Studio Manifesto

To start us off, it’s important to us at Terpsichore Dance Company that all members of our team share our vision, our purpose and the philosophy that encompasses everything we do both in and outside of our classes. This is a vision that is shared and demonstrated by the directors, teachers and staff members at our studio and it is the driving force behind every interaction with our students and their families. 

Terpsichore Dance Company is a place where students of all ages, shapes and sizes learn to dance, sing and perform. This is a studio where creativity, individuality and self-expression is encouraged and has a community of teachers, students and families who are passionate about performing arts. Our goal is to create a positive and happy experience for all our students. We strive to nurture and develop talent, celebrate the achievements of all students and inspire a love and appreciation of all styles of dance and the arts. We are committed to providing a safe and positive environment in which all students can feel empowered, comfortable and free to express themselves. 

• We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all our students. 

• We are passionate about dance and the arts.

•  We love dance….a lot! 

• We value each individual who walks through our doors. 

• We share our passion and love of dance.

Our Core Values are: 

• Respect

• Kindness

• Age Appropriateness 

• Adaptability

• Resilience

• Learning life lessons through dance

FOR OUR STUDENTS

The first step to becoming a successful dancer is making a solid commitment to your classes. Strong technique is a key ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at each class as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do. Dance full-out, stretch a little further, become more aware of your technique, and make the most of every class.

Respect for the teachers is essential. Listen to each correction given, whether it’s directed at you or another dancer. A correction is an honour; it shows you how much a teacher cares about your progress as a dancer. Always say thank you when a teacher or choreographer offers you constructive criticism. Nothing can stop those students who apply themselves in every class and appreciate their teachers’ knowledge and experience.

Do you want to feel more progression or have specific goals? We are here to guide you and help you along your very own pathway. Please feel free to talk to any of our staff or teachers about your needs. 

FOR THE PARENTS: “WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER”

We believe that children’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 a part of your child’s dance education.

Our programs rely on a positive atmosphere and educational experience for our faculty and students and their parents. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect—for other parents, the students, and the faculty—makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child about how to interact with others in a professional setting.

Your child’s presence at all classes is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of our school’s educational process.

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. Mutual respect among our faculty and our students’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.

FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS : Understanding Dance Education

As a parent, you play an important role in supporting your student financially, but your emotional support is of equal—and perhaps even greater—value. Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be regardless of what others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form and children need to be allowed to achieve at a pace that’s comfortable. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments.

Not all children will develop into professional dancers. One of the primary goals of our faculty is to teach life lessons and skills that offer children the best chance for success in life. Dance education encompasses far more than technique and the steps your children learn. We believe the discipline of dance training gives young people a better understanding of commitment through learning, experiencing the spirit of teamwork, and discovering what they can accomplish through hard work. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, teaching them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance.

You play an important role in supporting your student financially, but your emotional support is of equal—and perhaps even greater—value.

Special Information for Parents of Preschool Students

Our purpose is to provide the highest-quality preschool education in a secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Terpsichore Dance Company serves the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of the preschool students though specialised preschool dance programs. 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 music and song, simple stretching exercises, ballet and tap basics, and games in an environment of creativity.

Preschool dance is about helping children learn to tap into their imaginations and express themselves creatively, not necessarily about learning steps (although they do get introduced to some basic steps). So don’t be disappointed if your child doesn’t pirouette around the house or look like a budding ballerina right away.

Preschool students perform one dance routine in our annual recital (optional).

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;

• To develop an interest in the activities of the dance class; 

• to feel comfortable with other children in the class; 

• to understand that his/her parent will come back and pick him/her up; 

• 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 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 the situation:

• Emphasise what the child is doing at the dance class rather than what you do while him/she is in class. 

• Before you leave, see that the child is involved in an activity or is in the hands of a teacher. 

• Avoid prolonged good-byes.

• Ask the teacher for help in separation. We expect the crying (and usually the tears are for the parent’s benefit).

It May Not Be the Right Time

If your child cries or does not want to take class, don’t panic. If we push children and create more stress than they are already experiencing, they may come to perceive dance class as a bad experience. That kind of negativity could make them apprehensive about dance for a long time, which isn’t good for anyone involved. Never force your child into the classroom.

We encourage you to have your child try again next year or even in the following months.

We recommend that children be encouraged to practice at home but not forced to do so. Repetition is one of the key elements for success with preschool dance students; the more they practice, the more confident they will feel. Practising with your child allows you to join in the dance experience and is very special for them.