I know, I know...it has been a long time. I told you that during the season I would not be able to keep up with being a hands-on director, wife, mom, and blog too. I am a little later then I thought, but to be honest with you, this season took a little more out of me both mentally and physically then some years. I am well, and getting back in the off-season groove. I decided I would blog about events that occurred over the past comp year and see if we can address some concerns before they happen again. First however, I am going to look ahead to fall and invite you all to attend Dance Directive master classes at one of our 7 cities. This year we are having three rooms with levels for beginners, intermediate and advanced. When asked, “What level is best for my child?”, I encourage parents and teachers to consider ability as much as age. Here’s my take: Beginners should be true beginners with 1-2 years or less in the studio and age 12 or younger. In fact many 10 to 12 year-olds may feel right at home at the beginner level if they’ve just started dancing. We won't dance to the Doodle Bops here, but we’ll keep it at a beginning level of dance skills. Intermediate would be great for those Jr's and Sr's with 2-4 years in the studio, ages 8 and older, and that just aren't ready to take on the advanced stuff yet. Advanced is, well, for the advanced. Parents, you must trust your teacher to place your child where he or she belongs. We’ll also be flexible in moving kids to different levels if necessary. We want the kids to be comfortable and have fun, but we also want them challenging themselves and trying new things. As for teachers this fall, your favorites in most cases will be back and we are adding to staff. Mr. Don, who most of you were introduced to during the competition season, will be teaching a variety of classes including Music Theatre, Broadway, Audition Class, Lifts and Partnering. We’re also excited to introduce a NEW Parent and Teacher Competition Seminar. Additional teachers from all over the country will also be arriving to teach Lyrical, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and more. And yes, the rumor is true, I will be teaching some of the beginner classes this year. You always miss your past to some degree and I am very excited to teach again the younger and beginner dancers that are so near and dear to my heart. Brochures are in the mail, and you can also get enrollment forms online. I encourage teachers and parents to expand the dance experience for their students by allowing them to take from different teachers. I know sometimes a teacher feels the "I can do it myself” bug biting, but keep in mind that styles change and just watching videos on some other competitions website to pick up new moves is not the same as learning how to do them for yourself. It's not as fun either. Parents, we encourage you to help spread your children’s wings by letting them take classes outside the normal studio atmosphere where the dancer faces new challenges, moves them out of their shell and teaches them to MOVE in a variety of ways and under many different scenarios. If your studio isn't attending, grab a friend and give it try. We are still priced under $90 for a full day. I do mean a full day! With the exception of beginners (4 hours), intermediate and advanced dancers receive 7-9 hours of actual dance instruction. That is less than $10 per class! It's a great way to start your dance season and your child might even win a scholarship for some other great dance adventure. It’s good to be back! Kim