Repertory Dance Theatre's Ring Around the Rose

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) introduces its 2008-2009 Season

Ring Around the Rose is Repertory Dance Theatre's wiggle-friendly series of performances for children and families that explores the magical world of the arts, including dance, theatre, music and storytelling. Ring Around the Rose is made possible in part by grants from the Utah Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Salt Lake City Arts Council, and the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks program.

All shows begin at 11:00 am at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W Broadway, Salt Lake City. (Note: the African Drums show on May 9, 2009 also has a 1 pm show). Tickets are $5 for all seats (ages 2 and under free), and can be purchased in advance by calling ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS.

Brazilian Dance with Samba Gringa
September 13, 2008- Black Box Theatre
Learn all about Brazilian dances and rhythms with the dancers of Samba Gringa!

Partch
October 4, 2008- Jeanné Wagner Theatre
Enjoy Harry Partch's weird and wonderful music played on instruments he invented himself!

Tanner Dance
November 8, 2008 -Jeanné Wagner Theatre
Some of Utah's most talented young dancers take the stage!

Youth Theatre at the U
December 13, 2008 -Black Box Theatre
Utah's premier young actor training program performs musical theatre hits!

Ballet West
January 10, 2009- Jeanné Wagner Theatre
What is it really like to be a ballet dancer? Ballet West shows you in one of our biggest shows of the year!

Repertory Dance Theatre
February 14, 2009- Black Box Theatre
Surprise Packages will delight audiances ages 3 to 103 featuring rhythms, games, puzzles, ad hi-jinks!

Utah Opera
March 14, 2009- Black Box Theatre
Who wants to be an opera star? This interactive game show will send you home singing!

Magic with a Flair
April 11, 2009- Jeanné Wagner Theatre
Christopher Fair returns with even more tricks up his sleeve in his popular magic show!

African Drums
May 9 2009-Black BoxTheatre 11am & 1pm Show
Learn some dance moves, pick up a new beat, and really show your stuff!

For more information:
www.rdtutah.org
Cynthia Yeo
cynthia@rdtutah.org or 801-534-1000

Hello Groupies!

Being a dance mom is hard work! There is so much to take care of that it can drive us crazy! I want all the dance moms out there to know that you are not alone. Please take advantage of this page so we can help each other get through another dance year. I am not the expert, so please help me! Dance moms all around the nation are counting on you to help them with ideas and feedback.

Good luck!

Spotlight Studio Reviews

Please post your thoughts about our spotlight studio.

When should I start my child in dance?

This is the question I hear most often: "What age is best to begin dance lessons?" In order to answer this question, parents should ask a few others. Would introducing dance at a young age be too pushy? If I introduce her when she gets older, would it put her at a disadvantage? The answers to these questions are unique to each child and so important to think about when it comes to your child's self-esteem. I have a little advice on this topic and would love to hear from other moms who have been through it.

How young?
It’s hard to pick a specific age because every kid is different; it all depends on the child. I have taught two-year-olds that did very well and I have taught six-year-olds that were definitely not ready. There are so many things that contribute to how well your child will do in a class that it is definitely a trial-and-error process. You should first look into how early the studio you are interested in will take a child. Most will take them after they are potty trained (which I don't understand because diapers are much easier than having to stop a class to clean up an accident). When you feel like you want to try your child in a class, that is when you should begin looking around.

Shop Around.
You need to shop around different studios and find one that has the procedures that make most sense to you and your child. There will not be one studio that is best for every family. Try a class before you sign up. Some studios will allow you to try a class for free and some studios will charge a small fee for the trial class. Most have a non-refundable registration fee, so be sure the class will fit your child's needs before making the commitment.

Reasons.
If your child was not comfortable, or didn't seem ready for the class, ask yourself "Why?" Was the teacher too strict or not strict enough? Was the music too loud? Were the lights too bright? Did another child say something to her? Do she not like her dance clothes? Did the class progress too quickly and cause frustration? There are many questions we can ask ourselves. Your child may want to dance, but other factors about the class may have caused her to become embarrassed or afraid. If you find the cause, you might be able to speak with the teacher to see what can be done. I'm sure all instructors would rather know what they can do to help the child progress than to have her quit.

Sometimes, nothing you try helps and you must conclude that "maybe my child isn't quite ready". Try your best to have open communication with your child so she can feel comfortable in telling you how she truly feels. Let her know that you will be proud of her whether she decides to dance or play soccer. Some children force themselves to do a certain activity because they are afraid of disappointing a loved one. Let them know that you will always love them no matter what. This will be the best way to build their self-esteem now and avoid frustration in the future.

What next?
If you have decided a dance class will be too much for her at this point, don't give up. I feel that children need something to help them learn important life skills, such as: communication with peers, listening to teachers, obeying simple commands, taking turns, etc. By participating in some type of extracurricular activity, they can gain these skills as well as feel a sense of accomplishment, pride, self-worth and much more. If you think your child may like dance in the future you could always try gymnastics or along those lines. They would be able to play on fun equipment and learn cool tricks at the same time as learning how to act in a more structured environment. I have heard great things about The Little Gym and Kindermusik. Both these companies can help your child build on her love for music and movement without feeling pressured or pushed into an environment she isn't ready for.

No matter what our children choose to do, we need to show support toward something that will help them feel accepted and appreciated!

Mom Talk

Post a question or a comment that you feel other dance moms should know.