Navigating the world of dance studio life can sometimes feel like a whirlwind! But here at DU, our goal is to make your job as easy and stress-free as possible. That’s why we put together this reliable roadmap for finding information and staying in-the-know. Let’s make this journey a little easier together!

The DU Dance Parent Toolkit

Use the following communication tools for all your DU needs throughout the season! Here we breakdown each tool and what it is used most for. When you’re looking for something specific, this guide will help you know where to check first. 

• • DU Parent Portal: This is where you can take care of all your class enrollments and event registration. You can also access your account info and take care of payments.
  • DU Mobile App: For ease of access, we also offer a mobile app. Simply log into your parent portal and stay logged in on your phone. Inside the mobile app, it’s super easy to access your account and you can even opt-in for push notifications.
    • Apple Store
    • Google Play Store

• • DU Website: The most comprehensive resource for information is our website. You can find info about our weekly classes, DUPC, birthday parties, special events, adaptive dance classes, summer camps, and our Spring Recital. You can also meet our Faculty and access our full Studio Blog, complete with TONS of educational content for dancers and tips for dance parents.
  • Email Communication: We send out seasonal updates and reminders via email periodically throughout the year. We also send monthly newsletters and weekly check-ins. Keep an eye on your inbox, especially during recital season! Be sure to save our studio email (info@dance-u.com) and feel free to reach out via email with any questions you may have!
  • Occasional Text Notifications: We reserve text communication for urgent updates including but not limited to studio closures and winter weather updates.
  • In-Studio TV: While your dancer is in class, feel free to check out our Lobby TV which includes all important updates for current customers.
  • Front Desk: Our front desk is staffed and ready to help you with anything you might need! You can reach us at (207) 623-0821 or stop by the studio if you prefer to come see us in-person. Front Desk Hours are Monday-Thursday 3pm-9pm & Saturday 9am-12pm.
  • Social Media Channels: Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! We share studio updates, events, and best of all, pictures and videos. You may catch a glimpse of your dancer in class having the time of their life!
  • Online Dancewear Store: Click here to view our dress code, complete with requirements for each class and level. Click here to access our online store.

Now THAT is a full list of resources! We’ve worked hard to create systems and clear communication channels to keep our dance parents feeling updated every step of the way. Screenshot and save this list, but know that our team is always here to answer questions as well! 

We are looking forward to another AMAZING year of dance! It’s not too late to join us in our 2024/25 Weekly Dance Classes! Click here to view the schedule and register online today! 

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Below is our run-down of the various Dance Programs we offer!

When your child begins their dance journey:

In their beginning years, all DU dancers start in either our Future Stars (ages 1-3), Stargazers (ages 3-7), or Rising Stars (ages 7-11) programs. These programs are divided by age group, so regardless of when your child begins dancing, they’ll be dancing alongside their peers. 

In these formative years, skill level is largely based on child development landmarks. Keeping dancers grouped by age ensures that we are working within their developmentally appropriate motor skills and learning speeds. Class offerings differ based on age group, but all three programs will give your dancer a strong foundation through play-based, imaginative learning! 

When your child progresses beyond their beginning years:

Once a child moves beyond our Rising Star Program, intermediate dancers have two options for where they’d like to take their training next: Shining Stars or Shooting Stars.

• • Shining Stars (Intermediate Performance Company): For dancers who wish for more performance opportunities throughout the year and a higher commitment level. Participation in this program is by audition only. Auditions are open to dancers 6+.
  • Shooting Stars: For dancers who want to continue receiving excellent training without the added commitment of joining our DUPC competitive team. All classes culminate in a year-end recital performance.

When your child becomes an advanced dancer:

After the intermediate level, we offer two options for advanced dancers to become well-rounded performers and dance technicians: Allstars (Advanced Performance Company) and Superstar (Elite Performance Company). Both by audition only, these programs include extensive hours of weekly training in all dance styles. Members perform in community events and compete at several regional competitions. At the elite level, dancers can be considered for solos, duets, trios, and group routines.

Our goal is to make our program progression easy and stress-free for our dance families to understand. Over the years, we’ve found that many dancers get excited and look forward to moving up in level. That’s why we created a streamlined approach to level placement that we implement at V.I.P. Week in May. 

During VIP Week, dancers are automatically enrolled in the upcoming dance year to secure their space in the program  Just a few weeks later, each dancer receives a personalized recommendation form for the upcoming year’s classes and our class schedule. Recommendation Forms are filled out by their teacher, which ensures that everyone gets placed in the perfect level. Click here to learn more about V.I.P Week!

We can’t wait to watch your child progress through our programs during the 2024/25 School Year! We are currently enrolling in Fall Dance Classes, but classes are filling fast! Click here to view the schedule and save your child’s spot today! 

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These items will have your child rockin’ AND dancing around the Christmas tree!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Dancers: 

• Tutu Under the Christmas Tree

Have you heard about our 2023 Holiday Promotion? Enjoy our discounted dance class package that includes a beautifully wrapped tutu to put under the tree, a gift certificate for class, and other DU goodies for your child to unwrap on Christmas morning! Your dancer will have a brand new class to look forward to in the New Year. To purchase your gift package, contact us at info@dance-u.com. 

• Take 25% Off Items in Our Store

All our leotards, tights, dance shoes, dance crock charms, water bottles, dance bags are 25% Off for the holiday season! Take advantage of our sale and grab some dancer essentials or stocking stuffers. 

• Branded DU Squishmallow 

Also sold in our store, we have special DU Squishmallows that are the perfect huggable, fluffy friend for your child’s bedroom!

• Hair Wax Stick

This product is awesome for the slicked back ballet look that our dancers need for class. If your child doesn’t like using hairspray for class, or wants a quicker, more portable way to get ready for dance, this is a great gift! Click here to purchase on Amazon! 

• Dancer Make-Up Bag with Taylor Swift Lyric

When we saw this makeup bag, we knew it would be a hit with all of our little swifties! If your dance loves Taylor as much as we do, you’ve got to get them this. Click here to purchase from Amazon! 

• A Subscription to Dance Magazine

Dance Magazine has so much valuable information for dancers in training. From injury prevention, summer intensives, and interviews with professionals, your child will look forward to reading it every month. Subscribe here! 

• Massage Tool Kit

Perfect for our older dancers who often have sore muscles, this kit comes with a foam roller, a massage stick, and more. Gift this to your dancer for injury prevention and pain relief! Click here to purchase it on Amazon! 

Happy holidays from all of us here at Dance Unlimited. We are thankful for your support year-round, but this time of year always makes us feel a little extra love for our dance families. Have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! 

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When you sign your child up for an activity, you always want them to have them to have the best possible experience. As a parent, it can be stressful making sure your child has everything they need. But here at DU, we want our dance parents to feel a sense of ease. We’ve got you! 

So below, you’ll find a few lists of tips, tricks, and reminders for an awesome year. We hope they are helpful!  

Tips for Making the Most out of Your Child’s Class Time:

• Have your child’s shoes ready to go and tuck in their ballet shoe drawstrings. Having to stop and tie those little guys can be a huge distraction during class! Not to mention a safety hazard if they are too long!
• Take your child to the restroom before class. Our classes are jam packed with rich material and every minute counts! Avoid missing out for potty breaks. 
• Give your child a snack before class and bring a water bottle. Our afternoon/evening classes are often near dinner time, so naturally your child’s tummy may be close to empty. Learning is hard when you’re not fueled properly! 
• Tie your child’s hair up tightly. If their hair is in their face, they are often distracted by playing with it.  If their hair is falling out or down, it also becomes a safety issue when they are dancing.  
• Make sure your child is in dress code. By being in the proper attire, you’re ensuring that your child’s instructor can see their body correctly. In addition, it helps build a sense of pride, confidence, and community in class! Click here to view our dress code requirements.
• Encourage your child to practice and review at home. The more our class content and routines are reinforced at home, the more valuable their class time becomes. They’ll be able to really sink in all the notes and corrections their teachers give them because they won’t be worried about what step comes next! 

Tips for a great year, beyond just in class: 

• Stock up on extra dancewear. Tights inevitably will snag throughout the year and it’s always nice to have a few leotards to wear when one gets dirty. Lucky for our dance parents, we make it really easy to buy the correct dancewear that follows our dress code. Just visit the lobby where we have a full line of leotard, tights and shoes or click here to visit our Page on Discount Dance Supply’s online store. 
• Follow us on social media and check your email often to stay in the loop. Click here to follow us on Facebook and click here to access our instagram profile. You might even see your child make an appearance! But all important information is always sent via email, so don’t forget to keep an eye on your inbox as well. 
• Put all important dates in your calendar. You can reference your Calendar magnet you received at the first day of class or View our event calendar here and pencil it all in so nothing sneaks up on you!    
• Get to know the other parents. Our dance family is supportive and welcoming. We’re so glad to have you! 
• Let your child know you are their biggest fan. Being your child’s support system is the most important thing you can do for your child as a dance parent. Celebrate their successes and give them pep talks when they face challenges. Avoid comparisons or pressure to be “perfect” in class. With your love and support, your child’s confidence will soar! 

We can’t wait to watch all of our students flourish in class and on stage. We hope that dancing with us is the best decision you make for your child this year! On top of that, we hope that it’s easy, stress free, and meaningful for you too! 

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When it comes to signing your child up for activities, we know you’ve got tons of options! We may be biased, but we think dance is one of the best activities in Augusta. We’d love to tell you about what your child gains when you sign them up for one of our weekly dance classes at Dance Unlimited! 

5 Surprising Benefits of Dancing With Us This Fall:

1. Creativity

While dancing is incredibly athletic, it is primarily a performing art. Our students learn how to express ideas and emotions while making music come to life. In a typical school day, most students use their logical and analytical skills disproportionately to their artistic, emotional, or imaginative skills. We love watching our students flex their creative muscles in our classes!

2. Social Skills

Dance friends are the best friends! Many of our students can thank DU for giving them some of their closest friendships. Spending time with family at home is important, but after-school activities are one of the best ways for kids to make friends and become social butterflies. Sign your child up for dance class and they may even meet their greatest life-long friend! 

3. Discipline

One of the biggest jobs of educators and parents is to teach children how to be productive and responsible members of society. They learn this by following through on commitments, following rules, and learning how to work hard in order to meet their goals. Dance class teaches them all of those skills! They make a commitment to their class and use teamwork to perfect their dance for recital. They become responsible for their dress code, costumes, and remembering their recital choreography. AND they work hard to perfect their skills in class. 

4. Confidence

Each and every year, we see dance work wonders for our students’ self esteem and confidence. Moving your body and performing in front of other can feel vulnerable, so pushing through fears and insecurities can really help a child learn how to step out of their comfort zone. Not to mention performing on stage, which will light your child up in ways you’ve never seen before! By signing your child up for dance class, you’re giving them a confidence boost that will trickle into whatever they tackle next.

5. Stress Relief

After long days at school, kids need a chance to get up and moving! That’s why participating in activities in Augusta is so important. Joining us as we dance and groove to our favorite tunes will be a sure way for your child to release endorphins every single week. We have loads of fun in class, which goes a long way during a child’s school week. 

So what are you waiting for? The benefits of our weekly dance classes are endless! When it comes to activities in Augusta, we’re the best option for your child this Fall! We are currently accepting enrollment for our 2023/24 Dance Season, but classes are filling fast! Don’t wait to register! Click here to view the class schedule and save your child’s spot online. 

We’re kicking things off on September 11th, will we see you there?! We can’t wait to dance with your child this school year and watch as they grow, learn, and soar at our studio! 

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More Than Just Great Dancing is a studio membership program that helps studios strive for the highest standards. When we found out about it, we just knew we had to become a member, because that is what we’re all about at DU. We’ve been going above and beyond for over two decades. 

But just how does DU go above the line and beyond the ballet barre? Here is a list of initiatives and achievements that we’re proud to say make our studio more than just an awesome place to dance. 

1. Darby’s Dancers

We’re so excited to share the news about one of our newest programs, Darby’s Dancers! This adaptive dance class for ages 11-18 is designed for children with special needs. Darby’s Dancers is a nationally recognized non-profit program that promotes creativity, self-confidence, and inclusion for everyone. DU is a safe place for all children to dance and grow, which is why we’re thrilled to be hosting this class on Thursdays at 7pm.  Register your child here! 

2. NHSDA

Dance Unlimited is a proud member of the National Dance Education Organization and hosts one of Maine’s only chapters of the National Honor Society of Dance Arts. This unique opportunity gives our dancers the chance to be nationally recognized for their artistic merit. All high school-aged DU students are encouraged to apply for induction. Read our past blog post here to learn about our most recent inductees! 

3. A Focus on Leadership

Here at DU, we are proud to share that several members of our faculty are actually alumni of the studio. We have a long-standing history of not only watching children grow up at DU, but also seeing them go on to teach the next generation of dancers. This lineage is powerful because it shows our youngest dancers that becoming as good as our amazing faculty is both accessible and admirable! 

4. Acrobatic Arts Certified

On top of offering dance technique classes, we also offer acrobatics on our schedule! More importantly, our acro teachers are certified with Acrobatic Arts, an internationally acclaimed training program. Acrobatic Arts emphasizes safety, anatomy, and proper skill progressions. We make sure to offer only the best and safest programs to our beloved students! 

5. Events Open To All

While most dance studios only offer weekly classes that run on the school year schedule, we take it a step further in an effort to bring our Augusta community together. We host events that are open to the public all year round such as holiday celebrations, tea parties, and camps. It’s important to us that we extend our reach to all families, even if you’re unable to join us for the full school year! 

6. Mommy Movers

Did you know that in addition to our Adult Dance Classes, we also offer a low-impact dance fitness class geared towards moms of babies and toddlers? Happening each week on Thursdays at 9:30am, this class can be taken by moms who are expecting, wearing a carrier, or accompanied by a toddler workout buddy under the age of 5. We offer drop-in rates, so head to our events calendar to register today! 

7. All-Inclusive Tuition

And last but not least, is our all-inclusive tuition.  Our tuition system means that parents don’t have to worry about costume payments during the holidays, or forgetting to order their child’s recital t-shirt, program or DVD. All of these items and more are included with your tuition! For our parents, that means just sitting back and paying one monthly tuition payment.  Then, watch your child come out with their “gifts” throughout the year!  

As you can see, we exemplify what it means to offer more than just great dancing! We’re proud to become an official MTJGD member because it’s our mission to not build great dancers, but even greater young people. We take a holistic approach to dance education and we bring the Augusta community together in powerful ways!

We are grateful for the many families who have been loyal members of our studio. Thanks for sharing your special moments with us throughout the years. Here’s to many more to come! 

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With the sun basically in full hibernation mode, now is when it’s more important than ever to get those endorphins pumping. Parents and kids, we all need to stay moving to stay healthy, mentally and physically. But it’s so hard to stay moving without being able to get outside. If you are looking for winter kid’s activities in Augusta, don’t worry, DU has got you covered!

We’ve got plenty on the calendar this winter that will get your family up and moving. We can’t wait to share the details!

5 Winter Kid’s Activities in Augusta at Dance Unlimited:

• Dancing Days

Our newest Winter Initiative, Dancing Days is a monthly morning of dance for children ages 2.5-5 years. We’re so excited to offer this time to both our most eager preschoolers and our busiest dance parents! We’ll keep your child dancing, moving, and doing crafts while you get your errands done. This month, Dancing Days is on February 2nd. Visit our events calendar here to register! We hope to offer this special program once a month (maybe more if there’s interest!) 

• Tutu Tea Party

We invite your lovely little one to put on their most treasured tutu & join us in celebration of International Tutu Day (2/2)! We will be holding our celebration on Saturday, Feb 4. Delight your dazzling dancer with ballet class, crafts, and a tea party of course, with some of our beautiful DU Ballerinas. Dancers ages 3-8 will stay in motion while smiling ear to ear during this magical celebration! Visit our event calendar here to register! 

• Ongoing Registration for 2023 Classes

If you’re looking for the most consistent way for both you and your child to stay active all winter long, look no further than our weekly dance classes! We are still accepting registration in select classes for kids and adults. From ballet to hip hop, you’re sure to find a class on our schedule that is your perfect speed. View the class schedule here! 

• Pop-Up Classes 

We are excited to begin offering Pop-Up classes. These one-time events are low commitment and a great way for your child to take class without the full-term commitment.   It is also a great way for them to try dance class before signing up for a session.   We are offering several pop up classes in the coming weeks. Make sure to check out the schedule frequently for all the options ( Ages 2 – adult).  

• Birthday Parties

Last but not least, if your little one is celebrating a birthday this Winter, we offer the perfect party packages that will get all their friends on their feet! Complete with a dance class instructed by one of our talented teachers, your child’s special day will have them beaming in their ballet slippers! Learn more about our party packages here! 

Don’t let the winter blues get you down! Hop over to DU for a winter wonderland of DANCE! Our events and classes will have your family waltzing into the warmer months without missing a beat! We hope to see you moving with us this Winter.

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Our DU Staff treasures the relationships we build with our students. We care about them like we care about our own children. So when it comes to teaming up with our dance parents, we know that we all want the same thing: the absolute best for our dancers!

So how can we all support our dancers and their big dreams together? We’ve got some ideas! Behind every dancer is a supportive dance parent who is their number one fan. So today on the blog, we’re sharing some tips on how to become your child’s favorite audience member!

5 Ways to Be a Supportive Dance Parent:

1. Stay Involved

One of the best ways to show your child you care is by taking an interest. Some great questions to ask your child after class each week are…

• • What was your favorite part of class/rehearsal today?
  • What skills are you guys working on?
  • Have you started your recital dance?
  • Can you show me your dance at home?

2. Stay Updated

A supportive dance parent is one who helps their child feel prepared and excited about things happening at the studio. Reading all of our studio emails and communication will help your child feel like you are invested in their dance journey!

3. Showing Up For Your Dancer

Whether your child vocalizes it or not, seeing you in the audience or spending an extra moment with them at drop-off is important to them. They want to make you proud, and by simply showing up, you’re giving them pride in their accomplishments. 

4. Cheer Them On Through the Highs and the Lows

Whether they need a pep talk because of nerves before a performance or they’re looking for someone to celebrate their successes with, you are who they can turn to! Encourage them, remind them to never give up, and show them unconditional love through all their challenges! 

5. Support your Child’s Teacher

When it comes to parenting, you know what’s best for your child. And when it comes to dancing, our professional instructors can lead the way! Through your guidance, children learn to trust our judgment and also the training process. By valuing our expertise, you’ll show your child how to train and grow with a positive mindset.

Dance parents are superstars! The support you show your children is inspiring. Even if they don’t thank you now, they will look back on these years with grateful hearts. There is nothing more important to a child than a parent who supports their dreams! 

We are still accepting registration in select classes! Click here to view our class schedule and get started today. We’d love to help your child reach their goals this winter! 

The post Behind Every Dancer is a Supportive Dance Parent! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Today on the blog, we’re talking about the Benefits of Adult Dance Classes! Dancing is truly for all ages. If you ask any of our instructors, they’ll tell you that their love of dance has only grown with age. We have a several classes on our schedule that are for you, and we can’t wait to tell you why this is an amazing opportunity to move with us!

4 Benefits of Adult Dance Classes:

1. Endorphins

Especially as we head into the season of Winter blues, we are all running low on Vitamin D and endorphins… two crucial contributors to our happiness!  Endorphins are proven to lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and pain. And what releases endorphins? Dancing, of course! But don’t take our word for it, click here to read more about how endorphins work!

2. Community

Especially for our busy dance parents who are always thinking about their kids, it can be hard to find time for a social life! When you sign up for an Adult Dance Class, you gain a built-in, weekly time in your schedule for connecting with other adults who have a similar interest. Our adult dance classes offfer a supportive, welcoming environment for all levels and abilities. We’d love to get to know you and dance with you each week!

3. Fitness

Aren’t the best workouts the ones where you don’t even realize you’re working out because you’re having too much fun? That’s exactly what our adult classes are like! Come join us as we get lost in the music, while also getting our heart rates up and breaking a sweat. Pencil our classes into your fitness routine and you won’t regret it!

4. “Me” Time

Every hardworking adult deserves a chance each week to unplug, get away, and do something for themselves. When you’re spending so much time worrying about others, signing up for a weekly dance class is a great way to prioritze yourself. We find joy in dancing for ourselves each week, and we know our adult students do too! 

So what kinds of Adult Dance Classes do we offer at DU? Here’s our complete list of dance styles and times to pick from!

Adult Ballet – Thursdays 7:45-8:30pm
Adult Hip Hop – Wednesdays 8:30-9:15pm
Adult Jazz – Wednesdays 7:45-8:30
Adult Tap – Thursdays 7:00-7:45

Are you ready to join us?! Visit our website here and register today! We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor!

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Over the next few months, we’ll be featuring DU Families on our blog as a way for us the share the excitement and spread the word about our amazing dance community. More importantly, this is our way to show gratitude for the wonderful families that keep our studio thriving as a second home for so many children. 

First up, Meet the Lavigne Family!

Matthew, Ashlyn, and Haley Lavigne have been a part of the DU family for 3.5 years. Haley, just 4 years old, has been spending her earliest dancing years with us in our Preschool Combo classes. She may be tiny, but this little one already knows fundamentals of Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop! With her natural love for moving, we just know that she’s meant for many more dancing years!

When asked to describe DU in 3 words, Matthew and Ashlyn answered, “amazing, welcoming, family.” Their favorite dance memories have been their child’s precious moments on the recital stage, which just warms our heart! At home, Haley tells her parents about how much she loves dance, her teachers, and how she dreams of being on our Performance Company once she’s old enough. For the Lavigne’s, DU is special because they are always treated like family, and we can surely weigh in: they are a treasured part of our family!

Aside from spending time at the studio, the Lavigne Family enjoys ​​Fishing, Bowling, watching movies, and taking family trips. You can also catch them grabbing a bite to eat at Long Horn, one of their favorite spots! But that’s not all… the Lavignes are expecting a baby boy named Lincoln in January! We are so excited to watch their family grow and flourish at DU for many years to come! 

Next up, Meet the Genest Family!

Emma and Ella Genest have been dancing with us for the past 4 years. Close in age, Ella is currently discovering dance in our Preschool 3 program, while Emma dances her little heart out in Kinderdance! Their mom clued us in on an absolutely precious game they play at home called “dance teacher”, where Emma teaches Ella new moves and routines. Now that’s something that will make any of our instructors beam with joy! 

The Genest family looks forward to seeing their children’s growth at recitals each year. They love getting the girls dressed up in their costumes, inviting their loved ones to the show, and celebrating their hard work. Ashley says that they are typically nearing tears watching them glisten on stage! After their performance, the girls are usually showered in bouquets of flowers and taken out to eat to celebrate. We love creating those celebratory memories for our families!

One of our goals is to make dancing with us easy and convenient for our dance parents. When asked if we had accomplished this, Ashley Genest responded, “Absolutely! This past summer, I noticed that Emma’s feet had seemingly grown overnight and her ballet shoes were getting snug. She was at dance camp and I emailed the studio to see about getting her new ballet shoes. Mrs. Bri got her some, made sure they fit & got them to her in no less than about 10 minutes after I sent the email!” 

Ashley Genest has thanked us for being the “best dance studio we could ever dream up for our girls!” But we’d like to thank her for sharing her sweet girls with us. We’ve treasured our time with them and can’t wait for many more years to come! 

Are you loving these DU Family features as much as we are?! It’s so amazing to hear about the warmth and joy our programs give to these dancers! Stay tuned for more Family Features in the months to come! To learn more about our studio, visit our Faculty Page. 

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