Parents Guide
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We specialise in classes for preschoolers and beginners, so most of our parents and students are brand new to dance. It’s our aim to give a magical introduction to the joy, advantages and fun of dancing, and make the experience convenient and rewarding for parents.
WHAT ARE THE “GIFTS OF DANCE”?
Dancing is “purposeful movement” and helps develops the brain, nervous system and muscles of growing preschoolers. Dancing and creative movement activities also make children aware of body parts, spatial relationships and muscular control. Offering these kinds of activities to children over and over again helps encourage healthy physical and cognitive development.
Dancing is an excellent way for your child to develop their coordination and musicality. Research has shown children who begin exploring dance at an early age develop more self-confidence, an increased mental capacity for spatial relationships and are more comfortable expressing their natural creativity.
Dance is also active learning, helping them to keep fit, and giving role models for a healthy, active lifestyle.
CHOOSING & ATTENDING A DANCE CLASS
Choosing & Starting Dance Class
Starting dance lessons is an exciting time for children as well as parents. Dance is a wonderful activity for kids, capable of teaching a child confidence, poise and grace. A child introduced to dance at an early age will likely develop a love of the arts and a passion for rhythm and movement. Most importantly, dancing is lots of fun!
Deciding When To Start:
For many parents, dance lessons are a logical choice for active children who show an enthusiasm for moving to music at home, sometimes as early as two-and-a-half years old. Preschoolers should begin with a "creative movement" class like Time For Dancing which introduces them to a range of dance styles. Consider your child’s emotional maturity and personality. If she is extremely shy, forcing your child into a class situation with other children too early may discourage her from dancing altogether. However, if your child is ready, an early start will give her a tremendous boost.
Dance For Preschoolers & Beginners:
Research has show than before the age of eight, children respond best to creative and imaginative teaching styles and activities, rather than a structured dance class, rote-learning or studying exam syllabi. The Time For Dancing curriculum brings together the combined experience of early childhood teachers, music experts and dance teachers to make a programme that is fun to learn for all levels from ages 2-8.
Check the minimum age recommendations for classes you are interested in. Because dance is a social environment as well as a learning one, children will do best in a class suited to their age group and experience. Teachers will let you know if your child is ready for the next level.
Choosing A Dance Style:
Which dance class might your child be interested in? For little ones, Time For Dancing preschool classes incorporate lots of themes, props, colours and creative movement to music. Four-year old children can also enjoy ballet (Ballet Time) and jazz / hip hop (Star Time) classes geared to their age levels. Ballet Time classes are wonderful for posture and a solid foundation for all dance, and if your child continues their dance training into higher levels it will help them immensely. Or your child might enjoy the unique mix of jazz, hip hop and singing in our Star Time classes. Consider your child’s favourite music and what really gets them up and moving. Do they like Hannah Montana or High School Musical? Try Star Time. Do they love Barbie & The Sleeping Princesses, fairy dresses and classical music? Try Ballet Time. Try to view videos or read about the different styles of dance with your child to see which they might enjoy.
Preparing For The First Class:
After choosing a class and registering your child’s place, it’s time to get ready to dance! Finding dance shoes and dance wear and talking about the first class will create a sense of anticipation for your child as they imagine what it will all be like. Most classes require dancewear to be worn, appropriate for the type of dance that is being taught. Dance clothes and shoes are differently sized to normal street wear, so see a dance shop to ensure the right fit. Talk about the class with your child. Explain that the class will have a teacher and other dancers. The class will take place to music and sometimes use props or stories to add interest. Get everything ready for the first class in a dance bag, and try to arrive five minutes before the class starts.
Becoming A “Dance Parent”:
Keep informed about the important dates, events and policies at the dance school. The most important things for you to do to encourage your child’s learning is to get them to class on time and make sure they have the correct dance shoes and attire. If your child is preparing for a certificate presentation you can also encourage them to practise at home. They will be given a list of steps in their learning folder. Attend viewing weeks so you can see how your child is progressing, and take note of any teacher comments or recommendations you receive.
Having Fun:
When your child is young, dance classes should be viewed as a fun way to learn new skills and be entranced by dance so they have the foundation and motivation to continue. As well as exercises, classes should involve fun elements such as mime, dance games and mini-routines. If a child displays a certain level of dedication and excellence as they approach eight years old, teachers may suggest joining a performance team or other more "serious" means of study. Probably the highlight of the year will be performing on stage in a demonstration or performance party. This lets students gain a little stage experience in a stress-free way and show off their moves!
Taking dance classes, like most things, requires some effort from parents but is a truly beneficial and unforgettable experience for kids. We would love to hear from you about your child’s dance and music learning. Look at our timetable to find a class and register here to reserve your place.
PARENTS’ QUESTIONS
At what age can my child start dancing?
We accept children in Time For Dancing classes from the age of two and a half. Children can start Ballet Time or Star Time from the age of four. Please see our age guide for more information about class levels.
How do I register my child for classes?
To participate in class, all students must be registered. We accept registrations at most times during the year, but as we have limited class sizes we cannot always promise a class space. Give us a call, text or email or register online. We will then reserve a place in class and send you a registration pack including student DVD and dance bag.
Which class would you recommend for my child?
Look at our classes information or give us a call, text or email to tell us a bit about your child and we’ll recommend a great class.
Can we try a class?
Most children will take a few weeks to settle into the dance class. If, after the first lesson or two, the class is not working out for whatever reason, we are happy to refund any tuition charged . You are welcome to come back to try again at any time without paying another registration fee. All children must be registered before attending class, we do not offer drop-in trials, as these are disruptive for the teacher and enrolled students.
Do you hold an open day?
An open day and preview classes are held at the beginning of the school year, to provide an opportunity for new students and parents to meet the dance teachers and for any current students to discuss the year with the teachers. You can also see videos of our classes.
Where can I see the timetable?
We currently offer classes in Wellington City, Seatoun and Miramar. Look at our latest timetable or contact us to find out when classes are held. Our sister school Dancestars holds classes in Khandallah, Johnsonville and Porirua (04 237 6450).
What happens after age 8?
We offer a full range of dance, singing and acting classes for kids and teenagers at our Wellington City studios.
Can I watch my child’s class?
Parents can watch dance classes during the viewing weeks. To encourage concentration, parents and siblings are asked to watch quietly. Parents and students are welcome to discuss their progress with the dance teachers by appointment. Parents of two or three years old are invited to watch (and participate!) each week. We ask that all parents of children under five remain at the studio location during their child’s class.
What does my child have to wear?
We expect all students to wear correct dance shoes and a “dance uniform”. This adds greatly to their attitude in class and the teacher’s ability to see and correct their posture. See our dance uniform information for more details. Dress-ups and creative outfits are also welcomed!
Do classes run all year?
All classes follow the school year, generally based on the primary school terms. These are not even (ranging from 7 to 11 weeks each), tuition is averaged over a year of classes. The school is closed on public and during school holidays. See our school calendar for more information
How much are your tuition fees?
Our tuition fees are available on our classes page. Or give us a call to discuss.
Why do students wear a name badge?
We provide all beginning students with a name badge to wear in class. Name badges remain with the teacher and students pick them up at the beginning of class. This is a familiar way to prepare for each class and also helps the teacher immediately summon your child’s attention and involve them in learning.
Do children work towards exams?
No, we do not believe exams are beneficial for students of this age. Children work towards a certificate presentation which is an informal way to present the work they have learned and receive a record of their achievement.
Can children experience performing?
Yes! We have a performance party at the end of the year. Your child’s costume is included in your tuition!
TESTIMONIALS
I love the concept of learning bits of different types of dancing, and that the children are encouraged to try everything and most of all, it is about having fun and learning at the same time! All parts have listening and learning, so I believe the whole class is beneficial to Maria's development. Awesome!
Angela (Parent of 2 ½ year old)
I really appreciate your patience with my daughter, who has communication difficulties. She LOVES dancing and thoroughly enjoys her time at class.
Andrea (Parent of 4 year old)
It is magical for little girls to dress up and do dancing. I love seeing the looks on their faces.
Sandy (Parent of 4 year old)
Lovely atmosphere, great teacher, happy music, good structure, the children love it!
Tamara (Parent of 4 year old)
My son loves coming to Time For Dancing, great class, great tutors.
Lisa (Parent of 3 ½ year old)
It's a chance for my daughter to dress up and dance like a 'proper ballerina' with other like-minded wee girls. She's becoming more confident and loves to display her dancing skills and prowess at home!
Sophie (Parent of 4 year old)
SCHOOL POLICIES
Please read the
school policies carefully prior to registration. It’s is the responsibility of parents to keep up to date with school news, events, dates and policies.
ABOUT THE TIME FOR DANCING CURRICULUM:
Time For Dancing was created by Suzanne Denton (Dancestars) and Radha Sahar (Universal Children’s Audio), two dance and music experts who were inspired to introduce dance to children from two to eight years old.
Suzanne Denton (NZAMD Dip (Adv), MNZADT, MTDI)
A dance teacher with over 30 years experience, Suzanne trained as a primary school teacher before choosing dance education as her career. She is a former dance examiner, competition adjudicator and creator of the children’s performance group “Showkids” who complete a national tour each year as the official entertainment of the Radio Network Special Children’s Christmas Parties. Suzanne enjoys introducing others to dance teaching and mentors dance students as they become dance teachers.
Radha Sahar
Radha's outstanding talent in composing and producing music for children has established her as a well respected leader in this field. Her productions won New Zealand Children's Album of the Year in 1995 and 1996. Radha is musical director for the Kiwi Kidsongs series and composer for many other projects funded by the Ministry of Education. Her background includes work as a Kindergarten teacher, performer, music tutor and music therapist.