Preschool Program
Dancing your dreams....
Special Information for parents of preschool students.
Our purpose is to provide the highest-quality preschool education in a secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Tonie’s Dance Workshop serves the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of the preschool students. We meet these goals with our age-appropriate curriculum and ongoing communication with parents.
The first few weeks of classes serve as an introductory phase to help students become comfortable with the overall dance experience, the classroom, their teacher and their classmates. Right from the beginning we focus on your child’s coordination, listening skills, musical awareness, and developing imagination. We accomplish this through age-appropriate songs and music, simple stretching exercises, ballet and tumbling basics, and games in an environment of creativity. Preschool dance is about helping children learn to tap into their imaginations and express themselves creatively.
Remember that there is a place in the heart where thoughts become wishes and wishes become dreams.
A place where anything is possible if only we believe.
Separation from the Parent
The process of separating from the parent as the child attends dance class is an important accomplishment of preschool children. As children mature, they begin to identify themselves as independent personalities. In separating from you, the parent, your child is learning:
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To develop an interest in the activities of the dance class
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To feel comfortable with other children in the class
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To understand that his/her parent will come back and pick him/her up
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To understand that all parents leave their children and come back for them
It is important to know that at times young children will explore the limits of attending dance class and may say they don't want to go. This period may occur anytime, but it is usually short-lived. Here are some suggestions that might help you handle this situation:
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Emphasize what the child is doing at the dance class rather than what you do while he/she is in class.
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Before you leave, see that the child is involved in an activity or is in the hands of the teacher.
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Avoid prolonged goodbyes.
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Ask the teacher for help in separation if need be.
For the Parents:
"We're in this Together"
We believe that a child's success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be part of your child's dance education.
We are proud that our studio provides a positive atmosphere and educational experience for our students and our parents and we appreciate that class attendance is important. If you must miss please call for a make up time. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of our school's educational progress.
Parents and teachers may look at a child's learning from different perspectives. However, we believe they share a common goal: to ensure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally while having fun. Mutual respect among our faculty and our student's parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.
Curriculum
Tiny Tot's
is a 30 minute class designed to prepare the young ones for pre-ballet. Students learn to follow directions, participate in group activities, work on locomotor skills, rythmetic activities and dance fun. (Ages: 2 1/2 - 3 1/2)
Pre-Ballet
is a class that introduces them to dance and movement, as well as helping to develop an awareness of their bodies as instruments of art. They also learn French terminology and ballet steps. (Ages 3 1/2 - 4 1/2)
Ballet/Tap
is a class that introduces tap and continues with their ballet education. With their ballet fundamentals being met, students also learn the joyous and rhythmic fun. (Ages 4 1/2 - 5 1/2)
"Dance til' you've danced all the twinkle off your toes!"
