As Mandi, a content creator for ten-dance.com and, more importantly, a real-life dance mom, I’m here to share my experiences beyond the reality TV clichés. Forget the staged drama; being a dance mom in the Quad Cities is one of the most enriching and fulfilling aspects of my motherhood journey.
Like many first-time mothers eager to expose their children to a wide range of experiences, I enrolled my daughter Jocelyn in numerous activities. From soccer to tumbling, crafts to music, cheerleading to even ice skating – we explored it all. I wanted to uncover her passions, but sport after sport, nothing truly resonated with her spirit.
Then, we discovered dance. Jocelyn was just shy of two years old when we first stepped into Above the Barre Dance Academy in Davenport. I remember carrying her in, her little diaper peeking out from under her adorable black leotard. Having no dance background myself, I had no grand expectations, just a simple wish to see her joyfully twirl in a tutu.
Standing outside the two-year-old room, I watched as little girls engaged in playful games, twirling and unknowingly learning fundamental ballet steps. My daughter, initially a bit hesitant, became the class crier, only comfortable dancing as long as Mom was visible through the window. I wasn’t alone; other mothers stood beside me, smiling lovingly at their children. Each week at that window, I’d smile at Princess Day dances and laugh as they hopped like bunnies across the floor, learning to jump.
Gradually, my window-side position evolved. I moved to a chair, then sat lower, eventually joining other parents in conversation, and finally, to simply dropping her off and picking her up. That diaper-wearing toddler had fallen deeply in love with dance. The supportive staff at the studio nurtured her passion, truly understanding her. Jocelyn thrived. Years flew by – I witnessed her first recital wave from the stage, her discovery of jazz in combo class, her conquering the cartwheel in Acro, and her growing love for hip-hop and musical theatre, and even tap. The initial 30-minute weekly class expanded to an hour, then an hour and a half, and eventually, several days a week. When kindergarten arrived, she was invited to join the competition dance team… and as they say, the rest is history. Now, my daughter is a dedicated competitive dancer, earning awards as both a soloist and part of a group. Dance has opened doors to travel, working with talented choreographers, and most importantly, the studio has become her extended family. The director is like a second mother, and the older dancers are the big sisters she’s always wanted.
What Does a Dance Class Really Look Like?
The structure of a dance class varies depending on your child’s age and the studio. For beginners, especially toddlers, dance is all about playful exploration. Classes, often held once a week, incorporate games and basic steps, making learning feel like fun. Young dancers are often unaware they are even learning formal dance techniques. As they grow, combo classes are introduced, exposing them to ballet, tap, and jazz. Class durations increase with age, and dancers can explore diverse styles like Hip Hop, Acro, and the foundational Ballet.
Eventually, dancers reach an age where they can choose between recreational and competitive dance paths. Recreational dancers enjoy dance for fun, attending weekly classes and performing in an annual recital. Competitive dancers, like Jocelyn, commit to year-round training and participate in 4-5 competitions each season. So, dance can be tailored to your child’s and family’s preferences, ranging from a part-time hobby to a more immersive dedication.
Jocelyn’s journey into competitive dance began in kindergarten. She increased her class load each year, developing her talent and passion. She started on the “home” team with local competitions before advancing to the travel team. Together, Jocelyn, myself, and the studio staff at Above the Barre decide on the number of dances she’ll participate in each season. Because dance is her primary focus, Jocelyn dedicates significant time to the studio, dancing 4-5 days a week.
The Endearing Appeal of Dance: Why Choose Dance?
My daughter has essentially grown up in the dance studio. It’s her second home, filling most evenings and weekends. I wholeheartedly believe dance has shaped so many positive aspects of her personality. Beyond the obvious physical benefits like exercise, improved flexibility, coordination, and strength, the non-physical advantages are what truly make me grateful for her passion. Dance cultivates confidence, encourages children to step outside their comfort zones, and instills invaluable lessons in hard work and determination.
Selecting the Perfect Dance Studio: A Parent’s Guide
The Quad Cities boasts numerous dance studios, offering a wealth of options that can feel overwhelming. Many are reputable and well-established, so how do you choose the right one? My initial approach was simple internet research. Honestly, Above the Barre initially stood out because of its convenient class schedule that accommodated my working mom life. They offered classes during the day and evening. While the schedule drew me in, we stayed because of the nurturing environment and how Jocelyn blossomed there. From our very first class, I sensed a strong sense of community and family. The staff genuinely cares for each dancer, recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses to foster growth. Kim Munn, the studio director and main choreographer, has danced her entire life and started her business at a young age. Her passion for dance and her studio is palpable when you watch her dancers perform. Supporting her dream and local business is an added bonus.
Are All Dance Studios Created Equal?
I highly recommend researching to find the ideal dance home for your child. Explore the websites of local studios. If you know parents of dancers at a particular studio, ask for their insights. Visit studios to get a feel for the atmosphere. Investigate their competition teams (sometimes called “Companies”) to understand when dancers can begin competing, the opportunities available, and the expectations at that level.
Is Competition Mandatory in Dance?
Absolutely not! Recreational dance is a fantastic option. You and your child may decide that it perfectly suits your needs, and that’s wonderful. However, as your child progresses, they might express interest in more competitive dance. Deciding whether to pursue competitive dance is a family decision that should be considered carefully. Dance is a commitment, no doubt. But if you’re a mother of a young dancer just starting out, my advice is to embrace the journey and see where it leads. There’s ample time to decide about competition. Follow your child’s lead, and you’ll know if competitive dance is a path they truly want to pursue.
The Truth About Dance Moms: Beyond Reality TV
While I joke that my dance mom friends and I are certainly fabulous enough for TV, the reality is far from the stereotypes. We are simply regular parents. Parents of children in the same class often sit together, creating a community. It’s in these moments that I’ve forged my closest friendships, shared laughter, and commiserated about the bittersweet feeling of watching our children grow up too quickly. When your child joins a competition team, a new level of camaraderie begins for dance moms. We become integral parts of the team, assisting with hair and makeup at competitions. Dance is unique among my children’s activities because I feel genuinely involved, not just a spectator.
The Financial Aspect: Is Dance Expensive?
This is undoubtedly the most frequently asked question about dance! Recreational dance is quite affordable. You pay monthly tuition (often conveniently online) and a costume fee for the recital. Basic supplies like shoes and tights can be found at reasonable prices. However, competitive dance represents a more significant financial commitment. Competitive dancers take more classes, attend workshops, require multiple costumes, and incur entrance fees for competitions. At the competitive level, it becomes a considerable investment.
When to Begin the Dance Journey for Little Ones?
Many dance studios welcome children as young as two years old, making dance one of the earliest structured activities available. Even if dance isn’t their lifelong passion, learning to take turns and interact within a group setting offers invaluable benefits for young children.
A version of this story was originally published on Apr. 4, 2016, by Mandi Richards; it has been updated to reflect current information.
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