FAQ | zoeballetstudio

When should my child begin dance classes ?
Children’s dance education can begin as early as the age of three, when they have the motor skills to participate in dance class. Each child grows at her own pace – some are more physical while others are more verbal. Our Baby Ballerina Program begins with Ballet for Posture and Turn-out, Rhythm & Musical Timing flexibility and strength to improve balance and co-ordination. Children are like sponges, eager to learn. However, bad habits can easily form during those first few years of dancing school. A proper formal dance education is most important in the formative years.

Should my son take dance?
Yes! It is equally important for boys to have the same opportunity to learn rhythm & timing, coordination, classroom etiquette and an appreciation for the performing arts. Dance will increase strength and flexibility, building a strong, healthy body that will help with all future sports programs and professions.

What benefits will my child gain from dance class?
Your child is about to begin her dance education. Through proper training they will develop good posture, poise, proper body alignment and grace. Dancing will increase flexibility, improve coordination and introduce an appreciation for the performing arts. Stage experience and our photo shoot will help the shy, self-conscious child; and class structure will control the over-aggressive one. Self-expression will be learned through the most beautiful of all the arts.

Should my child take private lessons?
Class lessons are best for your child for he/she will learn to work in unison with a group. The competition between class mates is good for the dance student and will make them grow into a more enthusiastic dancer. Good work habits will be formed through the cooperation, teaching your child to live with people in harmony all through life.

When will my child begin Pointe training?
Young dancers are always enthusiastic about beginning dancing en Pointe too soon. If a child has had good ballet training he/she will begin Pointe work around the age of 14 to 16. If care is not taken, lifelong disabilities can result from starting Pointe before supple bodies are strong enough and muscles are properly developed.

Why is Ballet so important to dancers?
Ballet is the foundation of all other dance forms. This art of dance was born in the18th Century and has continued to evolve into today’s world renowned entertainment. Ballet technique is written in French, the traditional language of dance. By learning the correct terminology of each dance movement will be easier to execute. Dancers are only made through hours of practicing technique to perfect control of every part of the mind and body. Congratulation to you, Parents, for giving your child a chance to build a beautiful, strong, healthy body & mind and to enter into the art of dancing.

What is Hip Hop?

Hip-hop dance is a unique and exciting style of street dance that is most commonly performed to hip-hop music. Hip-hop dance is a vibrant form of dance that combines a variety of freestyle movements to create a cultural piece of art. Through its three main styles of popping, locking, and breaking, hip-hop dance has evolved into one of the most popular and influential styles of dance.

Greeley dance studio, A Dance Place, enjoys teaching hip-hop dance because of its more laid back style that allows dancers to let loose and worry less about technique and more about expressing themselves through their movement and their music. With more upbeat music, hip-hop dance creates a different level of fun and creativity.

Where It All Began

Hip-hop dance began during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, originally inspired by the movements of African dancing, and flourished as a new style of dance performed on the street for the people. Hip-hop incorporates aspects of modern dance, tap, and swing, integrating music and complex movements to form artistry.

The early history and roots of hip-hop dance are most often associated with its beginning on the East Coast, specifically New York City. But the West Coast also formed its own style of the East Coast hip-hop dance around the same time.

East Coast hip-hop began with the unique rhythmic combinations created by Kool DJ Herc, a Jamaican DJ who moved to Brooklyn at the age of 12 and quickly became one of the most popular DJ’s of New York City. DJ Herc ingeniously thought to extend dance sections of songs to create better opportunities to showcase the breaking movements of dancers.

West Coast hip-hop took the dance style from the East Coast and made it its own, transforming some of the frozen moves and making them more robotic. The West Coast was also where two of modern hip-hop’s most iconic styles, popping and locking, were born.

Check out the video below to learn some basic pop and lock moves:

Evolution Of Hip Hop

East Coast and West Coast hip-hop dance styles were originally meant to be two distinct forms of dance. However, as hip-hop grew in popularity, the two styles began to merge together into a unique street dance culture. Over time, hip-hop expanded from the street scene, and its choreography became a sought-after style in dance studios, clubs, and other venues.

During the 80’s and 90’s, hip-hop dance competitions became increasingly popular with the emergence of “battles,” one-on-one freestyle competition on the dance floors of clubs surrounded by a circle of fans. Improvised battles soon led to advertised battles and a higher level of competition.

While hip-hop originated as informal street dance meant for the people present, it has further evolved onto the stage and screen and into an audience favorite. Hip-hop now is a highly sought-after and dominant style of dance. It is among the most common styles of dance for music videos, concerts, and dance competitions. It can be found in dance studios of all kinds, teaching its unique and energetic compilation of movements to young and old.

Hip-hop dance has transformed the world of dance and has taken the dance culture by storm. Many of its distinctive moves are often integrated into the choreography of more traditional styles of dance and it has even worked its way into major theatrical and cinematic productions.

Hip-hop dance provides a vibrant means for exercise, art, and movement, creating a platform for individual expression and undeniable talent.

Why Should I Choose This School?
Because your child deserves the best! We offer every child opportunities to grow, to learn, to explore the amazing art form of dancing. We realize that not every child has the drive, determination or natural talent to become a professional dancer. However, we believe that every child deserves the chance to try! We cater to the preschool beginner up to the advanced students and instill a love for dance and lifetime respect for the performing arts.