Progress isn't just about moving thru the curriculum and learning more and more steps. Because every dancer develops at their own pace, this advancement will look a little different for everyone over time. For example, a student might experience growth to the next level only after grinding it out at their current level for two years.
Achievements in dance can be seen in small ways and big ones, and we advocate for celebrating both! In our experience at CDMS, progress is much more about the personal wins than it is about the name or number of your child’s class level.
For our preschooler dancers, progress might mean following directions, waiting their turn, or mastering their right from left and travelling directions (front, back, right, left). It might mean moving with rhythm or being able to do two things at once, like moving their feet and hands at the same time. Progress might mean they enter the dance room eager to dance.
For our elementary school age dancers, progress might mean learning new steps, increasing the tempo of basic steps, and knowing proper terminology. It might mean working well with others with staging and patterns and developing stage presence and personality on stage. Progress might mean they learn to apply corrections to their dancing.
For our high school age dancers, progresss might mean not being afraid to try new styles and creating their own choreography that's inspired by music and others. Progress might mean showing expression and emotions while performing, persevering through hard times, and becoming a leader or mentor.