Tag Archive for: Social Media

,

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!

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

, ,

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!

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

, ,

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.

 

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

hello@dancemomguide.com
© Copyright 2025 – Dance Mom Guide

Dance Mum Guide Website