DDC's student to teacher ratio varies according to age and level of the dancers, as well as the experience of the teacher(s) for the class.  You may notice that many of our classes have Assistant Teachers as well.  Not only are they helping the Instructor, but they are also learning the structure of a dance class, "tricks" of the trade, and ways to run a dance class.  The following classes still have openings.  Please let your friends know!

  

 

DDC held our annual auditions for "A Gift for Emma" last Saturday, for ages 4-7.  We were very pleased to have a wonderful turnout of young dancers interested in performing in this family-oriented narrative of a young orphan girl who dreams of becoming a dancer.  We also had casting auditions for the Denton Youth City Ballet and Denton City Contemporary Ballet for the soloist and principal roles, the results of which have been posted on the bulletin board in the hallway.  CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR DANCERS!!!  "Emma" looks to be a very exciting experience this year!

 

IF YOUR DANCER IS AT LEAST 7 YEARS OLD, AND PARTICIPATES IN A TWICE/WEEK BALLET CLASS, MODERN CLASS, OR HIPHOP CLASS, he or she will be cast in the show automatically.  These parts will be posted by the end of September.

 

 There are many variables that need to be considered when placing students in a class. Following are just a few:

1.        Age/Level/Ability:  The starting point in determining which class a dancer would most benefit from is his/her age. Next, the young dancer's level of technique is considered. This is determined by either a placement class or teacher observation during the Spring semester.  Dance is a physical activity as well as an art form. Often the rate of advancement of a young dancer is dependent upon physical growth and mental maturity.
2.       Scheduling Logistics:  As much as we wish that dancing were everyone's first love, we know better. We do realize that children need to experience a variety of different extra-curricular activities. In reality, Moms and Dads have to "taxi" dancers not only to dance class, but also to soccer, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, gymnastics, school functions, etc.  Also, the parents' work schedules often dictate when a dancer can or cannot attend a class.  For those students whose siblings also take dance classes, it's important that we consider a schedule that will accomodate most of the family on the same days.
3.        Personality Traits:  Other aspects considered when placing dancers in classes are personality traits and characteristics that tend to dictate how a child learns or processes information. It may be beneficial to one student to move ahead to a slightly higher level of technique in order to stimulate interest. On the other hand, it may be better for someone else to remain in a certain level in order that the student can become a "leader" in the class thereby building a higher level  of confidence.  Everyone is different and deserves special consideration to meet their learning and emotional needs.
4.       Benefits of Correct Class Placement:  If the class placement of the dancer is correct, the benefits include increased confidence, appreciation of the rewards of hard work, desire to meet challenges, increased determination, learning  to work with patience and consideration of others, retention of information, etc. As long as parents and teachers are able to communicate their expectations and work together for the benefit of the student, a good dance education will prove to be a benefit to your child for many years to come.
 
NOTE:  We would like to continue this column in our newsletters with explanations to students and parents of issues they are concerned with. Please email your "The Business of Dance" questions to us at LisaDDC4me@aol.com

With all the news and info going around about the H1N1 flu virus, please know that DDC is doing everything in our power to reduce the risk of spreading germs.  Please encourage your dancers to wash their hands before and after class, use tissues, and if necessary, the hand sanitizer in each room.  In order for us to spend more time sanitizing the barres, door knobs, etc. daily, PLEASE HELP BY HAVING YOUR CHILDREN PUT AWAY THE TOYS AND BOOKS THEY PLAY WITH WHILE THEIR SIBLINGS ARE TAKING CLASS.  ALSO HAVE YOUR DANCER PICK UP AFTER HIM OR HERSELF.  "Time is money" and we cannot afford to spend time picking up toys instead of sanitizing them:)