Dance Studio That Does it Right

          

Originally Posted June 15, 2012

A tip of the hat to the cast and crew at  ABSOLUTE DANCE

Sometimes getting kids out the door in the morning is tantamount to getting drunks out of the bar at last call. Even the most organized, compliant kids seem to fall apart once in a while. Missing shoe, forgotten backpack, homework crisis and in no time we’re yelling, they’re crying, nerves are raw and for the love of Pete, it’s not even 8:30 in the morning yet!

Reason enough to marvel at folks who chose to work with hoards of kids and who pull it off with ease and grace, every day, every week, all year ‘round.
 
My son was in his dance recital last weekend. His first. He has been going to Absolute Dance off Northland drive since January, once a week and he loves it. The studio is teeming with kids of all ages and sizes and run with a cheery, kid-loving attitude from all who work there. No drama, no chaos, just a good time had by all. I don’t know how they do it.

The recital showcased 400 dancers between the ages of 3 and 16. Some had multiple costume changes, there were four shows the first two of which featured the younger kids in 25, two minute numbers performed seamlessly in an hour and 7 minutes. I didn’t get to see either of the evening shows (which were twice as long as the early shows) with the older kids but by all reports it went just as swimmingly. Not a tear, a torn tight, a fall...just huge smiles and fancy feet. How?

Thirteen Absolute Dance instructors worked backstage and lots of mom volunteers helped for each show. There were free juices and snacks in the lobby, flowers for sale lest you forgot to bring one for your daughter, and throughout a feeling of stress-free teamwork. This is something the students learn at the studio and owners Meaghan and Erika foster that work-together attitude so that a small class or huge recital is the pride of all involved.

They have an excellent staff of talented instructors who are really wonderful with the kids. If your daughter is going to pursue a career in ballet these young women are the kind of role models she needs to be around. The studio focuses on developing leadership as much as they do dance. They encourage a sense of group pride based on the achievements of all rather than of the individual. When a peer does well the rest of the class in sincerely happy for friend. Students of the month are selected for their help and contribution, not their dancing abilities. Constant emphasis of these values is the reason for the happy dancers at Absolute Dance.

Some kids come and give dance a go and then move on to something else, others stay and dancing becomes who they are. There is a 13 year old boy I see at the studio all the time. He is primarily a ballet dancer but does tap and jazz too and did an awesome hip hop solo during the show we saw. He auditioned in Calgary for the National Ballet of Canada and this summer moves into stage two of try outs, spending 4 weeks dancing from 9 to 5 in Toronto. He is a humble, kind and funny young man who works hard on his craft and helps teach the younger kids, he is a great role model and mentor. 

All the instructors at Absolute Dance exhibit qualities anyone would want for their kids; hard work, perseverance, and team spirit...not to mention being fit, flexible and strong.

My seven year old wants to dance “like Michael Jackson”. He knows that’s going to be hard work but he is sure enjoying himself while he learns the moves. And the really good news ... when you have boy in hip hop his recital costume of jeans, hoodie and ball cap can actually be worn again. 

When it comes to mentors we first think of coaches on the field and teachers in the classroom but great mentors are found in the arts too where a child’s individuality is at the core of things. Their interpretation of music and song, art and movement is entirely their own and only in the company of like-minded coaches and peers will they feel they can safely explore their own talents. 

At Absolute Dance they have created that critical environment and the kids can feel it and are secure enough to say - “Hey, this is me, check it out!”

Great picture of Miss Meaghan and Miss Erika, owner/directors at the Absolute Dance studio

Click here to get to their site and find out more the studio, summer camps and sessions