Tips For Your First Day!
Updated: Apr 16
We all get “first day jitters!” It's completely normal, so here are some tips to help your young dancer have a successful first day of dance at Prompt Dance Academy:
Pack in Dance Bag
It's time to pack your dance bag! Here are a list of essential things not to forget.
WATER BOTTLE (Make sure to label it incase it's left behind) We do not have any water fountains, but we do sell water at the front desk. However, it's always best to bring your own labelled bottle. All our classes are allowed to take in their water bottles into class (except our Little Star classes - If you are wondering why? CLICK HERE TO READ)
CLEAN IN-DOOR SHOES Rain or snow or shine.... dancers must remove their outdoor shoes & change into their dance shoes. For all our hip ho dancers - this means putting on clean in-door running shoes with WHITE soles.
APPROPRIATE DRESS CODE (Click Here to learn about our dress code)
Arrival Time & Check In
Arrive at the studio a few minutes early to allow time to find the studio & park your car. Once you enter the studio visit the front desk to check in! This process is only needed for the first couple of weeks until our front desk staff gets familiar with all the new dancers! If you its your first visit, a Prompt team member will give you & your dancers a quick studio tour. Next step would be to get comfortable! Remove your outdoor shoes (dancers only) & put on their dance shoes. Be sure have your dancer visit the washroom before class in order to avoid any mid-class washroom visits! For younger dancers, this can lead to a weekly bad habit that we want to avoid!
TIP: Don’t arrive too early! You don’t want your dancer to be tired, bored, or overwhelmed with nerves while waiting.
Dress Code
Although uniform is not MANDATORY the first week of classes, we do highly recommend purchasing uniforms in advanced, as this will only enhance the first day experience for your dancer.
We do not advise purchasing the uniform right BEFORE class begins, as this may rush the process and rushing into class won't be a great start. It's best to schedule an fitting appointment so we have a team member ready to assist you as soon as you arrive.
NOTE: Sometimes we may not have stock of certain sizes; therefore we would have to place an order. If you would like to make sure we have the items you are looking for, its best to get in touch with us or come in advanced so we have your order ready for pick up before your first class!
Not sure what your dress code is? CLICK HERE
In Class Structure
When its class time, our amazing teachers will come out of their classroom & invite the dancers into class. Parents must remain in the lobby but may observe the class through the viewing window or our livestream TV. No parents are allowed in our classrooms unless otherwise authorized by a staff member (exception new Little Star dancers age 2.5 to 4 - Read our Little Stars Blog)
Once the class starts, the teachers will take a few minutes to introduce themselves & bond with the dancers before getting started. Each classroom has a different structure depending on genre & level; but generally all classes start off with a stretch/warm up, some dance technique across the floor or in the centre & choreography.
Our dancers often end class with a "freestyle freeze dance" (for younger groups). At this time, dancers begin to explore their individual creativity, confidence in movement, musicality, character developments, movement dynamics & more. Don't worry - it may look like they are playing around but these guided activities do wonders for the dancers development,
At the end of class, young dancers will receive a stickers and will line up at the door to be dismissed back to the parents in the lobby!
MOST OF ALL... Just be relaxed & enjoy the process! Some kids may be fully ready to jump into class at full force; however some kids may need that extra time to feel comfortable. Our staff is well trained to handle the "first day jitters" - we will help the dancers slowly feel comfortable. Parents, be patient & trust the process. For our Little Stars (Age 2.5 to 4... sometime even 5-6) it may take a couple classes to fully build the courage to jump into class & participate fully! (Read our Little Stars Blog)
"Wishing you a fabulous first day of dance at PROMPT DANCE ACADEMY! We hope you are as excited as we are to have you a part of our dance family!" - Your Studio Director
See you guys on the dance floor soon!