Author: Amy Moore

Selecting a preschool that is best for your child can be overwhelming and daunting.  There are so many factors that impact your decision, and it is something that should be contemplated carefully.  Consider the following suggestions in finding a preschool that is right for you and your child.

A good preschool should take into account how preschoolers learn:

• Students must be in an environment where they feel safe and secure. Visit some preschools. The environment should feel kid-friendly. It should be a warm, inviting place where your child wants to be. Teachers should be welcoming and engaged.
• Students need to have continuous, connected learning. The things your child learns should be connected. Find a preschool with curriculums that are research-based and proven to be effective.
• Students must have chances to explore and play. Children learn through play. They should have ample time to discover and explore without having to sit still and listen for long periods of time.
• All students develop in their own way and on their own timeline. Children should be allowed to go learn and explore at their own pace and in their own way. The curriculum should be differentiated according to the student level and be introduced at a pace appropriate for each.
• Students should have opportunities to learn with just enough challenge. Challenges are an important aspect of development; but too much, and they will get frustrated; not enough, and they will get bored.
• Teachers can be facilitators in learning situations. They should make comments, ask questions, and add new challenges as children are exploring and learning.

A good preschool should have a balanced program that focuses on every aspect of children’s development:

• Intellectual Development:
  • Preschoolers learn best through hands-on experience. They need to be encouraged to ask questions, problem-solve, and come up with solutions, as well as be creative in their learning. As they explore with blocks or cars or pouring water from one container to another, they learn about science and math.
  • Children are encouraged to develop language and literacy skills as they listen to teachers read aloud, have chances to explain and share, and are surrounded by a print-rich environment. Students should be encouraged to interact with each other, talk, and share.
  • A students’ creativity is encouraged through expression using many mediums: markers, crayons, paints, colored papers, scissors, etc.
• Social development:
  • Teachers are present to help children resolve social conflicts, such as fighting over toys or taking turns in a game. They talk to the students about what is happening and share positive ways to solve issues. They encourage students to build problem-solving skills that can be used on their own in the next situation. Instead of always telling students what not to do, teachers should give students the skills and abilities to solve problems on their own.
  • Students are encouraged to engage in “dramatic play.” They create scenarios and pretend to be “the mom” or “the teacher” or “baking cookies.” Teachers provide stimulating opportunities that allow students to explore and express themselves.
• Large motor development:
  • Preschoolers crave movement. They need to be allowed to move their bodies frequently. Students are learning to control their bodies and should be given ample opportunities to dance to music, exercise, imitate other body movements, and play games. These things promote coordination.
• Small motor development:
  • At this age, students are developing their fine motor skills. Teachers should provide activities and opportunities for students to practice. This can include things like play dough, blocks, Legos, lacing cards and, for older students, scissors. Being able to control their hands and fingers is a skill students can improve.
  • The preschool setting is also a place where students can learn independence in things like dressing themselves. Zipping up coats, tying shoes, and putting on socks are all skills that students should work towards. Opening up their own snack or cleaning up their own spills encourages students to be self-reliant and independent.
• Language development:
  • Students learn language through listening and speaking. As they engage in conversations, it is important that they have individual conversations with adults throughout the day. They need to feel important and receive that individualized attention from those of authority.
  • Preschoolers also learn through song. They should have lots of opportunities to learn through singing, simple rhymes, and fingerplays. They should be encouraged to talk through the show and tell or by telling simple stories.

A good preschool will focus on several areas of learning at the same time.

• Language and literacy skills: Students should be listening to stories, helping recite parts of familiar stories, and engaging in discussions about books and characters. Students should experiment with writing, beginning with basic scribbles to letter formation to writing their own names.
• Mathematics and Science: Children can learn math and science as they explore with different toys and tools. Toys can be counted, sorted, organized, arranged, and built. Students can learn about the weather, animals, and their bodies. So many aspects of the world around them are accessible to students in the preschool classroom.
• Social studies: Students can and should study about their communities. They can learn about different cultures and even teach about their own customs and traditions.
• Art, music, drama, and dance: Children should be given daily opportunities for dramatic play. There are so many tools they can use, including dress-ups, props, singing, paints, and paper, etc. Students are encouraged to express themselves through lots of media.

As you search for a preschool for your child, ask for referrals from trusted neighbors and friends.  This should be an exciting time! 

Did you know that Studio 56 Dance Center hosts an amazing preschool? Little Learners Preschool was established in 2010 and is Murray City’s premiere preschool program! Set up a tour today and learn more at www.littlelearnersutah.com

You’ve probably heard us talk about our competition team here at Studio 56 Dance Center, but how do you know if joining the team is the right path for your child?

First it’s important to remember that we believe dance is invaluable to ALL of our students, no matter how many classes they take!  Our competition team’s purpose is grounded in our mission to provide an increasingly comprehensive education for those who want a deeper dance experience.  And while there are many reasons why we’ve chosen to offer a competition team here at Studio 56 Dance Center, we can sum them all up within these three overarching objectives:

1. Training with the benefits of competition in mind

Because they participate in additional classes, rehearsals, and performances at an intensive level, our competition team dancers are spending many hours honing their technique and skills.  Even more importantly, they are also developing their artistry, establishing their commitment, growing their resilience, practicing their sportsmanship, and building their teamwork skills.  Through these character qualities, they are forming lifelong habits and learning how to cultivate a forward-thinking, positive mindset.

1. Working on goals bigger than yourself

As part of a group, each competition team member is learning to contribute to a larger purpose: to raise everyone’s potential.  That purpose starts out with learning choreography together and then shifts into “practicing and polishing” mode, striving for excellence so that when the competition event arrives, everyone on the team is contributing their best effort.  While winning an award at a competition is special, it doesn’t compare to the personal wins that come with dancing your heart out and cheering on your team while they do the same.

1. Preparing to possibly pursue dance in the future

The in-depth focus on dance that our competition team offers serves as a platform for our students to consider pursuing dance long-term.  They might think about pursuing a professional performance career, studying dance in college, or exploring teaching or choreography.  Dance-related careers may pique their interest too, such as photography, journalism, and physical therapy.  Being immersed in dance at a young age not only inspires our students to think about the future, it shapes their curiosity about which educational direction might be right for them.

We believe success at Studio 56 Dance Center is all about each child’s personal growth!  It is not dependent on the number of dance hours your child takes or if they choose to audition for our competition team.  But if the competition team commitment seems like a good fit for your dancer, we would love to provide them with that experience.  We invite you to email us with any questions you have about the program!

Just a few decades ago, as competitive dance emerged as a leading influence in the dance community, the structure was virtually the same across events.  There was one level of competition and three possible outcomes: first place, second place, or third place.  First place would net the winner a trophy, while second and third place winners sometimes received ribbons … or nothing at all.

Gradually over time, competitions began feeding into the growing societal mentality that most, if not all, participants should walk away with some kind of special recognition.  Awards grew beyond gold, silver, and bronze to include descriptions like “titanium,” “platinum,” “high gold,” “elite,” and more.  It became harder to discern which award, exactly, meant “first place.”  

In order to make every child (and parent) feel good and want to return to the event, competitions were diluting the value of winning.  Out of this shift, we now see a pretty confusing set of categories and awards across events!  And it’s becoming more and more common to see a waning work ethic among young dancers, who don’t see any reason to work harder if they’re just going to win anyway.

At Studio 56 Dance Center, we know that real life is NOT like this!  We know that life beyond dance competitions is different.  Not everyone will get into their first-choice college; not everyone will get every job they interview for; and not everyone will succeed in every relationship.  Everyone doesn’t always win at everything … and that’s actually OK, because there is always something to learn.

We understand that as dance educators if we don’t push back against the “everyone gets a trophy” mindset, then it will have a negative impact on our students.  It’s important to us to teach them that even though they may be recognized at a competition, those results do not equal their worth or potential as human beings.  They are so much more!

Our philosophy on competition is that it provides an incredible performance experience for our students, allows them to work towards a goal, and exposes them to unique scholarship opportunities.  We LOVE providing this outlet for our students!  But we also want to emphasize that “winning” is not the most important part, because winning at many competitions means something different now than it used to.

Success, at Studio 56 Dance Center, is all about hard work.  It’s about making your best effort, bouncing back when something goes wrong, being a good friend, treating others with kindness, and building teamwork.  We believe that a commitment to dance develops all of these qualities, which is a personal reward much more fulfilling than any triple-platinum, high gold, elite plastic trophy can ever accomplish.

As a parent, I find it frustrating when my child participates in an activity and I ask them afterward “How was class today?” “What did you learn?”

Their response is “I don’t know” or “Nothing”.

As a parent it makes me wonder if the activity is worth my money and if my child is actually learning anything.

Now, on the flip side as a dance teacher, I will teach an awesome class where I see so many improvements. The children are starting to understand the steps, follow directions and join in when I ask questions.

I believe that they are going to go home and gush about how wonderful class was, everything they learned and how they absolutely LOVE dance.

We as teachers have no idea that when we unleash these little dancers into the world they will respond to their parents as if the class didn’t learn anything or all they are doing is playing ‘games’.

It’s disheartening.

So we have come up with a few questions to try to engage your child and discuss what happened today in their dance classroom.

Our goal is to convey to the parents how beneficial and rewarding dance class is while connecting with your child! Oh, and you could also use some of these questions no matter what activity your child participates in!!

10 Questions to ask your child after dance class

1. Tell me about a dance step that you learned today?

2. Do you think you could teach that dance step to me?

3. Did you make a new friend in class today?

4. Were you kind to someone at dance class today?

5. Do you think we can stretch together? Can you show me some stretches?

6. What are some of your favorite songs that Miss ____ plays in dance class?

7. Did you do something particularly well today?

8. Did you struggle with a dance step today?

9. Did you have fun?

10. What is your favorite part of dance class?

By actively communicating and using specific questions, your child will be more willing to talk about and show more of what we actually do in dance class. This will give you a better understanding of what your child is learning. If you have any questions about the class, we welcome you to set up a meeting with the instructor and/or the studio director.

Happy Dancing

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Wishing you and your family the very best this season. We enjoy the opportunity to work with your family and love teaching your children!

We need your help! For every 5-star review you write on our Google profiles, you’ll be entered into our drawing to win $100 in tuition next month! We appreciate all your support! Thanks in advance!

• West Murray Studio
• East Murray Studio
• Little Learners Preschool

THANK YOU!

We want to thank all of you for the wonderful Christmas gifts and thoughtful cards. We also want to thank all of you that helped with the pajama and book drive.  We had an amazing turn out this year! I am sure we brought smiles to several faces.  Thanks for making this possible!

WELCOME TO OUR STUDIO FAMILY

We would like to give a warm welcome to all the new faces.  It is open enrollment time.  Spots are going fast.  If you know of an aspiring dancer send them our way! Pick up a “Care Enough to Share” referral card in the waiting room and get $ off!!

WEBSITE

Do you know your way around our website?  Our Parent Portal has a lot of wonderful features with quick to find information just for you! Click Here for a navigation tutorial. 

STAY UPDATED!

If you ever have questions and can’t reach someone at the studio always check the parent portal on our website.  It is a great source of info. A current newsletter and upcoming events are posted in the portal as well as a google calendar.

Our next big show will be our YEAR-END CONCERT.  The concert is scheduled for June 20^th @ Olympus High with more details to follow.

We will start learning routines the first of March.  At this time we need all the parent support we can get.  Please be practicing with your child at home and be involved in what is going on in class.  Watch for our theme announcement in February!

PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

For the concert, we have created an all-inclusive package for the best experience possible. We have a bundle package that takes care of everything for you! We feel that this eliminates surprise expenses and makes for a much more enjoyable concert experience.  Included in this bundle is your costume (purchase or rental), concert fee, show video download, class picture, concert t-shirt and shorts (tumbling costume), tights, accessories, concert award, and more! We have NOT included shoes but we do offer you a convenient option to purchase them at the studio.  By providing larger guaranteed quantities to our suppliers we can get better prices for everyone.  

Consent for the concert was done on the back of your membership paperwork at the time of enrollment.  If you haven’t registered it’s not too late CLICK HERE for our online form. 

HIP HOP CLASSES- SHOE POLICY

With winter weather here, we need to remind you that we CANNOT have wet, salty, muddy shoes stepping onto our dance floor. Please carry your hip hop shoes into the studio and change into them before you enter the classroom.  You will be asked to dance with no shoes if you don’t have a dry pair! Thank you!

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

January Stretch of the Month- V sit hold  |  Strength Challenge- Hips

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at-home practice tracker HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- JANUARY THEME

In January our theme is “I need a hero.”  Each class will be focused on heroes in our community.  This month we are focusing on:  moving hips from side to side, following directions, echappe, step touch with jump, angry face. We hope you can find time to review these elements with your dancer at home.  It is a great way to get EVERYONE moving!! 

FOR ALL STUDIO 56 DANCERS (DOES NOT APPLY TO ACADEMIC PROGRAM)

Do you love to dance?  Share it with a friend!  We are having bring a friend week on January 27-31.  All participating friends must sign a wavier in the office upon arrival.

We have SO MUCH fun at our event called Parent’s Night Out! Mark your calendar for your JANUARY DATE NIGHT and we will take the kids…Friday, January 10^th from 6-10 pm!! We have lots of fun activities planned for the kids and you can enjoy a night out child-free!  Only $15 per child ages 3 and up (must be potty trained). We will be serving Pizza @ 6:30 pm.

Sign up in your parent portal or use our quick form on our website.

Your child is invited to join us for a Frozen Friends Camp as we bring the adventures of Arendelle to the dance studio! The perfect princess experience will be made complete with a sparkling blue tutu 💙and official party invitation 📜.⁠ ⁠ Spots are limited! 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY! Once registered we will email you with details on picking up your package!

TUTU TESTING FOR OUR 4-5YR OLD PRESCHOOLERS

We would like to invite all of our Preschool Dancers that are going to be attending Kindergarten in Sept of 2020 to join us for TUTU TESTING.  Come show off everything you know and earn a TUTU for TERRIFIC TENDUS and more!   

When: Friday, Feb 21^ST 6PM 

Where:          West Murray Studio 

Cost:              $10/dancer and will process at the time of registration, please proceed through the pay page 

Sign up here: Go to the parent portal select enroll in a class, pick the Workshop/Special Event season, follow the prompts.

STRETCH TEST FOR STAR AND COMPANY STUDENTS

Come TEST your flexibility…  We are holding an event to help our dancers track their flexibility.  Dancers will be required to demonstrate wall straddle stretch as well as right and left splits.  Dancers will receive a key chain tracker to help them mark their progression.

When:            Friday Feb 21st @ 6pm

Where:          West Murray Studio 

Cost:  $5/dancer will process at the time of registration, please proceed through the pay page 

Sign up here: Go to the parent portal  select enroll in a class, pick the Workshop/Special Event season, follow the prompts

New knowledge and skills abound when it comes to preparing for the concert … and we’re not just talking about learning dance steps!  There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to all of the advantages of concert participation.  Check out some of the unique benefits your child will acquire that go beyond the performance itself:

Memorization Skills

Not only is your child enhancing their gross motor skills by learning choreography and improving their technique, they are also building strong memorization skills.  Remembering a concert dance requires lots of repetition with the correct movements so that the dancer’s brain and body can work together to recall the steps during the performance. 

Musicality 

Learning and practicing a concert dance also helps a dancer develop his or her musicality.  Counting music and using rhythmic patterns are a part of every style of dance, at every age!  From a syncopated hip hop routine to a classical ballet waltz, concert routines can showcase a range of musical skills and boost your child’s confidence with moving in time to the music.

Backstage Etiquette

Your child will also be taught proper backstage conduct, such as waiting respectfully for their turn onstage and applauding others after each routine.  In addition, they’ll begin understanding basic stage directions and terminology, such as “upstage,” “downstage,” and “wings.”  Participation in the dress rehearsal also helps acquaint them with all of the relevant cues they need to know for the big day.

Courage

Let’s be honest, being onstage can be daunting no matter how old you are!  The concert offers your child the opportunity to build their courage in front of an audience, a skill that will continue to serve them throughout school and eventually, in the workforce.  Courageously persevering through fear, anxiety, or insecurity is something we want all of our students to learn … and something we know will continue to benefit them multiple times over!  

It’s pretty cool to see how the concert positively affects our students, year after year.  It’s quite special for us to have a role in their lives introducing these benefits and helping them grow!  And while we know you expect to see your child’s progress as a dancer (and we love seeing that too) we also hope you will see their growth in unexpected ways, like the ones we’ve talked about here.

Have you noticed some of these qualities and skills in your child already?  Share your experience with us in the comments or at the studio!  We’d love to hear about the advantages your dancer is already experiencing as we move closer and closer to the concert!

At Studio 56 Dance Center, our competition students know right from start that we don’t compete to win trophies.  We compete to become better dancers than we were the day before.

Winning at a competition isn’t ultimately about which place we achieve.  It isn’t about the prize or the praise.  Winning is about going above and beyond by:

• Doing your best dancing
• Being a great teammate
• Encouraging others around you

We want each student to perform with their personal best in mind.  There is a beautiful quote from the famous dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov that says, “I do not try to dance better than anyone else.  I only try to dance better than myself.”  This quote is exactly the mindset we are aiming to instill in our students.  

The real competition in our dancers’ lives is within themselves, not with others.  A true “win” is when they know they gave it their all … and not at the expense of someone else.  Part of a winning performance is the harmony achieved in the teamwork.  Our dancers are learning that stepping on another dancer’s toes (literally or figuratively) isn’t an acceptable way to reach for a win.  Instead, we need to remember to lift our teammates up, to cheer them on and support them.  Because if each dancer does these things for each other, everyone’s potential rises.  Everyone has the capability to win.

Now don’t get us wrong: being awarded a prize is still pretty cool!  We do love celebrating those victories.  The reason why we don’t focus our attention there is because we know it’s temporary.  It is a reflection of that particular moment in time, not a snapshot of the future.  It is an exciting, fleeting moment of well-earned recognition that will be cherished as a special memory—but we must not let it define a dancer’s worth.

Our competition dancers at Studio 56 Dance Center are measuring their value in personal growth, not trophies, plaques, medals, or money.  We’re teaching them to understand that winning in life—succeeding as a human being—has much more to do with their inner self than outward praise.  The results of a competition or the comments from a judge can be useful for learning, but those things are not labels for life.

Winning at a competition means that every dancer has their heart-centered on doing the hard work.  It means that their passion and technique come together as a team.  And it means that when it’s all over, we see joy on their faces and celebrate it, no matter the score.

What’s an invaluable life skill that everyone needs?  Teamwork!  And dancers must do a lot of it.  By working with their classmates on a group performance for the concert, our dancers of all ages learn how to work together to create the best possible result.

As you’ve probably seen in class, it’s never too early to begin developing teamwork skills.  At Studio 56 Dance Center, even our preschool students are learning how to follow the leader, make a circle, or change spots with a friend—all skills that they build upon throughout the season and may demonstrate in their concert routine.

As our students mature, they also begin to see the importance of reliability on each other—that as a group, they are helping one another pave a successful path to performance time.  The process of learning a concert dance and practicing together becomes just as important as the final performance itself.

Throughout their educational journey, your child will likely be involved in quite a bit of teamwork.  And eventually when they enter the workforce, their teamwork skills will be put to the real-world test.  Being able to collaborate on ideas and cooperate for solutions, presentations, and shared goals are something everyone will encounter at some point or another.  Through dance, our students are already developing a comfort level with this type of work!

That’s not to say teamwork is always easy.  While practicing their concert routines, our students are understanding how to recognize each other’s strengths and communicate effectively.  Different learning styles and personality styles mean that teamwork can be tricky to handle at times, and there may be bumps in the road.  But learning how to navigate those bumps now, at a young age, is a major advantage!  And with our experienced instructors guiding the way and nurturing these skills, we know our dancers will grow to excel in any teamwork environment.

We like to say that “dance friends are forever friends” and we think teamwork exemplifies this in every way.  Through their cooperative efforts in class and on stage, the dancers are also developing a camaraderie and support system.  When our students learn and grow alongside each other, sometimes for years and years on end, they form connections through their shared experiences—and their shared love for dance.  

The bonds created through teamwork are truly immeasurable.  At Studio 56 Dance Center we have seen just how necessary—and how meaningful—these group bonds can be among our students.  And there’s no better place to see teamwork on display than at the concert!

Who has a kiddo that loves Frozen? Register to attend our Frozen Friends Camp and we will give you an elegantly wrapped box with an ice blue tutu and special invitation to put under the tree this Christmas

HERE ARE THE DETAILS:

• When: January 20^th, 10:30-12noon
• Where: Studio 56 Dance Center, West Murray⁠ location
• To purchase tickets: Visit our online events by clicking here
• *Space is limited; availability will be a 1st come 1st serve, no refunds or exchanges. 
• Gift boxes will be available for pick up Dec 9-20 @ West Murray

HOLIDAY GIFTS

Check our ONLINE STORE!  Tights, ballet shoes, and Studio Swag make GREAT stocking stuffers!

Shop online and pick it up at the studio the next time you are in!

Dress Rehearsal is in class the week of Dec 2-6th. Details can be found on our website under the CLICK HERE.  It is a full hair, full makeup, full costume rehearsal for Preschool Dancers and STARS.

FREESTYLE ALL MONTH

STAR and COMPANY classes!  We are going to be observing FREEstyle all month to help with keeping class outfits clean for performances.  Can’t wait to see your fun style!  What is FREEstyle?  It’s when you can wear any appropriate dancewear to class…

Wear your Studio 56 Swag ALL DAY on Friday, December 13th to show your Studio 56 SPIRIT!! When your friends ask why you are wearing them, invite them to come to our benefit concert!

Take pictures and share them with us on Facebook or Instagram! 

#studio56dance

#Studio56SpiritDay

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING STUDENTS| Superman – Straddle

We want you to join us in our monthly strength and stretch challenge!  Each month we have a new challenge we are working on.  You can print it out and track your progress at home.  In the last week of the month, we will “test” our students in class and see if they can meet the goals for their age!    

CLICK HERE for this Month’s Challenge

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS

We are excited to have a new theme each month just for preschool dancers!  This month our theme is “From My Heart to Yours“ We will be singing and dancing to holiday tunes while working on our routine for the holiday show. We encourage you to get involved and have them practice their skills at home!  This month we are focusing on gallops, head isolations, 6^th position, shoulder isolations, toe touches, and sharing.  

Our STAR, Company and Preschool Dancers are embarking on an amazing journey as part of our holiday show titled The Grinch That Stole Christmas.  We have started our holiday routines and will be performing at Dance For Life on December 14th at Viewmont High School.  We are super excited to see these darling kiddos take that step out onto the big stage!!  

Dance for Life is an amazing event hosted by Studio 56 Dance Center.  The proceeds from this event go to the Utah Foster Care Foundation.  More details on how you can get involved along with Performance details for your dancer visit our website.  All the details can be found at www.studio56dance.com by visiting our parent portal and clicking concert info!  Or simply CLICK HERE

Cast announcements were emailed out in October, please reach out to the office at info@studio56dance.com if you have questions on your cast.

Performance times:

• Christmas Tree Cast: Call-time 9:30 am, 10:30 am
• Company Cast: Call-time 11:30am, 12:30pm
• Snowflake Cast: Call-time 1:45pm, 2:45pm

Tickets to Dance for Life go on sale: https://web.tututix.com/client/studio56dance/

HOLIDAY CHARITY PROJECT

We are so excited to be hosting “Dance For Life…and make a difference” a benefit concert in support of the Utah Foster Care Foundation and other local Utah Charities.  We are going to be collecting PJs and books at the studio and at this year’s benefit concert to donate to those in need of a comfy new pair of jammies this holiday.  

Get your student involved by watching for PJ’s at a good price.  All the proceeds and PJ/books collected will be donated right here in Utah.  CLICK HERE for more details on how you can get involved, from hosting a drive at your office to volunteering the day of the event.

Information can be found just CLICK HERE

You can sign up on our Signup Genius.  There you will see descriptions of positions we need to fill as well as times.  

We are looking for volunteers to help the day of the Benefit Concert.  If you are available we are looking for ticket sales, ushers, etc.

We have SO MUCH fun at our event called Parent’s Night Out! Mark your calendar for your DECEMBER DATE NIGHT and we will take the kids…Friday, December 20^thfrom 6-10 pm!! We have lots of fun activities planned for the kids and you can enjoy a night out child-free!  Only $15 per child ages 3 and up (must be potty trained). We will be serving Pizza @ 6:30 pm.

Sign up in your parent portal or use our quick form on our website.

Please pay close attention to the calendar.  We will be closed Dec 21 –Jan 5 for Winter Break.  Classes will resume on January 6^th. Our schedule stays the same when we return in January.  The classes you are currently registered in continue through June 2020.  We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday; we will see you in 2020.

Can you believe it, we are already preparing for our next big show!!  Coming up in June will be our Tumbling Exhibition and our year-end Concert.  More details on these 2 events will be coming your way as we get closer!

Concert commitment was done at the time of registration, however, it’s not too late to sign up!  SAVE $20 by registering for the concert before Dec 15^th. Not sure if you have registered for the concert?  You can see your concert registration by logging into your online account.

1. Click account login
2. Hamburger icon in the top left corner
3. View all my classes
   1. There you will see the enrollment for pay in full or 7 installments
   1. Company members are automatically enrolled in the show and will not appear here

First installment payments for the concert process December 1^st. 

Why Concert? Click here to see what the big show is all about! 

At Studio 56 Dance Center, we talk a lot about “hard work,” especially with regard to our competition team dancers.  Hard work, to us, means ALL the things a dancer can do to show their commitment to better themselves, improve their skills, and lift up those around them.

Hard work is:

• Showing up for every class and every rehearsal
• Being prepared
• Having a positive attitude
• Giving 100% effort
• Trying over and over again
• Focusing on the big picture
• Putting the team first
• Doing what’s right

What’s NOT part of hard work?  The answer may surprise you: its talent.  Talent isn’t required to be a hard worker and build a strong work ethic.  In fact, there’s a famous quote among athletes, from high school basketball coach Tim Notke, which states, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

We’re big believers in these words.  Having talent can be an awesome attribute of course, but it doesn’t define someone’s future.  What does define someone’s future is hard work put together with opportunity.  And anyone can develop the skills and habits needed to put in the hard work!

When it comes to our competition team, we expect each dancer to strive for their personal best, not perfection.  Excellence is the goal.  And that is where the understanding of hard work comes into play … in order to succeed as a team and reach our full potential, everyone must be on the same page about what it means to work hard, how to apply that knowledge to their behavior, and how to hold one other accountable.  

Doing hard work helps each of our competition team members reach their full potential in dance.  Together as a group, it’s what makes them unstoppable!  As teachers, we are committed to fostering the traits of hard work in our students and offering encouragement in the moments where someone falters.  Our mission to make hard work part of the daily dance life so that our students will carry it seamlessly into other parts of their lives too.

As you already know, part of our competition team philosophy at Studio 56 Dance Center is to make sure our dancers are developing the character qualities and life skills they’ll need as they approach adulthood.  Hard work is the foundation on which this philosophy was built, and we’re proud to be passing on that legacy to our students!