My girls have been students at The Dance Effect PAC for many years. They each started when they were two years old, toddling around in their ballet shoes and melting hearts in tutus. We had many reasons for putting them in dance at first: fun activity, gross motor development, learning to listen to an instructor, musicality, expelling energy, making friends, taking turns, it was in our budget, it fit our schedule, and notably, I danced as a kid and loved it. I wasn't going to force it on them, of course, but I definitely wanted to give them the opportunity to experience what was a huge part of my own life.
What has kept them in dance all this time: their love of dance, honing their skills, being a part of a team- growing and learning together, and performing on stage.
What I didn't realize until becoming a dance parent, are all of the soft skills my girls are learning along the way that will be integral as they mature. They're learning to take (gentle) criticism in the form of critiques and corrections. They're learning to be responsible- showing up to practices because their group functions better when everyone is present. They're learning dedication- practicing not only their choreography, but also individual skills like leaps, turns and splits. They're learning they CAN do hard things; it's not always easy & they may have to work for it, but with persistence and grit, they'll get there.
But, perhaps most unexpectedly of all, is confidence. Seeing my girls up on stage, living their best life is always a proud, full circle moment. Watching their hard work pay off is joyful and makes your heart burst. But then, I look at my husband, and he's usually teary-eyed and smiling. I'm not naturally a "happy tears" person, but I asked him why it was so emotional for him. His answer, caught me off guard: "They're amazing. Look at them. I could never do that." And it occurred to me-- CONFIDENCE. My husband is a lot of wonderful things, but a public speaker or performer is very much not one of them. I started dance at 3 years old, so stage performances were a natural part of life for me; I may not be the best orator, but public speaking doesn't bother me. But for him, it's different. The thought that his little girls had the confidence to get on stage in front of hundreds of people and perform like it was just a normal thing moves him to tears. Of course my girls get butterflies before a show, anyone would, but they have learned that they can do hard things. Dance has given them confidence. My girls love the stage, they're hams who love to perform. They make new friends with strangers on playgrounds and speak clearly during show and tell. Perhaps that is just their personalities and they would have always been outgoing, but I can't help thinking that having an auditorium of strangers cheering for you at three years old certainly has a lot to do with it. It's my hope that foundation of confidence carries with them throughout their lives and translates into public speaking and presentation giving skills.
How transformational the gift of dance confidence can be!
If you'd like to give your child these foundational skills, now is the time to consider dance classes! All Dance Effect students (aged 3 and up) perform at no additional cost in the holiday showcase! Free trial classes are available to see if TDE is the right fit for you. Join now for a prorated tuition rate and let your little star shine!
3563 Schuylkill Road
Spring City, PA 19475
Email: Hello@TheDanceEffectPAC.com
Phone: (484) 938-8793
