I joined your program this year after my daughter turned 4 in hopes of instilling confidence, acquiring new friends, and learning some dance techniques appropriate for her age. I generously was offered a free trial class the last week of February. My daughter liked the class so we joined the Monday night class at 6:15. Upon receiving the contract information, class schedule, leotard and shoe requirements, etc., I was told there was a recital deadline but there was no more mention of it until after the deadline was past for costumes. The high cost of the costume plus an extra late charge was over my budget so there was no choice but to decline. This was disappointing to me but I'm sure my 4 year old didn't even understand what a recital was. I understand that these dates are printed in the intro booklet. However, there were no reminders face to face each week or posted anywhere. I would have appreciated a reminder or at least a notice board with reminders especially since I have never been involved in dance, signed up late in the program, and had no idea of expectations.
The far greater upset occurred when the costumes came in yesterday. My daughter left this last class crying because costumes were given out. She, of course, did not have one. She felt left out and it broke my heart that she had to sit there waiting for her turn--completely erasing the point of joining dance as well as your mission statement. If someone knew the students and who was in the recital, they could have forewarned me and I would have not attended this class. I completely understand that costumes must be tried on and checked but there was no thought for the left out 4 year old waiting for her turn. What a position to put me in. How do you explain to a child why she is not included? How was this situation handled with other little girls in the past?
This disaster was upsetting to me not to mention devastating to my little girl and could have been avoided. I feel getting to know your clients or students is essential--especially when dealing with children. No one knows my daughter's name or my name and I've been attending since the last week of February without once missing a week. In addition, because the dance instructor changed so often, no one was probably even aware that my daughter was not in the recital until it was too late. Perhaps, students shouldn't be given the option to opt out of the recital for their own best interest. Or maybe this could be avoided by not admitting students past February when costumes must be ordered.
On another note, my initial impression of this dance experience was first about how classes were run. It perplexed me that there was nearly a different teacher each week and so many preschoolers in one class. Don't students learn best with consistency? My daughter thought all of the teachers' names were Miss D. Most classes had more than 12 girls and no one personally guided or corrected each girl. It was expected that they merely copy the instructor. Imagine if I taught my class in school that way? I did not have any expectations of grandeur about what my daughter would come away with rather they were realistic in terms of dance skills. However, it seems that another aide (even an older student) would have helped greatly. In sum, I feel like the girls could have gotten more out of the class but that issue pales in comparison to seeing my daughter in tears because of the aforementioned incident.
Does my daughter feel strong, confident and proud? Is this the best technical training? Is the atmosphere making this art enjoyable for my daughter?
Thank you for your time. I have learned a lot from this experience. Good luck in your program as well.
Disappointed dance mom, read more
