This is for the Pre-Ballet class directed by Erika Parker…read more
I was very excited to find a reasonably priced class for my daughter to learn ballet. Although she is young, she is quite capable of taking direction, as I have taught her some ballet basics. Now I understand the class is filled with 3-5 year old children and some concessions have to be made for learning curves and learning styles;however, my excitement quickly faded upon arriving the first day and being informed that parents must stay outside of the room while class is being conducted. I am assuming this is in order for children to avoid distraction and various meltdowns. Yet, when it is your child's first dance class ever, you really want to see them in action. The instructor does open the doors at the end of class so that you get to see what your child has learned during class. Every class I hoped to see something new, instead all we parents ever witnessed was our children literally running in circles with a ribbon or a scarf. The last class I held my breath thinking maybe, just maybe, she will have something to show us. No. Same thing as the previous five classes. All the kids running in a big circle.I took dance classes for years and lay no claim to being able to successfully teach preschoolers to dance; however, it would have been highly appreciated if the instructor stood in front of the class, had the kids stand in line or on their dots on the floor, and demonstrate something, anything, to encourage us as parents and her students that something was actually done in class. These kids are small so when you ask them what they did in class they can't always express it. The other day I randomly heard my daughter say, "This is the naughty foot and this is the nice foot." I had to ask her if she learned that in class. "Yes," she said, That's it. That is all I know that my kid learned. I am really underwhelmed with this instructor. I thought about placing my child in the gymnastics class offered there and I changed my mind when I realized Erika would be the instructor. No where in her biography on her own website page does her background indicate any gymnastics history or experience that would warrant her the ability to properly and safely direct children. There was a recent story in the news about a young girl having paralyzed herself by doing a back bend in her own home. Proper instruction is paramount. Perhaps this is not the intention of the gymnastics class being offered, but I would be very hesitant to place my child with someone who has no gymnastics background.
In the future, I would like to suggest that instructors demonstrate something for the parents to see, even if it is an "I'm a Little Teapot" routine. Especially, if parents are required to go through the effort of: purchasing the required leotards, tights, and slippers, while adhering to the no jewelry, or hair ornaments rules. If we are just going through the motions, let the parents know.