hmph...a bit miffed at DD's dance studio

EMT

DD started dance two years ago and last fall when most of the class was 3 and starting preschool, the class was kind of split in half because some kids had school T/TH while others had school MWF. DD was the youngest in her start class but maybe by a month. Honestly, most of the kids in her class year 2 were not the same just because of the preschool scheduling issue. We get teacher evaluations in August and the instructor suggests classes for the kids. I just went with the class her instructor recommended not really knowing what all the other kids did.

I haven't been taking her lately because my mom watches her on the day. My mom mentioned to me last week that she noticed that they are doing the exact same stuff that DD has been doing for the last two years and that most of the kids DD started dance with are in the class an hour before her.

So I called the studio asking if she could be in that class and the instructor said that the girls in the class I wanted are almost 5 (DD will be 4 next month) and that she is in the right class. Fine, but I took her today and basically agreed with everything my mom said. We walked passed all the girls that DD used to be in dance with (who are NOT closer to 5 but closer to 4) because their class was ending when DD's was starting, so WTF? DD looked bored and could do everything in the class (like skipping, side-stepping, etc.) while many of the kids needed much more help. She is the oldest in the class also...some of the other girls aren't even 3.

I just feel like because she is shy and small the teacher thinks she's younger than she is and she is kind of performing at the level of the other kids. I think she would benefit from the other class. But I'm not going to be that mom that begs to have her kid move up.

I'm just kind of miffed...makes me want to quit dance. But she says she still likes it/wants to go. What would you do? Just keep taking her to the younger class? Try talking to the instructor again? Or just try a different activity?

luckyluvr

You're paying for the class and it was just a recommendation. I would demand that she be put in the other class or find another dance studio (if possible).

littlemermaid

If they won't move your daughter to the other class than I say find another dance studio if your daughter likes taking dance. 

peekaboo716

I would either talk to her instructor and have her re-evaluated, or talk to the manager to assess the skills of your DD. If she truly is of the level of the kids in the upper class, and can handle the maturity level taught to the class, they would probably move her up. If your DD does not qualify for the class (could be based on age, or skill, or maturity, whatever their guidelines are), ask to see if she can be challenged more in the class so that your DD doesn't get bored.

If it's a good studio, they will listen to you and try to find a happy medium.

GL!

EMT

The studio owner is the instructor of the class so I think I do have to go by what she recommends.

I think i will just tell her I think she's ready for the other class and see where it goes. We are not continuing at the studio if the "baby class" (DD's words not mine) is the only one they will let her take. And the class was originally a mommy and me so I KNOW the capabilities of many of the girls in the upper class (because I saw them) and I know DD is right inline with them. It just makes me a bit mad/sad because DD may continue to get passed over like this if she doesn't learn to be a bit more forceful (but do I WANT that? She is the sweetest/kindest little thing).