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for 60 years in Tuscaloosa

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  • Our Studio

    Thousands of aspiring young dancers have received excellent dance training from The Dance Centre. Lifelong friendships, career defining moments, beauty and gracefulness, are all rewards that have enriched young lives through the art of dance. TDC has always been regarded as one of the highest quality dance education programs in the Southeast. In a nurturing and loving environment, our faculty is devoted to giving each student the individual attention they deserve. Our students are guided with genuine care, quality, integrity and professionalism. Located at 5100 Union Station Professional Parkway beside Cool Crates Storage, our five dance studios with “floating” floors and our premier dancewear boutique make up a spacious 11,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. 

    OUR PHILOSOPHY

    By Melissa Verzino 20 Feb, 2021
    Tiny tap shoes clicking on the hallway floors, little faces peering over the windowsill while waiting for class, the chatter of parents socializing while their children are dancing....these are only a fraction of the things we miss about “life before Covid”.  

    But despite the things that we miss...what have we learned?

    We are resilient and resourceful.
    While being tossed onto the platform of Zoom meeting technology, we thought, “this will never work.” Then we immediately moved into the panicked version of “we have to make this work”. We prayed that our families would stay engaged and were so grateful for the continued support. Our faculty reframed classwork from 1200 sq/ft dance studios to the confines of dining rooms with furniture shoved to the side and converted garages. Our preschoolers tuned in to their computer screens with the help of their fearless parents and dressed in princess costumes for weekly “dance parties”. Turning kitchen chairs into ballet barres, our older dancers continued to show up even when WiFi connections were spotty.

    We are creative.
    “There is always more than one way to do things and where there is a will, there truly is a way!” says lead TDC faculty member, Alden Phillips. She along with the rest of the faculty have had to transition from “hands-on corrections” to the use of metaphors to explain ways of moving and body placement. This has especially been helpful now that we are back to in-person classes at the studio. The Acro program at The Dance Centre was truly challenged as it normally requires hands-on “spotting” by teachers. Aja Sims, Acro Director for The Dance Centre explains, “I’ve learned to be creative with every teaching opportunity I’ve been given. I also have learned how to find joy in each moment I get to use my talents.”


    We are grateful.
    Even though we have worked harder than we ever have, we are grateful to have learned new practices and more effective ways of running our business. For instance, in order to comply with a 25% capacity rule in our theatre, we might not have discovered the necessity for a smaller cast which ultimately leads to a shorter show and happier parents and grandparents. And while we miss seeing our parents and other spectators to reduce congestion in the hallways, we have observed a greater focus and less distraction for our students.  

    Courtney Rich, lead TDC faculty member says, “Teaching classical ballet during the Covid 19 pandemic was truly one of the toughest things I’ve had to do as an adult” and it “has taught me just how resilient our students and faculty are. We all showed up and worked through all of these challenges just to do the one thing we all share... our LOVE of dance!  

    What have we learned? We have learned that dancers are strong, dancers are resilient, and dancers have a strength and discipline that can overcome. The Dance Centre is so proud to be able to provide an outlet for our students during the pandemic, and we are all learning together how to be innovative and adapt to make possible the art form we all love.
    By Morgan Williams 18 Sep, 2019

    Recently, I was a part of a Collegiate Coaches meeting and the topic of conversation was Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset.   I had heard of this before, but never really thought in depth about how a difference in “mindset” and the way students are coached can be such a game changer in their experience with dance. Here’s what was explained….


    “In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success.”


    “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” - Carol Dweck

     

    Pretty simple facts and I totally agreed. I immediately thought of successful dancers I know and have worked with who have obviously had a growth mindset (based off of their work ethic and growth), but I really wanted to see for myself how we as teachers and coaches help in creating a growth mindset.


    I then tried it out using my own little girl as the guinea pig.   We worked on cartwheels and I said “Great job, you are good at cartwheels - you’re a natural at tumbling”.   Her response, a big smile a sense of accomplishment and then she was over it- ran off to play bc in her mind her cartwheel was good enough and she was satisfied. WOW, I just contributed to my child   developing a fixed mindset (UH-OH) by praising her ability at that moment (don’t panic we can fix this) .   The next day, we practiced and my feedback to her was “your cartwheel is looking great, I am so impressed with how hard you are working today.”   Her response, a big smile and then she stayed in the front yard an additional 10 minutes practicing bc she too was proud of her hard work and that gave her a feeling of accomplishment. Crazy how the charts and scientific finding from that seminar on Dr. Dwecks study were proven to me over something as simple as a toddler and her cartwheel.


    So, how do we apply this at TDC?  

    Our mission is to grow each student that we teach by instilling the value of hard work, and giving the students praise on their effort shown.   I have heard many times the past 10 years Mrs. Melissa say, “Great work, you almost have it” and “keep working I see so much progress”. This encourages the student to continue working and they receive praise and constructive criticism at the same time. No, the skill isn’t mastered yet, but keep working   thats where the magic happens.   In the midst of accompanying God given gifts (which are different for each dancer) with hard work- that is where success is found. We focus on the details and the work that is needed to grow amazing dancers, and in return we see it trickle into all aspects of dancers lives.   Most students are great at time management, academic work, and following through with commitments due to the work ethic developed by dance.  


    In conclusion, we are challenging ourselves, our students, and our parents of dancers to have a GROWTH mindset this season.   Go after what sets your soul on fire and work hard until you achieve those goals.   Nothing is fixed :)


    Xoxo,

    M&M

    By Morgan Williams 05 Aug, 2019

    This is a question we get a lot and rightfully so.  Are there really benefits to “babies” taking dance class other than how amazingly adorable a squishy toddler looks in a tutu?  The answer is YES, but please take ALL the pics in that tutu bc you and everyone on social media will squeal at the cuteness.  We all know babes thrive when on a schedule- whatever that looks like for each family, and consistency is key in creating healthy patterns, responsibilities, and expectations helping in their development.  It also creates an activity each week that your little one looks forward to and anticipates the fun music, movement, and interaction with peers. Having a set activity helps instill responsibility, pattern, and commitment… not to mention mom gets a little 45 to an hour break (HALLELUJAH… trust me I know ;)


      Currently, I live in a “preschool world” with a 4-year old daughter who has been in dance class the past 2 years, and I have seen first hand what I predicted for years as I was in the “teacher” role observing how dance class shapes our preschoolers.     The progress made month to month on listening skills, being able to take direction, awareness of others (waiting in line to hold THE FAIRY WAND… now THATS the ultimate test of toddler patience) is encouraging and much needed in their emotional development.     Also, be aware at some point they are going to cry to stay with mommy and not go inside… its gut wrenching I know, but we MUST teach them to be resilient and follow through by trying again. Such a life skill that will help them throughout their journey…and most of the time its just a missed nap and we will have better luck next week ;) All of these social skills help when transitioning into school and dance class is a great start to teach structure in a fanciful way.


    Not only does it help with behavioral milestones and classroom processes, but the movement, stretching, and connection between mind and body sets a great foundation for all physical activity they will encounter during their lifetime.     In other words, if my finicky four year old wants to give soccer a whirl, the dance fundamentals will come into play.     Dance instills independence, and who doesn’t want their child to feel like they can face any challenge because they are empowered?     At the Dance Centre we want to create a magical experience for your preschooler.     Our classes incorporate fun activities, dance games, and foster creativity.     Our program will spark their imagination which will ignite their love for dance.


    We offer mommy & me 18months-2 years where mom can stay in the room and assist, this helps prepare for 3&4 year old classes when mommy is outside (once again HALLELUJAH a break).     We understand that there are maturity differences and you cannot group all “preschoolers” in to one class, so we offer a variety of specific age preschool classes (i.e. ballet for 3s).     We will work with you and your dancer to find the perfect fit for them.     Classes start August 19 and we can’t wait to have your preschooler at TDC, and for the LOVE of DANCE take all of those baby ballerina photos this season (and tag us @tdctusc #sweethometdc)!!!


    Xoxo,

    M&M

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