Label Everything
Bloom’s ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop classes have color and style requirements for footwear, so dancers often have shoes that are identical. Since many of our dancers are grouped by age, the chances of those shoes being about the same size are also very high. With this in mind, grab a Sharpie and label your dancers shoes and gear. You don’t want your dancer’s new dance shoes accidentally going home in someone else’s dance bag!
**We recommend labeling shoes on the inside, as marking on the bottom can easily be worn away (and sometimes leaves marks on our beautiful floors).
Review Class Dress Code
Bloom has specific attire colors that indicate class levels, and details can be found HERE. Proper attire is important for dance classes and sets the tone for a positive learning environment. It’s also important to have your dancer’s hair pulled back into a bun or ponytail. We want our dancers to be safe, comfortable, and distraction-free so they can learn important skills and techniques in dance class. Arriving to class in the correct dance attire insures your dancer is ready to learn!
Arrive on Time
Bloom’s dance classes are designed in a particular order so that a dancer is “warmed up” and prepared for the more challenging work toward the middle and end of class. Missing the first exercises/stretches leaves the dancer unprepared for the learning and movement that lies ahead. Even in our preschool classes, arriving a few minutes early allows the dancer to settle in at the studio, get their shoes on and enter class together with their group. This is far more comfortable for your dancer than rushing into a class that’s already in progress. Students who come in relaxed and happy have a better class experience every time.
Use the Bathroom Before Class
The golden rule of leotards is that as soon as you put one on, you need to use the bathroom. Tiny dancers are no exception! Be sure your child uses the restroom before pulling on her leotard and tights so that the likelihood of having to interrupt class with a bathroom break will be minimal. Tiny dancers can have trouble getting out of their leotard in time when the urge strikes, so its important to plan ahead. Also, when little ones are engrossed in the class, they can sometimes wait too long before asking to use the restroom. A little planning can go a long way!
Read Newsletters, Emails, and Texts
An informed parent allows for a relaxed and prepared student. Important information will be provided many times throughout the dance year, so be sure to read Bloom’s newsletters and emails. If you feel out of the loop, check with your Studio Host to be sure you are receiving all information and we have your correct contact details.
If your child is enrolled in dance, then you probably already know how amazing dance is as part of a well-rounded education. Dance helps the student with coordination, balance, math, memory, social skills, spatial skills and so many other things. Following the above tips will help ensure that your child gets the most out of their Bloom dance year!