Available 2017-2018 Classes

3 Year Old Classes

Tuesday 9am-9:45am with Miss Andrea

Wednesday 4:30-5:15pm with Miss Andrea

Wednesday 5:20pm-6:05pm with Miss Andrea

Friday 9am-9:45am with Miss Andrea

Saturday 8:45-9:30am with Miss Andrea

3/4 Year Old Happy Tappers

Saturday 9-10am with Miss Emma

3 Year Old Classes

Children who are 3 on or before September 1, 2017 can join our 3 Year Old Movement Literacy Class or our 3/4 Year Old Happy Tappers Class.  You'll see the classes listed on our schedule as"3 Year Old Class" or "3/4 Year Old Happy Tappers."  For Fall 2017, your child must be 3 years old on or before September  1, 2017.  If you're child doesn't meet the deadline, we offer an Almost 3 Year Old class as well.

Why must your child be 3 years old?  First, our birthday deadline follows the county's school birthday deadline of September 1 so your child will be in dance class with the students who will eventually be in his or her grade level in school.  Second, all of our classes are based on the physical, cognitive, emotional and developmental milestones that are appropriate for that particular age group.  One of the main ways that Artistry House differs from other studios is our emphasis on couching age-appropriate dance technique within the context of pretend play.  Third, as teachers we have all had experience with students who were moved up a level and eventually leveled back out with their peers.  While moving a student up a level can bolster his/her confidence, the eventual move back to the appropriate level or the difficulty in communicating and socializing with peers can be detrimental.  

Can I stay in the room with my child? We do separate the children from their parents for this class.  It's not a "grown-up and me" class.  We make this separation because we don't want to set a precedent for the children that their parent will continue to enter the classroom as the program continues but also because in our years of experience, we have seen just how well three year olds can do by themselves.  There will likely be crying during the first week or two (or even three) but if you give us a chance you will see remarkable growth in your child after a very short amount of time.

What should my child wear?  For the 3 Year Old Class or the 3/4 Year Old Tap Class, your child only needs to wear clothes that are comfortable and functional.  This could mean a leotard and footless tights or leggings and a shirt.  Clothes should allow the student to move freely but not be so long that they drag the floor or so distracting that the child becomes overly fixated on them.  It is not necessary to purchase ballet shoes for this class.  Ballet shoes are optional for this level.  Dancing barefoot allows the teacher to see your child's feet and also helps young children to balance because the feet can spread naturally against the floor. 

If you would like to purchase a leotard, footless tights, and/or shoes, we have them for sale at the studio at the following prices (Shoes and leotards $15 plus tax, tights $10 plus tax).  

For Happy Tappers, Miss Liz has many sizes of gently used shoes that she will allow you to rent for a very small fee and will happily change out the shoes for a larger size when necessary.

If your child has long hair, it's always best to pull the hair back away from the face.  Loose hair can get in a dancer's way and can be especially distracting to young dancers.

What if my child cries?  Crying and separation anxiety are still a very natural part of growing up at 3 years old.  Do not be embarrassed if your child cries.  We have years of experience dealing with separation anxiety, and although it tugs at a parent's heartstrings, the best response is a caring but neutral one from the teacher.  If your child is having trouble separating, give him or her a hug and a kiss and reassure your child that you will be there waiting when class is over.  Once you've done this, it's best to separate immediately.  Don't linger.  It's the act of separation that's most upsetting.  Once you're out of the room, we can distract and entertain your child.  It might sometimes look like we're ignoring your child's cries, but we are watching, waiting, and giving your child time to redirect their energy.  If we need you, we will come out and get you.