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How to Pick a Dance Studio for Your Kids
So your child saw the Nutcracker last winter, and now that the weather favors tutus, they want to be a dancer. The dance world abounds with horror stories about bad teachers and mangled feet. Some of the tales are even true (note to parents of ballet-obsessed girls: don't ever let your daughter go on pointe before the age of 10). Ask other parents about their experiences. Quiz school teachers and don't be afraid to ask dance instructors and studios to detail their approach. Your child is certainly not the only one who wants to dance. In fact, most girls (and many boys, of course) will want to try it out at one point or another. Dance can do a lot for a child, whether or not a career leaps from it. It can teach discipline, the rewards of hard work, grace, even teamwork. Definitely check out as many classes and studios as you can. Bring your kid too. What appeals to her may be the right choice.
Do it yourself:
There are a surprising number of good dance studios in town. The local dance store, Kicks (435 S. Guadalupe, 982-9277), has a bevy of schedules and, of course, dance clothes. The primary dance magazine (
) has a terrific listing of studios. Locally, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet School (550-B St. Michael's Drive, 983-5591), The Children's Dance Program (1549 6th St., Ste. G, 982-1662) and Dance Space (701 Airport Road, Ste. 3, 983-5742) all offer children's classes.
