053-821-7717
Calendar for 2021-2022
There are four seasons: Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, and Spring 2.
Fall 1: October 3rd - November 24th
Thanksgiving break - no classes 11/25-12/5
Fall 2: December 5th - February 5th
Midwinter break - no classes 1/16-1/22
Spring 1: February 6th - April 10th
Purim break - no classes 3/16-3/17
Spring 2: April 25th - June 13th
Shavuos break - no classes 6/5-6/6
Annual Dance Showcase is 6/19
Enrollment & Tuition Policies 2021
COVID Protocols:
• Masks may be required indoors.
• Students should arrive dressed in dance attire (dressing rooms are closed).
• Hand washing or hand sanitizer is required before entering the studio.
• COVID protocols will be adjusted as local health department and government authorities alter their recommendations.
TUITION:
• Tuition is payable in advance and must accompany the registration form. Tuition is non-refundable so please be sure the classes you choose fit your schedule. A 50% off trial class may be taken, however, only fully registered (tuition paid) students can be guaranteed a space in class. If there is space available, students may take classes as “drop ins” at the drop in rate of $20 per class.
Any class a student has missed can be made up in another class on, another day, with the approval of the instructor prior to the next session beginning. Classes which are not made up within the session in which it was missed will be forfeited.
• Tuition will be refunded if DBT must cancel a class.
TUITION DETAILS:
Fall 1: October 3-November 24 - $140
Fall 2: December 5-February 5 (midwinter break 1/16-1/22)-$140
Spring 1: February 6-Apri l 10 - $153 (because of Purim break, it is $140 for the Wednesday-Thursday classes)
Spring 2: April 25-June 13 - $119 (because of Shavuos break, it is $105 for the Sunday-Monday classes)
There is a registration fee of $15 for the first child and $10 for every additional child.
Siblings are eligible for a 10% OFF
To recieve a Chance To Dance Scholarship, please contact the studio.
ATTENDANCE/ILLNESS:
• All absences must be reported as soon as they become known. There will be no refunds for “no-shows.”
TARDINESS/PICK-UP:
• Classes begin on time. Dancers should arrive 5-10 minutes before class. It is for the student’s benefit to arrive on time in order for them to gain the most out of each lesson and to help avoid injury.
• Please pick up children promptly after class.
COMMUNICATION:
• We utilize text and email as our main source of communication. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide a valid text number, email address, read the notices, and communicate back.
DRESS CODE:
• Please avoid sending girls wearing jewelry.
• All girls can wear uniform dance shirts as part of their uniforms.
• We order our dancer's uniforms to save you the time and hassle of a long drive and fitting at a dance boutique that charges boutique prices. We professionally fit our students for shoes right here in our studio and order from high quality vendors while aiming to keep our costs incredibly low. Please take advantage of this amazing service!
• Click on this link to learn how to create the perfect ballerina bun!
BALLET:
Ballerina Bunnies A (ages 2-3): Light pink long sleeve uniform leotard with tutu attached, light pink uniform ballet tights, light pink, crossed elastic ballet shoes (no ties), and hair in a neat ballet bun.
Ballet Bunnies B (ages 2-4): Hot pink long sleeve uniform leotard with matching dance skirt, light pink uniform ballet tights, light pink, crossed elastic ballet shoes (no ties), and hair in a neat ballet bun.
Ballerinas (grades N-K): Light pink long sleeve uniform leotard with matching dance skirt, light pink uniform ballet tights, light pink, crossed elastic ballet shoes (no ties), and hair in a neat ballet bun.
Ballet A-B (grades 1-2): Light pink stone long sleeve uniform leotard with simple black skirt, light pink uniform ballet tights, light pink, crossed elastic ballet shoes (no ties), and hair in a neat ballet bun.
Contemporary A (grades 3-4): Blue gold long sleeve uniform leotard with simple black skirt, light pink uniform ballet tights, light pink, crossed elastic ballet shoes (no ties), and hair in a neat ballet bun.
Jazz/Hip Hop A-B (grades 5-8): Uniform dance shirt, black leggings, simple black skirt, socks, clean sneakers, and hair up in a ponytail or bun.
Acro (all grades): Long sleeve gymnastics leotard, black leggings, simple black dance skirt, and hair up in a ponytail or bun.
Modern: Long sleeve dance leotard, skirt, black leggings, bare feet, and hair up in a ponytail or bun.
Jazz: Dance leotard, black leggings or black footless tights, skin tone jazz shoes, hair up in a ponytail or bun.
Tap: Dance leotard, dance skirt or black skirt, black leggings with socks or tights, black tap shoes, and hair in a ponytail or bun.
Breakdance: Dance uniform shirt, black leggings, simple black skirt, socks, clean sneakers, and hair up in a ponytail.
Improv: Dance leotard, black leggings or black footless tights, skin tone jazz shoes, hair up in a ponytail or bun.
Musical Theater: Dance leotard, black leggings or black footless tights, skin tone jazz shoes, hair up in a ponytail or bun.
FOOD & DRINK:
• No candy, gum, or food are allowed in the studio. Students may bring a bottle of water to class.
FACILITY ETIQUETTE:
• All classes are drop-off only. Studio doors will open 10 minutes before class.
• Street shoes should not be worn in the studio.
• Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately in the studio as directed by instructors. Failure to do so will result in denial of service.
INCLEMENT WEATHER:
• A notice will be sent out as early as possible if in-person classes will be given over zoom or cancelled due to weather. Please contact DBT if the weather is bad.
CLASS PLACEMENT/ADVANCEMENT
• Student’s progress and placement is discussed regularly. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are many. Students will constantly be evaluated throughout the season on their mastery of skills/technique specific to each level in the curriculum. The first few weeks are used for assessment to ensure the proper class and level placement of each child. All decisions regarding class placement are made with your child’s best interest in mind. Advancement in our Early Childhood Division is age-based. Please contact DBT if you have questions or concerns about your child’s placement.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK:
• Dance, gymnastics and other such forms of activity are inherently risky. DanceWorks by T is not responsible for any injuries that may arise during the course of instruction. DBT reserves the right to use pictures taken of dancers for promotional purposes. If you have any questions regarding this please contact DBT.
SUBSTITUTES:
• Occasionally a substitute may be needed due to a teacher’s professional duties, illness, etc. Whenever possible, substitutes are hired. In either case, substitutes are briefed on the class program and curriculum so that the student’s progression can continue uninterrupted.
ANNUAL RECITAL:
• Parents and relatives of all DanceWorks by T students will enjoy watching their girls dance in our professional annual recital held on June 19, 2022. Our Recitals feature all dance classes. Participation is optional for all enrolled students ages 2+. All rehearsals are mandatory. Participation in the recital is assumed and parents are responsibe for possible costume fees. If your child does not wish to participate in the recital, please notify the instructor before our Spring 1 session (February 6 to avoid costume/recital fees.
• Costumes are to be taken home by dancer’s after the performance and are non-refundable.
"WHY DANCE"
Study by Tehila Tessler and Gitty Hershfeld
Abstract
Dance classes can help children develop work and learning skills that will help set them up for success for their entire life. Both physical and mental gains are made by taking dance lessons, making dancing an attractive sport for girls. Girls experience a full body exercise so vital for their development. Benefits in the areas of poise, strength, and coordination prove essential in the scholastic, social, and physical elements of a young girl's life. They also gain social skills, self-expression, new friendships and other relationships that are essential for girls of the elementary/high school age. For the many talented, yet insecure, children and teens, dance offers an outlet that can become a safe space for positive self expression which allows young girls to grow into confident adults. Studies have shown that girls who dance are better off in many of these areas than those who do not dance.
Intro
Dance has proven to be a strenuous, but enjoyable, physical activity for children, especially because exercising can be a challenge in today’s technologically focused world. A love and appreciation for dance from a young age can help motivate children to stay active as they grow into adults. Dancing can increase flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina, as well as promoting overall health. Enhanced development in these areas can help children with sports and other activities, both within school and beyond. By taking dance classes, girls strengthen their physical and mental development, which not only helps them in the present, but it allows them to grow into physically fit and emotionally equipped adults. Dance offers invaluable physical and emotional benefits for young people.
Material and Methodology
The goal of this study was to prove the hypothesis that dance benefits children emotionally, socially, physically, and mentally. In order to do this, a survey created with the intention to receive answers that would give targeted data to either prove or disprove the hypothesis. The subjects were girls because that was who participated in the experiment.
The questions are as follows:
1. Dancing makes me happy
2. I have made great friends through dance
3. Dancing makes me feel strong
4. Dancing gives me confidence
5. I focus better after dancing
7. What is the biggest thing that you enjoy about dance? (a short answer question).
Each true or false statement given targets a different aspect of the hypothesis.
In 2013, psychologists at the University of Örebro conducted an experiment with a group of teenagers who suffered from anxiety, depression and stress, in addition to presenting psychosomatic symptoms such as neck and back aches. Half of these teenagers were told to attend two dance classes a week, while the others continued with their daily routine.
After just two years, those who attended the dance lessons, where emphasis was on the enjoyment of the moving rather than the performance, showed a significant improvement in psychosomatic symptoms, and reported to feel happier.
In another study done at the University of Derby, the psychologists worked with people who were experiencing depression. These individuals received “salsa” lessons for nine weeks. The improvements began to be appreciated after four weeks and, after finishing the course, the participants admitted that they had fewer negative thoughts, enhanced concentration and a better sense of peace and tranquility.
A study at Deakin University revealed that dance has a very positive effect on our day-to-day lives. These Australian researchers interviewed 1,000 people and discovered that often those who were dancing not only stated that they were feeling happier, but also more satisfied with their lives, especially in relationships, health, and their goals achieved over the years.
Interestingly, the psychologists at the University of New York noticed a similar effect in children. These researchers worked with 120 children, aged 2 to 5 years old, who were exposed to different types of sound stimuli, some were rhythmic and copied the rhythm of the music while others were totally arrhythmic. They could appreciate that children who were moving following the rhythmic movements displayed more positive emotions and felt happier. Therefore, the researchers concluded that not only do people tend to move to the beat of the music, but also that dancing improves our mood.
Why does dancing make us happy?
When people dance their brain releases endorphins which are hormones that can trigger neurotransmitters to create a feeling of comfort, relaxation, fun and power. Music and dance do not only activate the sensory and motor circuits of our brain, but also the pleasure centers.
Indeed, neuroscientists at Columbia University say that when people move in tune with the rhythm, the positive effects of music are amplified. Therefore, a small tip to make the most of the music is to synchronize one’s movements with the beat, so he will be doubling his pleasure.
However, the magic of dancing cannot be reduced to brain chemistry. Additionally, dancing is a social activity which allows people to connect with the others, share experiences and meet new people, which has a very positive effect on their mental health.
https://psychology-spot.com/dancing-makes-me-happy/
Questions number 1 and 2 were written in a way that would focus on the emotional benefits that the above research supports. If the answer is yes, then it is clear that dance evokes a positive emotional response.
The second part of our hypothesis, which is that dancing benefits individuals socially, is supported by the fact that 57.1% of our surveyed participants agreed that they have made great friends through attending dance class. When people dance with others, they create relationships and hone their social skills.
Question number two reflects the social benefits. It was written such that if the answer would be true it would prove that dance can become an essential social experience for young, eager, and impressionable girls as supported in the above research.
The third part of our hypothesis, which is that dancing makes children stronger, is supported by the fact that 85.7% of our surveyed participants agreed with this statement. Dancing improves the condition of ones, heart and lungs, and increases muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness. It also increases aerobic fitness while improving muscle tone and strength.
The last part of our hypothesis is that dancing benefits children mentally is supported by the fact that 85.7% of surveyed participants agreed that they gained increased confidence through dancing and 73.1% agreed that they had improved focus after dancing.
The success and sense of achievement students feel as a result of dancing gives them self-confidence and motivation to focus on and master other challenges in school, for example. First, self-confidence comes from knowledge, skill, and practice. “The more experience you have, the more confident you will become” (Ellsworth par. 3). Self-confidence also deals with intrinsic trust and the ability to succeed in new challenges, tasks, and opportunities (Ellsworth, par. 4).
Salo, Amber, "The Power of Dance: How Dance Effects Mental and Emotional Health and Self-Confidence in Young Adults" (2019). Master's Theses. 133. https://digscholarship.unco.edu/theses/133
Questions number three and five gives the researchers a chance to assess whether the girls feel more physically equipped after dancing based on the above research.
Overall, if the hypothesis is supported the girls will respond appropriately to the questions posed to them. Question number seven was left open ended to give the girls space to express their knee jerk reaction when asked about dance. Hopefully a full picture based on their answers will result.
Our hypothesis that dancing benefits children emotionally is supported by the fact that 100% of our survey participants agreed that dancing makes them happy.
Results
We surveyed roughly 50 young Jewish girls in the community and asked them the following true or false questions:
1. Dancing makes me happy
2. I have made great friends through dance
3. Dancing makes me feel strong
4. Dancing gives me confidence
5. I focus better after dancing
7. What is the biggest thing that you enjoy about dance? (a short answer question).
We hypothesized that dancing offers girls benefits both emotionally, socially, physically, and mentally and we aimed to prove this through our survey’s results.
Our Results:
1. Dancing makes me happy-100% True
2. I have made great friends through dance-57.1% True
3. Dancing makes me feel strong-85.7% True
4. Dancing gives me confidence-85.7% True
5. I focus better after dancing73.1% True
7. What is the biggest thing that you enjoy about dance? (a short answer question).
And our results for the short answer were answers such as:
Cartwheels
Turning off the lights and having the special lights on and dancing like goldfish.
Twirling like a ballerina
The feeling of accomplishment and feeling free while letting my body let loose.
Getting the treat after dance
Movement and music
Fun expression
The recital dances
Just being myself
I love learning dances
Doing movement to songs
Friends
Using our body and use our energy for something so fun and different than sitting in school
Moving around
Fun outlet, seeing I can do things I never knew I can do.
Learning cool moves!
I like to do ballet
Getting to practice for the recital
Author’s note:
We chose to conduct this survey because of our shared interest in dancing and how it affects children. We created a survey in order to prove our hypothesis that dance can offer numerous emotional, social, and physical benefits to children. After collecting and organizing the data, we were very pleased to find that our hypothesis was very much confirmed. We appreciate the incredible opportunity we were given to take part in teaching in the Ralla Klepak performing Arts program and to be immersed in such an incredible environment with a strong work and artistic ethic. We hope that we can continue to spread the joy and love of arts to more and more children in the community, because after having conducted this research, we now know just how important dancing is to them.