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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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.

We’ve been busy welcoming LOTS of new faces to the studio. We know that trying a new activity can be nerve-wracking. One of our goals at Dance Unlimited is to make dancing at our studio an enjoyable experience for your WHOLE family. 

In that spirit, we wanted to pass on our top tips for new Dance Unlimited families. We want you to know exactly what to expect when you arrive at the studio. Find even MORE advice for new dance families HERE. 

We recommend reading through these tips before you arrive and also taking a few minutes to discuss logistics with your child. Children of all ages (adults too!) feel more confident and empowered when they know what to expect. 

Top Tips for NEW Dance Unlimited Families: 

Tip #1

Plan to drop off and pick up your dancer. We kindly ask that all students age 7 and under have a parent or guardian bring them into the building, especially all of our new students!  Our studio lobby is open for studio business and closed as a waiting area. Our staff and the welcome committee will make sure everyone knows where to go!

Tip #2

Prep the dance bag! Your dancer should have a designated bag for their dance items. After changing into their dance shoes, they can place their personal items in their bag. Dancers will bring their dance bags into the studio. Please put your child’s name on EVERYTHING (inside dance shoes with a permanent marker is best!).

Tip #3

After getting ready for class, dancers will wait for their teacher outside the classroom door. Our teachers will open the studio doors and ask their dancers to line up. The dancers will enter the studio together. Let the fun begin!

This might all feel a little overwhelming but in just a few weeks BOTH you and your child will have the routine down. If you have any questions about classes or what to expect, you can always send us a message. We are happy to help! We also recommend following us on Facebook. Show your child some pictures from the studio and browse through our old posts. 

Our teachers are already seeing students make huge strides in their technique and begin to form friendships with their classmates. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store! Registration is OPEN in classes with availability. If you haven’t registered for dance classes yet, it’s not too late! 

View the schedule and register HERE. 

We recommend registering soon as many of our popular classes WILL fill. We don’t want your family to miss out on any of the exciting things we have in the works for our 23rd dance season! 

The post What to Expect When You Arrive at Dance Unlimited appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Parents work day in and day out to provide, support, and nurture. They remember their children’s needs while also working to meet their own, and don’t blink an eye when putting their children first. That’s why our hearts are soaring when parents choose us for their children’s after school enrichment needs!

Our children need SO much right now, and dance has the perfect set of benefits. So today on the blog, we’d love to tell you about the things dance class brings to your child and what that means for their lives. 

4 Reasons Why Kids Need Dance Right Now:

• Consistency Creates Ease

When you sign up for weekly dance classes at Dance Unlimited, your child gains a consistent after school activity on their schedule. Here, they can always expect to build upon their dance skills each week, working towards our year-end recital. This consistency offers stability in their lives. When children (or adults!) have stability, they can rest easy, feel calm and secure in their day-to-day, and move forward with ease.

But don’t take our word for it! Check out this article for more details on why consistency is important for kids!  

• Friendships Create A Sense of Belonging

Coming out of a time where many activities and social events were canceled or made virtual, our childrens’ social skills need more nourishment than ever before. When they meet up with the same peers for smiles and dancing every week, they create friendships. This makes children feel connected to their community, but more importantly, they feel like they belong. The need to belong is programmed deep within all of us, and the DU community is a place where all are welcomed with open arms!

• Healthy Bodies Create Smart Minds

When children attend our weekly dance classes, they don’t just learn impressive dance moves. They improve their coordination, gross motor skills, flexibility, and strength. Even more impressive is how these things increase brain function! That’s right, dancing bodies are healthy bodies, and healthy bodies create smart minds. Check out this article for more insight on how physical activity helps your child learn!

• Positive Reinforcement Creates Confidence

We love celebrating our students’ successes in dance class. When parents are busy and kids are rushing to and from school, these successes may get lost in the shuffle. In our weekly dance classes, our teachers are there to nurture your child with their undivided attention. We watch closely as they work towards their goals and we offer positive encouragement every step of the way. Our students see this and grow into confident dancers who believe in themselves and their own abilities. 

Can you believe that these 4 benefits are just a fraction of the benefits that our weekly dance classes provide? They are some of the most applicable to our students right now, but it does NOT stop here! 

We know that parents are invested in their children’s needs and want only the best for them. That’s why we’re honored to provide only the best dance education! Enrollment in our weekly classes is closed right now… but don’t worry! Our summer enrollment AND VIP 2022/2023 enrollment will be opening very soon! 

We can’t wait for your child to soar with us! 

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Our absolute FAVORITE time of year has begun: Recital Season! Our dances are coming to life, we’ve started sending our shimmering costumes home, and we’re officially preparing our students for the best dance recital in Augusta! 

Earlier this month, we announced our 2021 Recital Theme: The Journey is Yours! We are so excited to take the audience on a dance-filled adventure! While our recital venue details are still taking shape during this time, we’re again committed to offering a fantastic experience for our families, whatever it may look like! 

Recital information can be difficult to keep track of, especially for first-time dance parents. Between costume care, rehearsal schedules, and getting your child ready, it can be tricky to sort through it all! Whether you’re new or returning, we’re eager to help all of our dance families have a smooth recital experience. 

With the help of our veteran dance parents and teachers, we’ve put together this huge list of tips and tricks for the best dance recital in Augusta! Check it out!

Before Recital Week:

• • Read ALL your DU Recital Emails! Over the next couple of months, we’ll be sending out ALL the vital info. Rehearsal schedules, dates, and day-of must-haves will all be in your inboxes! Don’t forget to mark those calendars early and put DU emails in a folder for quick access.  In addition, you can always find your emails in the Parent Portal too!
  • Hang your tutus upside down and let shower steam take care of the wrinkles! Whatever you do, DON’T iron!
  • Label EVERYTHING! Put your child’s initials in all of their costume tags. Don’t forget about shoes, tights, and accessory bags.
  • Add a Ziploc bag on each costume hanger for hairpieces and accessories! 
  • Invest in a nude leotard and a clothing rack for easy costume changes. DU sells nude leotards that serve as the perfect undergarment during quick changes. Your dancer can arrive with warm-ups over their leotard and slip their costume on top. Clothing racks are a must-have for students with tons of dances!
  • Check out some ballet bun tutorials on Youtube! This video is great for a classic ballet bun, and this video uses a bun maker tool which can be a little easier! 
  • Encourage your dancer to perform their routine for you at home. This can really help with those pre-show jitters! 

On the Big Day:

• • Build in more time than you think for getting your dancer ready. Hair, make-up, and packing your costume bag take time. There’s nothing worse than rushing!
  • Pack a bag of hair and makeup supplies for touch-ups.
  • Be sure to secure hair pieces with TONS of bobby pins. They can fall out easily.
  • Have your dancer wear a button-up or zip-up jacket on their way to and from recital. This is the best way to avoid hair and makeup struggles! 
  • Pack mess-free snacks and water only! We don’t want to ruin those beautiful costumes.
  • Take pictures, but be sure to put the phone down and live in the moment! You’ll cherish these memories forever.  
  • No stress, no problems! The community amongst our DU parents and staff is remarkable. There is always someone around to help you out and ease your worries. 

We asked our veteran dance parents to help us make this list and let’s just say they exceeded our expectations! In addition to practical tips, they shared some heartwarming thoughts about recital week. Check out some quotes below for a sneak peek of the DU recital magic!

“Don’t stress. Every single minute has been carefully planned by the DU staff! TRUST them! They are PROFESSIONALS!” ~Desireé L

“One of the best things about DU and recital time is the true feeling of the DU family. Everyone treats the person next to them like they were their own. Enjoy and watch the kids shine. You will see them like you have never seen them before.” ~Troy T.

“These kids and staff have worked hard all year long and can’t wait for you to be there. These moments pass by too fast. Enjoy every moment.” ~Melissa W. 

We’re working hard in class to perfect our recital routines and prepare our dancers! Be sure to follow us on Facebook for sneak peeks and recital updates! We can’t wait to host the best dance recital in Augusta and share this special day with our dancers!

The post Tips for The Best Recital EVER appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

What’s not to LOVE about a holiday filled with tons of hearts and treats?! Celebrating Valentine’s Day is fun for the littles AND a special day for mom and dad too! How do you like to spread the love each year with your family? Enjoy our list of at-home Valentine’s actives and let us know if you give any of our ideas a try! 

4 Ways to Celebrate L.O.V.E. At Home This Valentines Day:

L is for Local Shops and Restaurants

Here at Dance Unlimited, we love supporting our fellow local small businesses! Most of us LOVE to fill our Valentines Day with sweet treats, yummy food, and some lovely flowers for our family. This year, during a difficult time for small businesses, get your Valentines goodies from one of these local gems:

• Augusta Florist or Berry and Berry Floral – Flowers for your special someone!
• Bagel Mainea – Fresh bagels for breakfast!
• Wicked Whoopies – Whoopie pies!
• Augusta Seafood Inc. or Sandy Point Seafood – For a fresh seafood dinner!
• Sweet Chilli Thai, or State Lunch   – A lovely dinner and cocktails to go! 

O is for Organizing a Virtual Craft Party

Crafting is a Valentine’s staple for the little ones! If you can’t get together with friends or exchange Valentines like normal, hop on zoom and complete a craft with friends and family. The kids will LOVE showing off their creations. Check out this list of TONS of simple Valentines crafts for kids! 

V is for Valentine’s Games At Home

Those games from elementary school Valentine’s parties are SO fun! Why not have a family game night at home?! The kids will be ecstatic. We’ve rounded up two great lists with plenty of at-home game ideas here:

• 7 Valentine’s Games for Kids to Play At-Home – Great for younger ones!
• 37 Best Valentine’s Games – Some games with at-home items, and some with links to buy awesome materials! 

E is for Enjoying an At-Home Date Night

Hey dance moms and dads, YOU deserve a date night, ESPECIALLY on Valentine’s Day! Don’t let the pandemic stop you! 

• Have a paint night.  Check Facebook for free links or click here for Paint Kits
• Have a fondu night!   Chocolate Fountain
• Create an at-home theatre night.  Check out all the Broadway shows on Netflix and Disney!

We hope this list of at-home Valentine’s activities makes your celebration a little more love-ly! Have anything to add? We are always looking for more ways to celebrate with the kiddos!

Spending Valentine’s Day with kids and family can really spread the love all around! Here at DU, we LOVE to dance and we love our students, so celebrating Valentine’s Day with them each year fills our hearts to the max! Happy Valentine’s Day, DU families! 

Still looking to join us for the 2020/2021 dance year? The deadline to register and perform in the recital is Feb. 28. Check out the schedule here. 

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Now that school has started and fall sports are wrapping up… it could be the perfect time for your child to pick up a dance class! Whether your child is brand new to dance, or you’re joining back in after some time away from the studio, we welcome you to check our 2020/2021 Dance Schedule!

Today we are sharing some of our time-tested tips for easing back into dance this school year. Many of our dancers are returning to the studio after months at home, and many of them are building their dance skills for the first time. Whatever the circumstance, it is important for our dance families to practice self-care and patience while returning to the studio!

4 Tips for Easing Back Into Fall Dance Classes:

1. Create a weekly routine and post it somewhere at home

Growing up as a young dancer, it was always SO exciting to sit down with mom, pick out dance classes for the year, and choose what other fun activities to sign up for. When kids take an active role in picking their own activities, they are more likely to be excited about their schedule and committing to a new routine!

Penciling in your child’s dance classes on your family calendar, or even allowing them to create their own calendar is a great way to ease into Fall. Put it up on your fridge or in your child’s bedroom, serving as a daily reminder of their weekly routine! 

2. Establish a consistent bedtime routine

This is something that always gets a little relaxed in the summer when kids don’t have school, but it is SO important once their days get busy again. Heading to bed at the same time each night and encouraging screen-free time to wind down will make all the difference this Fall!

P.S. This one isn’t just for the kiddos! Parents, we know this time of year is busy for YOU too! One of the best self-care tasks you can do for yourself is prioritizing your sleep. Put those phones down and catch some well-deserved Zs! 

3. Stretch at home

This one is important for ALL of our dancers, but especially for those who have had months off of dance during the summer months or during quarantine. Jumping in with no time to recondition your body will be shocking for those tight muscles, causing soreness and stiffness that no dancer ever wants! 

We encourage our dancers to take 5-10 minutes at home, a couple days each week to stretch out. Taking some time to stretch before and after heading to class is also a great way to reduce the risk of injury as you ease back into dance. 

4. Don’t forget to pencil in some down-time! 

As your child’s schedule gets busier and activities are finally happening after months of cancellations, it’s easy to want to do it ALL! But without taking breaks, burnout and exhaustion becomes likely. Use the weekend to recharge and be sure to encourage your child to rest! This will make their new dance schedule sustainable, bringing them joy ALL year round! 

We hope this list helps our dance families ease back into our awesome Fall Dance Classes. We are aiming for no stress, and all smiles this Fall after a chaotic end to last year! 

It’s not too late to join us as we return to dance for our 2020/2021 Season! We still have openings in select classes. Check out our class schedule and register online today! 

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