, and fun we'll have together!
How can I set my child up for success in preschool dance?
Being on time to class is KEY! If a student walks in late and the class has already started, it can be harder for them to walk in and join on their own, and it's also disruptive to the class when the door is opening and closing. Being a few minutes early will also give you time to take them potty and get their shoes on so they are ready for class.
Talk to your child about what dance class is; look up some children’s dance videos on YouTube (find videos of polished performances, AND ones taken during class, with the camera angle set low, from a child’s perspective, if you can). Encourage your dancer to line up outside their class door (even if they are holding your hand) and be ready to walk into the classroom when the teacher opens the door for class. And don’t forget to label each of their shoes with their name!
Why take preschool dance class at Turning Pointe?
Students in Turning Pointe’s preschool classes (the Twirl program) will be introduced to the basic dance terminology of ballet. We balance focus and fun while learning spatial awareness, flexibility, coordination, balance, expression, and hearing music, all while exploring the joy of movement and worshiping God. They’ll have a monthly Bible verse and fruit of the spirit to focus on as they learn to use the gifts God’s given them for His glory! We have parent peek weeks twice each year to show the progress being made in each class, all leading up to a one-of-a-kind Red Carpet Recital Experience.
Because of our Twirl Director and Twirl instructors’ knowledge of child development, and their experience with teaching this age group, our program is one of the most well-balanced, age-appropriate dance programs you’ll find in Colorado Springs. That’s why we’ve been voted Best of the Springs Gold in Dance Studio for Kids for nine of the last 10 years!
More than that, Turning Pointe’s Twirl program gives you options. From Twirl Babies, starting at just 2 years old, to Twirl Ballet and Twirl Combo (ballet and tap), Twirl Showtime for musical theater, and even Twirl Hippity Hop for the littlest movers and shakers.
Still not sure if your child is ready for a preschool dance class? Come to one of our Twirl Summer Mini Camps! Created for students ages 3-7, these three-day camps are a great way to introduce our classes and instructors to students trying dance for the very first time. Each camp includes your child’s favorite characters to inspire students as they dance, create crafts and do other fun activities. There’s even a parent performance at the end of each one!
Email info@turningpointeschoolofdance.com to sign up for summer camp, schedule a tour of our facility, ask plenty of questions, and prepare for fall 2023-24 class sessions. Registration opens July 15!