In Step With DC
First Steps: The Terrific Twos Experience
Written by Erin Sforza on September 18, 2018

They look adorable, they are so excited, you are excited (or nervous, maybe both?) and everything is just brand new! This is how most of our first time dance parents will feel as they step through the studio doors for their child’s first dance class. I’ve been there, and I’m about to be there again this year, and whether it is your first child or your fifth heading into that studio, the emotions and anticipation are very much the same.

This class is usually such an important step for both you and your child in many ways. This may be the first time they have been separated from you for a period of time where they were not being cared for by a family member, it may be their first time in a classroom setting, or it may be a challenge for some of us, parents and children alike, to overcome a bit of shyness and really engage in the class.

When you arrive for your first Terrific Twos class, you will be greeted by your teacher and the Teacher Training Program assistants assigned to your class. They always have something fun, like colorful streamers, to help get the little ones excited about class. They get name tags and are welcomed into the classroom. At this point there is generally at least some crying, which may or may not subside quickly. This is totally normal and if the teachers really believe your dancer is having some difficulty they will have you sit in the room and help you to support your little one’s participation by being a reassuring presence for them. Every child and every class is different, but I’ve noticed that usually there is a bit of a crying “round robin” for about the first 4-6 classes. It’s difficult, but it doesn’t last forever and they will get through it and love being there once they do!

We start out at 30 minutes and progress throughout the year to the full 45 minute class as the children acclimate to the extended time in the new setting without their Mommies & Daddies in eyesight. While they are in the class they will use scarves, tambourines, maracas and other props. They will play with a parachute, crawl through a tunnel and learn lots of creative movement. While all of this fun is going on they will also be learning on a deeper level. They will learn how to take turns, to listen to instructions, they will learn to socialize and play with their peers, and they will be prepared for a Pre-School environment. 

Of course, they will also learn their own show-stopping dance to perform at the Terrific Twos Showcase during Recital Weekend. The showcase is a much lower-key, relaxed version of the recital. They will ease into their first stage experience in an environment that allows for taking time to get adjusted on stage, drying a few tears from jitters, and surprise potty breaks! Our fantastic Competition Team helps to entertain the crowd between numbers so that we can make the transition as easy for them as possible. It is a great experience, and one of my favorite parts of Recital Weekend. This year the Terrific Twos Showcase will be on Sunday, June 16th at 11:00 AM.

My daughter’s first year of dance was one that I will remember always, and I’m so looking forward to having my youngest start this fun and memorable experience. Our teachers and staff can’t wait to see all of our wonderful Twos this year! We hope you are just as excited.

Erin Sforza

Erin is the Public Relations Coordinator for Dance Connection. She studied dance from childhood through college and continues to be an active member of the Long Island theatre community. Erin received a BA in both Musical Theatre Performance and History from the University of Tampa, and has utilized aspects of both degrees working in the hospitality industry, as an Event Coordinator for the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, and as the PR/Marketing Coordinator and Group Sales Coordinator for the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale. In addition to being a part of the Dance Connection staff, she is a Travel Consultant affiliated with MouseEarVacations.com and CruisingCo.com.

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