Here are a few of the questions most commonly asked. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.








Why should my child choose dance over another activity?[top of page]

Children should be exposed to physical activity and exercise at an early age. Studies have shown that young children learn more effectively through repetition; a tool implemented in programs specially designed for the youngest dancers. As children age and their muscles develop, engaging in athletic activities will help maintain strong, healthy bodies. Dancing promotes coordination, flexibility, strength, and stamina while improving memory and teaching grace, self-discipline, confidence and poise.

Pre-adolescence and adolescence can prove to be quite a challenging time in a young person’s life. In being surrounded by positive role models other than their parents, children have another respected adult in their life to address concerns and challenges with. Dance educators often spend several hours a day, several days a week with teens, making them instrumental in shaping a young adult’s identity. Several performance opportunities throughout a dancer’s training contribute to the development of positive self esteem and confidence.

Through dance, children learn to accept constructive criticism from their instructors, fellow dancers and industry professionals, to work cooperatively with peers of all ages, and to build solid relationships with classmates and other members of their dance community on a regular basis. Often students work cooperatively in groups, whether rehearsing choreography, helping to demonstrate or assist in class, or while participating in group dances, such as duets, trios and quartets, as well as small and large group productions. In the world of competitive dancing, groups of students on competition and performance teams may travel out of town or state for competitions and conventions. Dancers can spend several weeks away from home with one another, which creates more of a family atmosphere between the students. Tight-knit communities are formed within a dance studio, and often times, you will find that children become closer with their ‘dance friends’ than their ‘school friends’.

While most children learn a foreign language when they begin formal education, dancers as young as two years of age begin to learn classical ballet terminology, which stems from the French language. In addition, children who study dance will develop a strong sense of musicality and rhythmic training by learning to count the meter and measures of classical and contemporary music alike. Dancers who train at more well-rounded facilities should also have knowledge of the history of dance and key choreographers, companies and performances that have shaped the world of dance.

Why should I choose The Next Step Dance Academy? [top of page]

Training at The Next Step Dance Academy will contribute significantly to the development of the whole child in a healthy, positive learning environment. Our instructors have a combined total of over 30 years of experience as dance educators- something they take pride in at their young age. All instructors have had a college education, providing them with a more broad knowledge of dance history, anatomy, music theory, and a wealth of knowledge in other subjects in addition to their technical dance training. As well, they have insight to the college application and audition process, which enables them to better guide their students toward choosing the right path for their college education. In fact, Julie is only one of two dance studio directors in the area with a college degree in dance!

How are children placed in classes? [top of page]

Initially, children are grouped together based on their age range. However, students who have more or less training will be placed in a level that corresponds to their ability level. Because there is no set curriculum for dance education, not all students learn the same material in their places of study. Students who join The Next Step Dance Academy coming from another studio will be placed in trial classes in each discipline. Most times they are placed correctly; however it is important to remember that students sometimes take several weeks in a new environment to flourish. We ask for a maximum of one month to properly place your child in a level best suited for them. Because each teacher’s style varies, the number of years a dancer has trained are considered, but they are not the deciding factor when placing your child in their appropriate level. Adding Technique Classes to your schedule may help your child improve in their level, as repetition is a wonderful learning tool.

Do you have a competition team? [top of page]

At The Next Step Dance Academy, we feel that every child should be given the same opportunities at all times. To that effect, we do not have a formal competition team. As long as the student is enrolled in a ballet class, they are eligible to compete. Parents will be notified in writing as to which classes have been selected to attend competitions for the year. Classes that compete one year may not necessarily be chosen to compete the next. Each year classes will be re-evaluated and a decision will be made by the instructor based on the progress the class has made that particular year.

Solos, Duets, Trios, and Extra Group dances are given by invitation only. We feel that every child should be selected based on their own merit. No extra dances can simply be bought; they must be earned. Separate choreography and competition fees apply to all invitational dances. Please understand that several factors contribute to the selection of an invitational dance. Though some children excel in their core class levels, they are not always emotionally ready for the commitment of several hours of long extra rehearsals and more intimate performance opportunities. Students will be selected annually based on their work in core classes throughout the previous year and the beginning of the current year. Students are not guaranteed an invite to participate in extra dances year after year, however, performance or results at previous competitions will not factor into this decision. We do not offer these dances for students to merely dance for the sake of competing; rather they are offered to challenge each child to live up to their personal best. We attend competitions for students to receive feedback from other dance professionals on how to better improve their dance training.

Do you fundraise? [top of page]

We sure do! You can now visit your favorite online retailer at Visit Our Mall and your kids will get a commission of what was purchased! All funds raised will be used to help pay for the cost of the many competitions we will be entering (and winning) throughout the year.

Will you have any guest teachers? [top of page]

We feel that exposure to various teachers, styles and techniques will only enhance the dance education your child receives at The Next Step Dance Academy. Our Master Class Series brings talent from all areas of the dance world right to the studio. A Master Class will be held every other month on a Saturday afternoon, for an additional fee. Restrictions may apply based on age and level, however the majority of classes will be open to all students above the age of eight. Information on the Master Class Series will be available in the Special Events section of our website, as well as in our newsletters and throughout the studio.

 

 

The Next Step Dance Academy | Howell Center 2426 US Route 9 Howell, NJ 07731| (732) 845-5252 | Contact Us