It’s been an amazing first month of classes, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on in the studio! But first, let’s talk about the “why.” Research shows that showing up consistently for your child instills a sense of self-worth and confidence. As they grow, they internalize this positive self-image, leading to a more optimistic outlook on life. They are more likely to approach challenges with resilience and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. More than that, we’re working to instill a love of dance and equip our students with grit, grace, and gratitude for the arts and for His Kingdom. So before we gather to celebrate the progress being made and the skills being learned in each class, here are our top three ways to celebrate your student, and experience the Turning Pointe difference!
1. Acknowledge the Purpose of Performance
The power of performance is a big deal when you’re learning a performing art. Who doesn’t love wearing costumes and showing your friends and family what you’ve learned? But in order to experience the Turning Pointe difference, it’s important to understand our purpose for performance—and encourage your student to do the same!
At Turning Pointe, we dance for a greater purpose. Luke 1:46 reminds us of our studio-wide focus this season: “My soul magnifies the Lord.” We hope that all our dancers will be big lights that shine for Jesus. We want to glorify God through our bodies with dancing and present the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When researchers Bruce Brown and Rob Miller asked college athletes what their parents said that brought them joy when they played sports, the responses were all the same. It wasn’t praise like “you’re an all-star,” or anything constructive like “here are a couple of things I noticed that you can work on.” What stuck with them the most was when their parents said six simple words: “I love to watch you play.” In our case, we love to watch our students dance. We want our students to hear that doing what they do, and learning about who God created them to be, is a joy to watch as it unfolds.
So rather than building pressure, aggrandizing class placement or providing any constructive criticism, we encourage you to show up for your students and delight in the Lord right along with them—we’ll even give you plenty of chances! In addition to our spring recitals and acting/vocal showcase, we invite families to join us for three annual Peek Weeks, when parents can sit in on the last 10 minutes of class to see what their students have been working on. All of our students will practice performing and their families will celebrate with them. But more than that, our mission at Turning Pointe will be fulfilled and the heart of God will be blessed and pleased.
Here are this season’s chances to watch your student shine:
● Fall Peek Week: October 7-12 (unless otherwise communicated by your teacher)
● Christmas Peek Week: December 9-14 (unless otherwise communicated by your teacher)
● Spring Peek Week: March 31-April 5 (unless otherwise communicated by your teacher)
2. Encourage their Progress
Did you know most of our classes follow a carefully-constructed curriculum? A well-designed curriculum plays a significant role in helping teachers reach the end goal of growth in their students, and provides structure, support, and consistency throughout the studio. But there’s another benefit specific to Turning Pointe Dance: The unified glorification of God in the lives of our students.
While the curriculum for each genre provides a foundation of clear and specific standards, and an accessible pathway of progression, students are also introduced to the person of Jesus through studio-wide devotions and gospel–centered classes. They’re also working toward proficiency in five separate targets, which include things like etiquette, performance quality, creativity/composition, and connections to historical context, cultural influence, and Christian engagement within the dance space.
In other words, our students are learning so much more than plies, and progress in all areas of their growth should be encouraged and celebrated! Sure, nailing their first pirouette in a performance is a big deal, but so is waiting appropriately for their turn, correctly identifying different styles or techniques, or even smiling and remembering all their steps. We’re working to cultivate hearts of worship, nurture creativity, and allow students to flourish in their gifts, equipped to go into every man’s world by training the whole person body, mind, and spirit. Our dancers go beyond technique to develop important life skills including learning to be respectful and confident, and share their gifts and God-given talents with the community and beyond.
Of course skill development is an important part of every class and curriculum, but we see progress in so many different areas in each student. Join us in watching intentionally, and celebrating the improvements made in every area after each performance and Peek Week!
3. Provide Pathways for Growth
If your student is truly finding joy in dance, adding another class might be just the ticket to enrich their experience. Who knows—maybe their favorite style of dancing is one they haven’t tried yet! Trying new genres will not only provide additional practice time in the studio, it also gives students a chance to learn from more teachers, make new friends across classes, and have the opportunity to do more of what they love in a safe and Christ-centered training environment. The best part? It’s not too late! You can add classes to your registration until January 31. Turning Pointe Dance also offers two free trial weeks, where students can try any age and level-appropriate class for free—just check in with the front desk first! Your next opportunity to try a class with your friends, or experience something new, free of charge:
● Bring a Friend Week: October 14-19
● Free Trial Week: December 16-21
● Free Trial Week: January 6-11, 2025