Parents not allowed in room at dance class

Liz342

DD is taking summer ballet for 2-4 year olds.  She did it last year but it was called "diaper dance" and it was 1-3 year olds.  We were sitting in the room off to the side last summer.  We took her to the first class this summer and they told us that all parents have to sit in the waiting area!  We understood but were so diappointed that we couldn't see how our little girl has improved and if she is listening well etc.

They did have a video monitor where we could kind of see what was going on and we could see through the open door somewhat but we really couldn't tell what was going on.  The other parents kind of giggled at our disappointment and one woman said "do you guys not leave her often?"

I am not complaining as I know that it's probably a lot easier for the teacher when the parents are there, distracting the kids and I'm not mad.  I am just disappointed and a little sad that we are actually at the stage where DD is going to be off doing things and we aren't going to be there for them!

Is this how they do it at the dance classes around you guys?

Would you be disappointed too or not?

MAprincess

When I took dance lessons I know this is how it was.  I might be a little disappointed but they'll let you see it as some point, right?  A mini-recital or something like that?  I used to teach swimming lessons and the parents were so distracting that it was dangerous and they were banned from the pool area except on the last day for our "show".

rab41380

Yep, parents sit outside the door during DD dance class.  She started at an early 2, and danced all school year long.  She did great without me, at first I was hesistant to let go too, but I was so proud of her independence!

WhitePicketFence

I taught dance for several years and this was pretty standard protocol, especially for children ages 3 and up. Having the parents in the room is not only distracting to the teacher, it's distracting to the kiddos, too.

susanmosley

I took ballet for 17 years (then on and off for more) and taught ballet for 6.  And never were parents allowed in the class - except for once a semester when it was parent observation week.  One place had giant windows.  One had small windows.  One had an open door that parents bombarded.  One had the video set up you describe.  As a teacher and dancer, I LOVED that parents couldn't be in the class.  Man, parents can be annoying  As a parent, I think I will be totally bummed out when this occurs!!  In fact, I will likely find a dance studio with good observation windows!  I kid.....kind of.

To answer your questions

yes

yes! 

MrsBalletStar05

Dance teacher here, that's how it is everywhere.  Honestly, it's amazing you have a video monitor.  Most studios don't even have that.  It's super distracting, especially at that young age, to have the parents in the room. 

littlemermaid

The dance studio my daughter goes to has viewing windows that look into the rooms.  If the teacher wants privacy she can close the blinds but otherwise they leave them open for the parents to watch.

 

Rebekah1021

Parents are not allowed in DD's class. They also close the blinds in the studio so we can't see. 

I'm not disappointed in the least. The moms in the class all bring snacks and we sit and chit chat and have adult time for an hour and a half. 

mrsrobinsontobe

we get to see 2x a years during "peek week"...i remember being disappointed at first because, come on, what's cuter than a 3 yo ballerina dressed all in pink?! but it totally makes sense. it's a lot of work to keep those little ones focused!

lilone_06

This is how DD's class is, too.  Sure, it's disappointing, but I totally understand and it's also kinda nice.  I take the other kiddos out for a walk - it's a break for me too!  And, there will be an annual recital where we can see what she's learned, and we get to 'view' the last class of each term from a balcony.

creativejuices

DD started at 2 and I was disappointed too. I felt some anxiety at leaving her in there - but totally "got" why they do it. She did great and so did the other little girls -  there was only one girl who needed her mom to come in the first two weeks. In no time they were running in without even looking back. We also have a video monitor which is super nice and made me feel less uncomfortable. 

We switched to another dance school to try to go with some friends/neighbors and they allow parents and it was utter chaos. There were parents, siblings, grandparents. cell phones ringing, babies crying etc. etc. etc. It gave me more anxiety than letting her go in alone at a young age and it was one of the main reasons that we switched back to the first school. I have no idea how the second school expected the kids to focus to any degree. 

creativejuices

Oh and I should say that they do let us in to watch every few weeks and/or the end of summer. People also invite guests so it's like a mini recital. Gl!

HarrietNJMommy

MrsBalletStar05:

Dance teacher here, that's how it is everywhere.  Honestly, it's amazing you have a video monitor.  Most studios don't even have that.  It's super distracting, especially at that young age, to have the parents in the room. 

This, except I'm not a dance teacher. I did take ballet from age 5 to 17 though.....