Why Choose Dance Conservatory of McAllen

Dance Conservatory of McAllen is pleased to bring an exciting concept to all dance students of the Rio Grande Valley during the Spring 2008 session. Ballet Weekend Intensives will provide students ages 8 and older with a rigorous and comprehensive weekend training program. The classes will enhance and enrich the dancer's training by providing focused instruction each weekend. Small class sizes and extensive individual attention will enable students to refine technique, build strength, and develop artistry. Internationally recognized master teachers Konstantin Kolotov and Arina Kolotova bring their vast knowledge and experience to provide a higher level of training that will include classes in technique, pointe, variation and partnering. Private lessons are also available.

If most dance schools seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll? Yes. There are five main thins that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child your child receives, the costs and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are five things that every parent should consider before choosing a dance school for their child.

1. What is the size of the class? If the dance class has fewer students in it, each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more and have more fun. With fewer students we make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes ensure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size also allows our teacher to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique. Rather than crowd students in a class, we place limits our class sizes to a maximum of 15 students per class.

2. What type of floor does the facility offer? Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. A good way to prevent potential injury is by choosing a dance school with sprung floors. Many dance floors are simply tiled or have a thin mat placed over concrete. Since each of our studios feature sprung floors constructed with space below their surfaces, our floors actually provide spring and bounce. We also provide a vinyl (Marley) surface to help prevent slips and falls. Additionally our studios feature high ceilings for jumping, wall mirrors and air conditioning. Our largest studio can be turned into a theatre for intimate performances using backdrops, theatre lights, stereo, raised seating and more.

3. Are parents allowed to observe their child in class? We value parent interest and our classes are open for parent viewing on designated days throughout the year, but we also allow parent viewing on regular class days. Occasionally, a student can be distracted by an observer, in which case we ask the parent to refrain from visiting until the student is more confident. Future plans will provide closed-circuit TV monitors so that parents may watch their children's classes without having to be in the classroom.

4. What are the extras required for performances? We realize that performance opportunities give a dancer confidence and offer a gauge to measure the progress of the students dance education. That is why we provide many opportunities to perform, including an annual recital, two theatre productions, four in-studio performances and various events throughout the community. Only the annual requires the purchase of a reasonably-priced costume but we do not charge participation fees for any of the performance opportunities provided throughout the year.

5. What type of instruction is offered? What can I expect as a result of training at the school? Many dance schools offer a variety of classes, like we do, but not all dance programs deliver a solid foundation in technique and artistry. Our instructors are dance educators. We extend the sphere of dance instruction to include the most current training methods to supplement physical skills and increase the student's understanding of terminology, musicality and choreography We are the only school in South Texas with a weekend intensive program, a supplementary program for ballet dancers to help maximize training time. With good quality training, students acquire grace, posture, work ethic, social skills and a love of dance for a lifetime.