Equipment, New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks, Training Tools

Best Stretching and Strengthening Tools for Dancers

What Actually Works! Best Stretching and Strengthening Tools for Dancers

Oh my goodness, can we talk about the endless stream of dance products flooding my social media feeds? As a veteran dance mom who’s probably bought every gadget under the sun (my husband still teases me about that “miracle” stretching device collecting dust in our garage), I’ve learned a thing or two about what’s worth your hard-earned money.

Let me tell you, finding tools that actually help with flexibility and strength can feel like searching for a perfect nude tight match – overwhelming but so satisfying when you get it right! Sure, some of these fancy tools just end up being expensive motivational props (my daughter was obsessed with that light-up turning board for exactly two weeks). But others? They’ve become absolute game-changers in our daily practice routine. Trust me, I’ve wasted enough money on gimmicky products to know what’s worth investing in and what’s just clever marketing.

In this guide, I’m sharing our tried-and-true favorites – the ones that have survived countless practice sessions and actually showed real results. I’ve purchased every single item listed below for my daughter (and sometimes “borrowed” them for myself… those resistance bands are addictive!), and I’ll be updating you on our progress as we continue using them.

Stay tuned for detailed reviews and real results – and feel free to share your own experiences in the comments. We dance moms have to stick together!

Turning Discs/Boards

Turn Discs and Boards help to increase your balance and ability to do multiple pirouettes. My daughter prefers the rectangular ones over the round styles and we love the official TurnBoard PRO. With this board you can use bluetooth to download on to your phone and it counts how many turns you are doing and gives you even more stats.

If you daughter leans more towards ballet then a round disc might be her preference. They are great to turn en releve or demi-pointe so that you are actually developing the appropriate muscles for your dancing. We love the TTolbi ones.

Resistance & Stretch Bands

Let me clear up something that used to confuse the heck out of me at the dance store – stretch bands versus resistance bands. There is a difference.

Therabands are fantastic and the gold standard. They are widely known as one of the most trusted brands of resistance bands in the dance world! We use them all the time. Even I use them to stetch my middle aged body.

Stretch Bands are popular with people who do yoga and are extremely beneficial to dancers to be able to control the stretch and not overstrain the muscles.

Again we love the TTolbi ones and they came in a range of pretty colours.

Equipment, New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks, Training Tools

A Dance Mom’s Guide to Stretching & Strengthening

A Dance Mom’s Guide to Stretching & Strengthening: What I’ve Learned Through My Daughters Dance Life

Let me tell you something I wish I’d known when my daughter first started dancing – it’s not just about the pretty tutus and perfect buns (though those are important too!). As a dance mom, watching my daughter grow from an eager tiny tot to a dedicated teen dancer, I’ve learned that proper stretching and strengthening are absolute game-changers.

The Reality Check Every Dance Parent Needs I’ll never forget that wake-up call during my daughter’s first serious injury. Her physical therapist explained that while all those beautiful splits and extensions are impressive, without proper strength to support them, we’re basically asking for trouble. Trust me, a few weeks of sitting out due to a strained hamstring will teach you this lesson quick!

What’s Working for Us Before Class (Our Pre-Dance Ritual): You should see our kitchen about 30 minutes before dance class! My daughter does these dynamic stretches that basically look like a controlled warm-up:

Leg swings while holding onto the counter (drives my husband crazy, but it works!)
Arm circles that remind me of a windmill
These walking lunges down our hallway
And something she calls “bouncing seconds” that always make our dog think it’s playtime

After Class (The Cool-Down Reality): I’ve learned to pack healthy snacks because proper static stretching takes time. My daughter holds these stretches for what feels like forever (actually 30 seconds):

Forward splits (on both sides – always both sides!)
That butterfly stretch we all remember from grade school
Something called “cobra pose” that looks terrifying but apparently feels amazing
And yes, the infamous splits (though not until she’s properly warmed up)

Strength Training (Beyond the Studio) Here’s what surprised me most – dancers need strength training too! Our current routine includes:

Core Work (Because apparently everything in dance starts from the core):

Planks (my daughter can hold them longer than I can!)
These twisted crunch things that look impossible
Russian twists (named after ballet origins, I assume?)
V-ups (which look exactly like they sound)

Leg & Foot Work (Because those pointe shoes aren’t going to work themselves):

Calf raises while brushing teeth (multitasking for the win!)
Theraband exercises (we keep one in every room)
Wall sits during homework breaks
Relevés until I get dizzy just watching

Upper Body (Yes, It Matters!): Don’t be like me and ignore upper body strength until your child needs to do partner work! We now regularly do:

Modified push-ups (full ones came later)
Resistance band work (those bands are everywhere in our house)
Shoulder exercises that help with port de bras

The “I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner” Tips:

Always pack a water bottle (and a backup!)
Never skip the warm-up (even if you’re running late)
Listen when they say something hurts
Keep healthy snacks in your dance bag
Schedule rest days (yes, they’re actually important)

My Biggest Dance Mom Revelation You know what’s funny? After years of watching my daughter stretch and strengthen, I’ve actually started doing some of these exercises myself! Nothing like a dance mom getting schooled by her own daughter on the importance of proper body conditioning.

The Real Results I’ll never forget my daughter’s first successful turning sequence after we started taking conditioning seriously. The look on her face – that mixture of pride and surprise – made all those extra hours of preparation worth it. Now, not only does she dance better, but she’s more confident, has fewer injuries, and actually enjoys the process of taking care of her body.

To all my fellow dance moms (and dads!) out there: Trust me, proper stretching and strengthening might not be the most glamorous part of dance, but they’re absolutely essential. And hey, if you’re like me, you might even find yourself doing some theraband exercises while watching dance competition videos!

Check out our recommendations for tools to help.

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Tips & Tricks, Costumes, New Dance Moms

Expert Tips for Supporting Your Dancer

ESSENTIAL Tips for SLAYING the Dance Mom Life!

HONEY, let me tell you ALL about being a dance mom! (adjusts rhinestone “Dance Mom” shirt)

Listen up, because your baby’s about to start their journey to becoming a STAR, and mama, you need to know how to work it! After years of rhinestones, hairspray clouds, and enough bobby pins to fill a Home Depot, I’m spilling ALL the tea!

The REAL Deal About Dance Life

If you think dance is just about twirling around in tutus, you’ve got another thing coming! This is about building confident kids!

Gear Up Like a BOSS

Listen here – you can’t send your little star out there looking anything less than PERFECT!

Get yourself to that dance boutique and don’t you DARE skimp on those shoes! My daughter wore cheap tap shoes ONCE and honey, never again!
Keep that dance bag STOCKED! I’m talking industrial-strength hairspray, enough bobby pins to survive the apocalypse, and safety pins for DAYS!
And please, for the love of everything sacred, buy backup tights. Trust your dance mama on this one!

Time Management is Your New BFF

Y’all, my calendar looks like a Broadway production schedule, and I LIVE for it! Between classes, competitions, and costume fittings, you better get yourself the biggest planner you can find. And yes, your regular life will have to work around dance – priorities, people!

Competition Season = Game Time

Oh. My. Word. Competition season is our Super Bowl! Here’s the tea:

Pack EVERYTHING the night before. I mean EVERYTHING!
Get there early – nobody ever won Grand Champion from the parking lot
Bring enough snacks to feed a small army (but nothing that stains those $300 costumes!)
And remember: there’s nothing a little glitter hairspray can’t fix!

Being THE Dance Mom Your Child Needs

Look, we’ve all seen those TV shows, but real dance moms know it’s about building our babies up! When my daughter forgot solo last year, did I flip? NO MA’AM! We turned that moment into a learning experience and even better she stayed on that stage and made up the rest of the dance. I as proud of her for sticking it out … and I told her so. it didn’t matter that she forgot, it mattered that she kept her cool and kept at it.

Finding Your Tribe

Honey, you NEED your dance mom sisters! These are the women who will hold your coffee while you’re safety-pinning a headpiece, the ones who’ll share their last pair of backup tights, and who understand why you’re crying at every recital!

Cross-Training is Your Secret Weapon, Honey!

Listen up, because this tea is HOT! Y’all think just dancing is enough? You don’t need to sign up for every activity in town (Lord knows our schedules are PACKED), but mixing it up with some pilates or strength training? That’s how you create a POWERHOUSE performer!

Mental Health Comes Before Trophies, Period!

Y’all, we need to talk about something serious. takes off rhinestone crown Between the competitions, rehearsals, and costume changes, this life can get INTENSE! I check in with my daughter every single day – not just about her triple pirouettes (which are FAB, by the way), but about how she’s FEELING. Sometimes we skip practice and just get ice cream, because mama knows when her baby needs a break!

Budget Like a Boss!

Let me tell you about dance expenses! fans self with last month’s studio bill Listen here – you’ve got to know your limits before you’re selling your good pearls to pay for another sequined costume! Have that honest conversation with your studio about what you can handle. Trust me, it’s better than crying in your car after writing another check you can’t afford!

Knowledge is POWER!

adjusts reading glasses dramatically Listen up, because this is IMPORTANT! You can’t just show up looking pretty in your “Dance Mom” t-shirt without knowing your chassés from your chaînés! I’ve got every dance magazine subscription known to man, and I’m in ALL the Facebook groups. Why? Because when my daughters teacher starts talking about her développé, mama knows EXACTLY what needs work!

Show Up & SHINE Like the Queen Dance Mama You Are!

HONEY! clutches pearls Are we even having this conversation about showing up to watch your baby perform?! Let me tell you something – I haven’t missed a single performance since my daughter first danced across that stage, and I don’t plan on starting now!

And I’m not just talking about sitting there scrolling through your phone (I see you, Karen in row three! 👀). I’m talking about being FULLY PRESENT!

My dance mama essentials for every performance:

That good camera or camera phone with the FANCY zoom lens (because your baby might be in the back row, but they’re still the STAR!)
Backup battery packs (because you are recording EVERY. SINGLE. MOMENT.)
A tissue pack (waterproof mascara can only do so much, y’all!)
That sign you stayed up until 3 AM making with enough glitter to be seen from space

And don’t even get me started on the after-performance routine! I’ve got that “You were AMAZING, sweetie!” speech down pat.

Remember: These moments are precious, and they go by faster than a quick change between numbers! So put down that phone (unless you’re recording), plant yourself in that audience, and be your baby’s biggest, loudest, most embarrassing fan! That’s what we’re here for!

Final Words of Wisdom

Being a dance mom isn’t for the faint of heart, but baby, it’s worth every single rhinestone, every early morning, and every mascara-ruining proud tear! Your little dancer needs you in their corner, so put on your sparkle game face and get ready for the time of your life!

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New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks

Benefits of Dance for Kids & Teens

Why I’ll Never Regret Putting My Daughter in Dance: The Benefits of Dance for Kids & Teens

Let me tell you why signing up my daughter for dance classes was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made as a parent.

After watching my daughter grow from a tiny tot in tutus to a confident dancer I’ve witnessed these incredible benefits firsthand.

First, let’s talk about health.

You know how we parents always worry about keeping our kids active? Well, I noticed something amazing during my daughters last check-up and that was her excellent cardiovascular health! Turns out all those leaps and turns aren’t just beautiful to watch; they’re giving my kid a stronger heart.

Can we discuss bones for a minute?

When my mom friend (hi, Susan!) was worried about her daughter’s bone density, I couldn’t help but share how my dance instructor explained that all those relevés and jumps in ballet class are actually building stronger bones. Who knew those graceful movements were literally strengthening our kids from the inside out?

Let’s talk about focus

Since my daughter started dancing, her teachers have noticed a huge improvement in her concentration and memory. She tells me learning choreography is like “solving a puzzle with your whole body,” and somehow that’s translated into better grades in math and better recall. Go figure!

Mental Health

But here’s what really gets me emotional – the mental health benefits. Last year, when my daughter was dealing with typical tween/teen stress, dance became her safe haven. I’d watch her walk into the studio carrying the weight of a rough school day and emerge two hours later literally glowing. As other dance mom friends can attest, there’s something magical about watching your child express their emotions through movement.

The confidence boost

Priceless. Remember her first solo? She was so nervous (me too!) she almost backed out. But seeing her nail that routine and the smile that didn’t leave her face for days afterward – that’s when I truly understood how dance builds self-esteem. It’s not just about the moves; it’s about conquering fears and achieving goals.

And let’s talk about the friendships!

The dance family we’ve built is incredible. These kids support each other like siblings, celebrate each other’s victories, and lift each other up during challenges. The bonds formed in the dressing room and during competitions are simply unmatched.

Sure, dance means investing in countless pairs of shoes, dealing with backstage drama during recitals, and spending weekends at competitions. But watching my daughter grow into confident, healthy, and happy individual who has found her passion? Worth every second and every penny.

To any parent considering dance for their child – take it from this dance mom, the benefits go way beyond the physical. It’s about raising strong, confident, and emotionally intelligent kids who know how to express themselves and connect with others.

And yes, the sparkly costumes and proud recital moments are pretty great too!

New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks

4 Ways To Ease Back In To The Dance Year

It’s that time of the year again. How to ease back in to the dance year.

The Journey Back to Dance: A Mom’s Perspective

Oh my goodness, I can’t tell you how thrilled we are to be back in the dance studio! After weeks and weeks of my daughter practicing in our living room (goodbye, coffee table!), it’s absolutely wonderful seeing her back where she belongs. I wanted to share some tips that have helped us get back into our dance groove.

First up – getting organized!

I sat down with my daughter and got our weekly schedule all organised and hung it in the kitchen. The whole fmaily can see the weekly plan, times and who will be shuffling her to and from classes.

Getting Sleep

Can we talk about bedtime for a minute? Summer absolutely destroyed our sleep schedule but now we’re back to our strict 9:00 PM wind-down routine. No phones, no iPad! And mamas, this goes for us too! I know we all want to squeeze in one more load of laundry or prep those dance bags, but our beauty sleep matters!

Stretching

My daughter and I have made it our special mommy-daughter time. While dinner’s in the oven, we roll out our mats and do some stretches together. I’ll admit, I’m nowhere near as flexible as these a dancer, but it’s become our favorite part of the day. Plus, it helps prevent those “Mom, I’m so sore!” complaints after class.

Don’t Overschedule

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Don’t overschedule! I know we’re all excited to get back to everything, but our dancers need downtime too. Those rest days are just as important as the training days.

Here’s to another amazing year of bobby pins, dance buns, and watching our dancers grow into amazing performers!

(P.S. Don’t forget to stock up on extra tights – trust this dance mom on this one! 😉)

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New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks

What is Competitive Dance?

What is Competitive Dance and What Commitment Does it Take?

BUCKLE UP, DANCE MAMAS! Let’s Talk About Competitive Dance.

Oh honey, you’re thinking about comp team? sips coffee Let me give you the REAL tea about what you’re getting yourself into! The highs, the lows, the learning, the stress, the tears, the excitement, the comradery, the team spirit and the life long friendships …. competitive dance has it all1

What Even IS Competitive Dance?

Picture this: Your precious baby on stage, absolutely SLAYING their routine while you’re ugly-crying in the audience clutching your “Dance Mom” bedazzled tumbler! That’s comp life in a nutshell! It’s where dancers show off their skills in everything from ballet to hip-hop, competing for trophies, ribbons and medals that will eventually take over your entire living room.

The REAL Talk About Time Commitment

Let. Me. Tell. You. Kiss your weekends goodbye because they belong to dance now! We’re talking:

Multiple classes PER WEEK (my daughter does 10-15 hours and that’s on the LOW end)
Extra rehearsals (usually right when you’ve made other plans and often last minute!)
Competitions that will have you living out of hotel rooms
Practice at home (your kitchen becomes a dance studio)

And don’t even get me started about competition weekends! Pack your protein bars and energy drinks (or coffee and wine), mama, because those are some LONG days!

The Money Talk

Take a deep breath here. Okay, let’s rip off this band-aid. It’s expensive, y’all. Like, EXPENSIVE expensive. We’re talking:

Monthly tuition (cha-ching!)
Competition fees (more cha-ching!)
Those gorgeous costumes (ALL THE CHA-CHING!)
Travel costs
Emergency tights/shoes/whatever breaks right before performing
The coffee, wine, chocolate and cheese you’ll need to survive it all.

PRO TIP: Start a separate “dance fund” NOW. Trust me on this one!

The Physical Side

Your dancer needs to be STRONG! My daughter does:

Cross-training
Stretching (so. much. stretching.)
Proper nutrition (goodbye, endless pizza!)
Regular Physio to keep a niggly injury at bay.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Listen, dance mamas – this life isn’t for the faint of heart! Your baby will:

Face tough criticism (stock up on ice cream!)
Deal with disappointments
Become a stress bunny who bites your head off on competition day
Learn to balance school and dance (hello, homework in the car!)
Build the STRONGEST friendships ever

Is This Crazy Life For You?

If your child:

Lives and breathes dance
Thrives under pressure
Has enough energy to power a small city
Dreams of performing

Then WELCOME TO THE CLUB, MAMA!

Tips that will save your life

Get organized! (My phone calendar is basically a rainbow of dance commitments)
Make friends with other dance moms (you’ll need them for emotional support and safety pin emergencies!)
Always, ALWAYS pack extra everything
Keep snacks in your purse (for you AND your dancer!)
Remember: this is supposed to be FUN!

Competitive dance is WILD, exhausting, expensive, and absolutely AMAZING! It’s not just about the dancing – it’s about watching your baby grow into a confident, disciplined performer who can handle anything life throws at them (while wearing false eyelashes!).

So if you’re ready to join this crazy dance mom life, grab your rhinestone-covered coffee cup and jump in! We’ve got your back! Now excuse me while I go bedazzle another costume.

#DanceMomLife #CompTeam #SendCoffee

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New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks

How To Choose The Right Dance Studio For Your Child

How to Choose the Right Dance Studio for Your Child Can be a Mission

Finding the Perfect Dance Studio (From Someone Who’s Been There!)

Listen up, mama! So you’re thinking about getting your little one into dance? Or they have expressed an interest in trying some classes. Yay! But let me tell you – choosing the right studio is EVERYTHING. I’ve been through it all, from forgotten tap shoes to night before rhinestone emergencies, so here’s my real-talk guide on picking the perfect dance home for your baby.

First things first – what gets your kiddo excited? Maybe your daughter was twirling before she could walk or your little one is bouncing off the walls to hip-hop videos on YouTube? Whatever makes them light up – that’s what you want to look for!

Pro tip: find a studio that offers different styles because trust me, they WILL change their minds!

Now, let me spill the tea about what REALLY matters:

The Teachers

Y’all, these people will become your child’s second mamas! Make sure they know their stuff – ask about their background, but more importantly, watch how they interact with the kids. Often you need a SAINT to wrangle all those tiny tots and mini’s, I swear!

The REAL Cost

Okay, we need to have a serious mom-to-mom talk about money. It’s not just monthly tuition (which ain’t cheap!). There’s costumes ($$$), competition fees ($$$$), and don’t even get me started on those emergency tights runs! Make sure you know ALL the costs upfront so you’re not crying into your wine later.

The Time Commitment

Let’s be real – dance becomes YOUR life too! Between regular classes, extra rehearsals, competitions, and recitals, you’re basically going to live in your car. Make sure the studio location and schedule works with your real life (if you still have one, lol!).

The Competition Team

If your little one has stars in their eyes, check out the competition team situation. But WARNING: once you enter the competition world, there’s no going back! It’s like a whole other family – drama and all – but seeing your baby shine on stage makes it ALL worth it!

The VIBE

This is SO important! Pop in during class times. Are the other dance moms friendly? (You’ll be spending A LOT of time with them!) Is there a positive energy? Are the older dancers sweet to the little ones? Our studio feels like home – complete with drama, love, and ALL the glitter!

Do a Trial Run Most studios offer trial classes.

TAKE THEM! See how your kiddo vibes with the teacher and other students. You want to make sure they fit in, feel safe and want to keep going back. It can take time for them to find their groove.

Choosing a studio is like picking a second family. You want somewhere that’ll push your child to be their best but also catch them when they fall (literally and figuratively!). Somewhere that teaches not just dance, but confidence, friendship, and resilience.

And remember – you’re not just choosing a studio, you’re choosing YOUR tribe too! Those night before rhinestone emergencies are a lot more bearable when you’ve got your dance mom squad by your side!

Trust your mama instincts – you’ll know when you’ve found your dance home!

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Equipment, New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks

Dance Mom Survival Kit

The Ultimate Dance Mom Survival Kit: For Competitions & Recitals

Dance recital and competitions can take dedication, hard work, sometimes a little wine and definitely great organisation. If you’re anything like me, you’re the type who carries a fully stocked bag of supplies—ready for any type of situation. I stick to my tried-and-true essentials and I have put together my list to help you.

Sewing Essentials for Wardrobe/Costume fixes

Needle and Thread: Include white, black, and other common colors, plus threads matching specific costumes that you child is wearing.
Safety Pins: Keep a variety of sizes on hand. You’ll never have too many and make sure they are quality ones that wont come undone.
Scissors: For the cotton, loose threats, opening bags of cookies. You name it, these come in handy.
Double-Sided Tape: A lifesaver for securing costumes and accessories in place, especially if you dont have specific costume glue.
Static Guard Spray: Especially handy for keeping tutus from clinging to tights.
Additional Tools: Pack a pen or marker, measuring tape, fabric glue, a hot glue gun (with glue sticks), self-adhesive Velcro dots and small hair ties or elastics bands.

Hair, Makeup, and Personal Care Must-Haves:

Makeup

Powder to reduce shine and a brush/applicator to put it on
Concealer and blush to brighten faces under stage lights.
Lipstick or gloss in a natural shade to make features stand out, or red for full colour depending on what your studio wear.
Optional: Eye makeup and mascara
False Lashes if required by the studio (usually for older dancers)
Makeup remover wipes.

Hair Tools:

Bobby pins—more than you think you’ll need. Get lots of them.
Hair elastics, neatly organized
Small combs, brushes, and bun makers for quick styling.
Hair nets to secure buns.
Hairspray (we love Got2B and it smells great as well)

Extras:

Clear nail polish for minor snags and nail polish remover.
Tissues, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes.
Lint roller.
Small first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
Personal items: feminine products, lotion, deodorant, chapstick, and more

Tech and Organization Tools:

Portable Charger or Power Bank: Keep phones and other devices ready.
Detailed Schedule: Print out costume lists, including accessories like gloves or fishnets, and keep copies for everyone involved. Even laminate them if you can.

Most Studios will provide costume checklists for each number with recitals and team competions but you will need to be much more organized if your child does solo competitions.

Snap pictures of these details, print them out, and include them in your kit. Organization is key to managing a busy recital and competition times.

With these essentials in your dance mom survival kit, you’ll be ready for anything. From last-minute costume repairs to quick touch-ups before your dancer’s big moment.

You’ve got this!

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New Dance Moms, Social Media, Tips & Tricks

Keeping Your Dancer Safe on Instagram

Balancing Safety and Privacy: Keeping your Dancer Safe on Instagram

As a proud dance parent, sharing my child’s hard work and talent on Instagram is a joy. The platform offers young dancers a unique opportunity to gain exposure, connect with the broader dance community, and express their passion for the art. However, as we are well aware there are many troubling behaviours that can lead to harmful and inappropriate situations for our dancers. We need to remember and be open about safety and privacy on social media.

Start with Privacy Settings

The first step in safeguarding our children’s online presence is setting their accounts to private. This simple yet vital action helps control who can see their posts and activities. Unfortunately, many young dancers still have public accounts, exposing their content to anyone online. By keeping profiles private and limiting access to a trusted circle of followers, we can significantly reduce the risk of inappropriate or unwanted attention. Additionally, it’s essential to periodically review follower lists and remove anyone unfamiliar or suspicious.

Educating Your Young Dancers About Boundaries

For parents of older dancers who manage their accounts more independently, education about online boundaries is crucial. It’s important for our children to understand that while sharing their dance journey is wonderful, they must also be cautious about revealing personal information or engaging in private conversations with strangers. We need to emphasize that meeting someone in person they’ve only interacted with online is never safe, no matter how friendly or genuine they might seem.

Open Communication is Key

Creating an environment of open communication is vital for addressing online safety concerns. Our children should feel comfortable coming to us with any questions, concerns, or uncomfortable situations they encounter online. Encourage them to trust their instincts—those gut feelings that often alert us to danger. As parents, we can guide them in navigating tricky situations and reinforce the importance of seeking help whenever they feel unsure or uneasy.

Monitoring Without Overstepping

While respecting our children’s privacy is important, ensuring their safety requires a level of supervision. Regularly checking their online activity can help us identify potential risks early on. This doesn’t mean invading their personal space but rather maintaining a healthy balance between trust and vigilance. Openly discussing why monitoring is necessary can help build understanding and foster cooperation.

A Shared Responsibility

We have a responsibility as parents, educators, and members of the dance community to protect our children. Social media platforms like Instagram can be incredible tools for young dancers, offering opportunities to showcase their talent and connect with others. However, we must remain proactive in addressing the associated risks.

By taking measures such as setting accounts to private, educating our children about online boundaries, fostering open communication, and keeping a watchful eye on their activities, we can create a safer digital environment for them. Together, we can ensure that Instagram remains a positive space for young dancers to thrive while keeping their safety and well-being at the forefront.

If you have any ideas or topics you want us to cover please contact us.

New Dance Moms, Tips & Tricks

10 Things Every New Dance Mom Should Know

We’ve put together a list of 10 things every new dance mom should know

Entering the world of dance lessons for kids is exciting, but it can also be more than just a little overwhelming. Here are ten helpful tips for first-time dance parents to make dance lessons as well as performances enjoyable for you and your child.

1. Get the Right Shoes and Clothes

Just like having the right sports equipment is vital to success on the court or field, having the right dance equipment is crucial to a dancer’s success. Make sure your child has the proper shoes and attire for their dance style to ensure comfort and performance. Most dance school should give you this information before you start, but if not, just ask. Let them know this is your first time entering the dance world and they will let you know what their requirements are.

2. Talk to Other Parents

Dance parents are a strong community, and not usually how they are portrayed on TV and in memes. The parents of other dancers can be your biggest support system and resource pool. Talk to other moms and dads during class and get to know their kids. Many parents have had their kids in dance for years and they can give you advice and tips. This is what helped my in my journey. Make friends just like your kids will!

3. Trust the Expertise of the Teachers

It can be hard to sit back and watch your child learn something new, especially if they are having a hard time mastering a new dance step. Don’t jump in to help your kid during the middle of class (if you are even allowed to be there, a lot of schools don’t allow this as you being there can distracts the kids). Trust the teachers. They are experienced dancers and know what they’re doing.

4. Don’t Compare Your Kid to Other Dancers

Every child progresses at their own pace. Don’t compare your child to other dancers or expect them to all learn the steps and move to different levels at the same time. Focus on encouraging your child to do their best and have fun without worrying about what other people are doing. Some kids have been doing this since they were 2 and others are just starting their journey. It’s about having fun not being better than your classmate.

5. Bring Extra Supplies

Pack a dance bag with extra tights, leotards, socks, bobby pins, band-aids, safety pins and other supplies your dancer might need. This is especially important for performances, but it can also be useful during regular dance classes. The last thing you want is for your child’s tights to tear during the middle of rehearsal without any replacements, or not be able to pin up a torn costume.

6. Bring Snacks and Water Bottles to Rehearsals and Performances

Dress rehearsals and performances can be VERY long. Keep your dancer’s energy up by bringing lots of healthy snacks and extra water. It may seem like a little thing, but it can help make a long day go much more smoothly. Just remember to pack snacks that can be eaten quickly and aren’t messy. You don’t want greasy fingers to ruin the costume.

7. Get Organized with Costumes & Accessories

Performances and competitions can be a flurry of excitement, especially when dancers must bring multiple costumes and accessories, but let me tell you it’s also a time of stress. For everyone! Getting everything organized in garment bags to avoid wrinkles or damage to the costume and to keep everything together for each dance. Organize accessories in plastic bags and make sure everything is labeled with your child’s name. It can help to take photos of your child in the costume with all the accessories on and put it in the bag so they know exactly how the costume should look. This is great for younger kids when you cant be backstage to help. Organizing your things before the performance helps ensure that nothing gets damaged or left behind.

8. Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I can assure another new dance moms will have the same questions that you have. We all want the best for our children, so whatever sport or extracurricular activity our kids chose it’s always going to be a new lesson. Not just the kids but for us too. Parenting is all about new things and learning as we go. We’re all learning every day.

9.Don’t feel pressured to say yes to everything

Opportunities for extra’s can become overwhelming – musical auditions, private lessons, additional intensive or extension classes, and all that jazz can come at you and it’s tempting to say yes to them all. Don’t be afraid to take it slow as these will not be your kids last chances to do anything outside of the studios basic requirements. We waited 18 months before we did this. I wanted to make sure my daughter had a true passion for it and that we could fit it in to our budget and timetable.

10. Most Importantly Have Fun

Kids learn many important life skills in dance class like confidence, discipline, and dedication. But, above all, kids should be expressing their creativity and having fun. Enjoy the journey with your child and celebrate their progress and achievements. Your mantra should be “have fun”.

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