In honor of this milestone, we are so excited to announce a brand new initiative! Drumroll please… Introducing our Legacy Families!

After 25 years, we’ve been lucky enough to touch the lives of countless young dancers who have grown up to become adults, members of the Augusta community, and even parents! When a DU alumni makes the choice to bring their very own children to the studio, we feel honored, grateful, and elated to teach the next generation. 

So of course, we wanted to do something special for those who have shown us loyalty and treasured relationships across multiple generations! Today on the blog, we’re featuring a few of our Legacy Families – families that grew up dancing at DU and now have children of their own enrolled at the studio too! Read on to learn more about them!

Meet our Legacy Families

Legacy Family: Ashlee Dixon, mom of Charlotte (age 8) and Oliver Dixon (age 6)
When were you a student at DU? I began in 2001 when the studio opened and danced until I graduated high school in 2005.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Dancing at the Celtics and gaining my pointe shoes my senior year.
How long have your children been dancing at DU? 7 and 5 years
What made you choose DU for your child? I knew it would enhance their passion and love for dance. Dance U was always going to be where my children danced.
What has changed at the studio since you were a child? The variety of dance styles taught at the studio and the DU performance company.
What has stayed the same?
The family dynamic and feel while being at the studio. The teamwork that you see from everyone no matter the role.
Does your child take your dance advice? Yes, I think she does. I mean I know things have changed since I danced. However the basics have not, I tell them to do their best, work hard, have fun, smile, and soak in all the knowledge they are learning from their instructors.
What is your favorite thing about being a dance parent? I love still being a part of the Dance U Family and seeing dance through my children’s eyes.

Legacy Family: Baileigh Poulin, mom of Chloe Poulin (age 4)
When were you a student at DU? I started in 2007 and danced through 2014. I stayed and danced for an additional year after I graduated high school.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Meeting my best friends!
How long has your child been dancing at DU? 3 Years
What has been your child’s favorite memory at DU? Dancing on the big stage.
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? Seeing all of the alumni with their children, and watching my baby’s love for dance grow.
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? Chloe will break out and dance to any and all songs!
Does your child take your dance advice? Yes
What is your favorite thing about being a dance parent? Knowing my child is loved every time she walks through the doors. 

Legacy Family: Jessica DeStefano, mom of Sophia (age 3)
When were you a student at DU? 2002. I started dancing at Dance Unlimited in 6th grade (after switching from another studio) and stayed until I graduated high school in 2009. And then when I graduated from college, I immediately returned to take adult classes and teach.
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? Dancing to Thriller at the opening of a Boston Celtics game
How long have your children been dancing at DU? 3 years
What made you choose DU for your child? We never considered any other options. I knew Sophia would love being a part of the Dance Unlimited family as much as I have. I have so much trust in Mrs. Laura and the rest of the DU staff to give her the best dance education possible.
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? The Dance Unlimited studio felt like home to me for so long and I have so many amazing memories there. It’s amazing to relive those memories with my daughter.
What has changed at the studio since you were a child? So much! When I first started dancing at Dance Unlimited it was a tiny studio on Water St. and Mrs. Laura was the only teacher.
What has stayed the same? The love. Love for dance and for every dancer at the studio.
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? The Moana and Encanto soundtracks. 

Legacy Family: Stephanie Robinson, mom of Eleanor (age 5)
When were you a student at DU? 2001-2006
What is your favorite DU Memory from when you were a dancer here? I vividly remember dancing to Justin Timberlake, all decked out in a glittery outfit on stage! Somehow I still remember some of the moves!
What made you choose DU for your child? I wanted my daughter to have the opportunity to gain a love for Dance, just like I did.  I knew DU was the best place from experience! 
What is the best part of being a 2nd Generation family at DU? I know she’s in good hands! It’s surreal to have her dance at the same place I did as a child! I love seeing her enjoy dance the way i always have!
What is your go-to song for at-home dance parties with your child? Ironically, Justin Timberlake- “I got this feeling”!
Does your child take your dance advice? Depends on the day but overall I’d say yes! She has been consistent all year and was so brave on stage!
What’s your favorite thing about being a dance parent? Seeing my child stay consistent and progress at something she works hard at week after week! Seeing her shine on stage is the cherry on top!

We cherish the relationships that we’ve built with these families over the years! It is impactful to hear how DU has been woven into their treasured memories as a family! We hope you enjoyed hearing from DU Alumni as much as we did!

The post Creating a Dance Legacy appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Our DUPC dancers attend multiple competitions and conventions throughout the year. They train in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, Acro, and Ballet and those of age and ability also train in Pointe. The DUPC is for dancers who want more time on stage and are ready to take their dance training to the next level in a team environment.

In addition to getting extra performance opportunities throughout the dance year, our DUPC dancers participate in community events, volunteer, and fundraise. They are role models within our studio community!

So who’s ready to meet the dancers? We asked them a few questions to help us get to know them a little better. Check out their responses below! 

Josephine T.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 10 Years

Favorite style of dance? That’s a tough question…but it’s a tie between Jazz and Contemporary

Favorite food? Chicken tenders and fries

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift. I love her music and I can relate to some of her songs.

Favorite TV show or movie? Coraline

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would share it with my mom and I would give some to the food bank for people in need.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To become a professional dancer and make my family proud.

Erica S.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 14 Years

Favorite style of dance? Jazz

Favorite food? Eggo Chocolatey Chip Waffles

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Mr Beast, he helps people and his chocolate candy bars are good

Favorite TV show or movie? Grandma’s Boy

What would you do with a billion dollars? Upgrade our house, put some into a SP500, some into a savings account, shopping

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Binge watching TV

What is one of your goals for the future? Not to be poor

Lucia S.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 7 Years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop

Favorite food? Potstickers

Favorite TV show or movie? Knives Out

What would you do with a billion dollars? Take a trip to Japan

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Softball

What is one of your goals for the future? I want to be in the DU Splits Club this year!

Ruby A.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 3 years

Favorite style of dance? Tap and Modern

Favorite food? 5 cheese tortellini

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift, I love her music.

Favorite TV show or movie? Once Upon a Time

What would you do with a billion dollars? No idea! That’s a lot of money.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Art and playing the flute

What is one of your goals for the future? To get all three of my splits and level up my acro skills.

Nora K.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8 years

Favorite style of dance? Acro

Favorite food? Chicken Pot Pie

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift – she is very talented at what she does.

Favorite TV show or movie? Girls Just Want to Have Fun

What would you do with a billion dollars? Donate it to a homeless shelter

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To do an ariel.

Kennedy G.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 11 years

Favorite style of dance? Tap

Favorite food? Bread

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Billie Eilish. Her Music

Favorite TV show or movie? The Rookie

What would you do with a billion dollars? Save for the future, give to family, and donate  to charity

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Crafting

What is one of your goals for the future? Go to LADM for fashion design.

Gabby  T.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 13 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop and Jazz

Favorite food? Pasta salad

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Briar Nolet. She is a really strong all around dancer.

Favorite TV show or movie? Dance Moms

What would you do with a billion dollars? College education, dream car, and donate some to help others

What is one of your goals for the future? To go to college and get my dream job after.

Ellie R.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 2 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop

Favorite food? Cinnamon Rolls

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Lizzo, I like her music.

Favorite TV show or movie? Barbie Movie

What would you do with a billion dollars? Donate it to people in need.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Basketball

What is one of your goals for the future? Become a hairdresser.

Kaitlyn O.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 7 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop

Favorite food? Mac and Cheese

Favorite TV show or movie? Any movie that’s funny!

What would you do with a billion dollars? College, car.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Art

What is one of your goals for the future? Become a dance teacher.

Brylee M.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8 years

Favorite style of dance? Modern

Favorite food? Mac and cheese

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift. Because she’s a great singer (I love all her songs! ) and she’s a good person.

Favorite TV show or movie? Descendants

What would you do with a billion dollars? Give some to a charity, help my parents pay off their bills, give some to Dance U to help Miss Laura for all her hard work, and save some.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing

What is one of your goals for the future? To be a good person and have a good job.

Thank you, dancers, for sharing a little bit more about your life both in and out of the dance studio!

Our DUPC dancers recently competed at Turn it up Dance Challenge in Portland. Check out our Facebook page to see the awards and accolades these dancers received. 

We are SO proud of their dancing, work ethic, and sportsmanship!

If your child is interested in joining the DUPC, please save the date for our upcoming auditions on June 2, 2024. We’re always looking for hardworking, passionate dancers to join us. Visit our website to learn more and RSVP.

The post Meet Our DUPC Dancers! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Our Elite Team is our most advanced team and is made up of students ages 10-18. The elite-level dancers are striving for added excellence in their dance training. This team attends multiple competitions and conventions throughout the year, in addition to their weekly technique classes, rehearsals, and being proud members of the Dance Unlimited Performance Company. They train in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, Acro, and Ballet and those of age and ability also train in Pointe.

So who’s ready to meet the dancers? We asked them a few questions to help us get to know them a little better. Check out their responses below! 

Myla N.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 9 Years

Favorite style of dance? Modern

Favorite food? Dilly Beans

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Morgan Wallen because he is a good singer.

Favorite TV show or movie? The Girl Who Believes in Miracles

What would you do with a billion dollars? Give half to my parents and use the rest for when I get older.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Horseback riding and art 

What is one of your goals for the future? To have my dream car.

Lila B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 4 Years

Favorite style of dance? A mix of hip-hop, jazz, and modern. 

Favorite food? Fruit

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Olivia Rodrigo because I like her music and how she is her own person.

Favorite TV show or movie? Young Sheldon; it is a tie between Sneakerella and the Greatest Showman.

What would you do with a billion dollars? Keep some to myself; give some to Make-A-Wish and other organizations that give to disabled people like my brother.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Soccer and writing.

What is one of your goals for the future? To go to college to get my dream job.

Alexia B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 14 Years

Favorite style of dance? Lyrical

Favorite food? Ice Cream

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Jordan Clark. I used to watch her show “The Next Step” when I was younger and then a few years later I got the opportunity to dance in one of her classes at one of our conventions. I love watching her dance and she’s one of my role models.

Favorite TV show or movie? My favorite tv show is “Friends” and my favorite movie is “The Twilight Series”.

What would you do with a billion dollars? Go to college, pursue a career in dance, buy a house, and donate some to people in need.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Art

What is one of your goals for the future? Get a college degree

Olivia B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 14 Years

Favorite style of dance? Lyrical & Ballroom

Favorite food? Sushi

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift- Because she has a great stage presence

Favorite TV show or movie? Gilmore Girls

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would buy a new car

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Field hockey

What is one of your goals for the future? To be a nurse practitioner

Mia N.

How long have you been dancing at DU? Since I was 3 years old

Favorite style of dance? Contemporary

Favorite food? Pizza

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Zendaya

Favorite TV show or movie? Ironman

What would you do with a billion dollars? Put it towards college, buy houses and a few cars. I would get a dog or two!

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Building legos

What is one of your goals for the future? Get my driver’s license!

Addison B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? About 9 years

Favorite style of dance? Lyrical/contemporary

Favorite food? Baked Potatoes

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Lainey Wilson

Favorite TV show or movie? Dance Moms

What would you do with a billion dollars? Travel the world like Europe, Maldives, and South Africa.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Travel, soccer, and skiing. 

What is one of your goals for the future? To get into medical school. 

Ainsley N.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 5 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop

Favorite food? Spaghetti

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift, because I love her music. 

Favorite TV show or movie? My Little Pony

What would you do with a billion dollars? Donate a lot of it to charity.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Singing!

What is one of your goals for the future? To be as good of a dancer as my dance teachers. 

Cassidy B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 11 years

Favorite style of dance? Jazz

Favorite food? Chicken Tenders

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift because she works really hard for her career.

Favorite TV show or movie? Desperate Housewives

What would you do with a billion dollars? Go on lots of vacations

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Field hockey

What is one of your goals for the future? To be successful

Vitalia B.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8 years

Favorite style of dance? Lyrical

Favorite food? Pasta

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Sofi Dossi, because she’s a contortionist.

Favorite TV show or movie? Dance Moms

What would you do with a billion dollars? Get an extension on the studio and add more studio rooms! 

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drums

What is one of your goals for the future? Ariel and backhand spring on hardwood floor

Aubryana C. 

How long have you been dancing at DU? 8.5 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop and contemporary

Favorite food? Fruit salad and pasta

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? My favorite celebrity is Lainey Wilson because she’s such a amazing country singer and puts out positive messages to the world.

Favorite TV show or movie? Fuller House and Ninja Turtles

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would give some to family because they deserve the world and the rest would be used for future spendings. 

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Soccer

What is one of your goals for the future? To grow better and stronger in my dancing each year. 

Haylee C.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 9 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop

Favorite food? Dino nuggets

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? My mom!

Favorite TV show or movie? Chicago PD

What would you do with a billion dollars? New house, new boat, new tow truck, and help animals.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Field hockey

What is one of your goals for the future? Get better at tap.

Kenna C.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 6 years

Favorite style of dance? Acro

Favorite food? Homemade mac and cheese

Favorite TV show or movie? Toy Story

What would you do with a billion dollars? Spend it on dance!

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Playing with my friends

What is one of your goals for the future? To start to like vegetables

Sailor D.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 4 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip hop and lyrical

Favorite food? Pork

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Sofie Dossi because I love watching and learning how to be a contortionist just her. I also love Lucille Ball from I Love Lucy because she is so funny and my favorite episode is The Girls Want To Go To A Nightclub.

Favorite TV show or movie? I have two favorite shows on Netflix and one is Cobra Kai because I love to try and copy all the karate moves. The other is All Of Us Are Dead because I love Zombies and love pretending to act like one. On tv I love watching Dr. Pimple Popper and I try to practice on my dad but he won’t let me. My favorite movies are Life of The Party and The Lost City because they’re so funny!

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would buy the most fashionable clothes, a Gucci bag, Versace perfume, and buy myself a car.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? I’m really good at doing makeup, basketball, swimming, doing math, baking, training dogs, and being an actress and fashion star.

What is one of your goals for the future? My goal is to dance really hard so I can travel. I’m really hoping to dance in Europe, Hawaii, Paris, and New York.

Charlotte D.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 7 years

Favorite style of dance? Acro

Favorite food? Ravioli

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift because she is a great singer

Favorite TV show or movie? Barbie Movies

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would travel anywhere I want.

Besides dance, what are you really good at? I’m really good at math.

What is one of your goals for the future?  I want to be able to do an aerial.

Elyse E.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 12 years

Favorite style of dance? Modern

Favorite food? Ice Cream

Favorite TV show or movie? Stranger Things

What would you do with a billion dollars? Travel the world

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Field hockey

Morgan H.

How long have you been dancing at DU? 5 years

Favorite style of dance? Hip Hop

Favorite food? Popcorn

Who is your favorite celebrity and why? Taylor Swift because she has a lot of songs I like to listen to. 

Favorite TV show or movie? Tangled

What would you do with a billion dollars? I would donate it to animal shelters. 

Besides dance, what are you really good at? Drawing and coloring

What is one of your goals for the future? To go to college.

Thank you, dancers, for sharing a little bit more about your life both in and out of the dance studio!

You can catch our talented Elite Team at An Evening of Dance on March 30th at 6pm at the Winthrop Performing Arts Center. Just click here to purchase tickets!

If your child is interested in joining the DUPC, auditions will be held in early June. We’re always looking for hardworking, passionate dancers to join us. Check our Facebook Page for updates and reminders!    

The post Meet the Elites! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

Bring-a-Friend Week

WHEN: October 9 – 13, 2023
WHERE: Dance Unlimited
WHO: DU Dancers and Their Friends
>>RSVP HERE

The studio will be full of energy as our dancers invite their friends into our studio home and show them what Dance Unlimited is all about! 

During this special week, our talented teachers will be giving our guests a peek into what normal dance classes are like at the studio. They’ll be slightly adjusting their lesson plans to make sure that ALL our guests feel welcome and inspired! Parents can expect lots of learning, laughter, and camaraderie. 

Guests do not need previous dance experience or dance attire. All levels are welcome! We also don’t want our guests to worry about dance attire or proper dance shoes. Athletic clothing that allows movement and a pair of socks (or clean gym shoes for hip hop) will work great! 

Ready to have a fantastic week?

Follow the steps below to get started! 

1. If you are a current student, start thinking about who you’d like to invite to join you in class! 
2. Have your friend (or their parents!) RSVP. You can also forward them any of the Bring-a-Friend emails, social posts, OR this blog article! 
3. Check-in with your friend a day or two before class. Let them know you’ll meet them in the lobby, show them where to keep their belongings, and walk them to class. 
4. Get excited! We can’t wait to welcome your friends to Dance Unlimited!

If you are a potential new family and do not have an invite from a current DU dancer, you are welcome to join in the fun too! All we ask is that you RSVP so our team can plan accordingly. The more the merrier! 

Year after year, it is SO rewarding to see our current students step up as leaders in the classroom especially during Bring-a-Friend Week. Our DU values are on FULL display! Learn more about our studio values HERE.  

Bring-a-Friend Week at Dance Unlimited is a reminder that in the world of dance, there’s always room for one more!  Every new dancer who walks into Dance Unlimited brings a unique perspective to our studio. Our dancers (and their families!) are what make Dance Unlimited an amazing place to dance. 

We look forward to welcoming LOTS of new faces to the studio October 9-13. Get your invites out today! Let’s dance together and create memories that will last a lifetime!

The post Dance Friends are the BEST Friends! appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

If you know Poppi, you know that he brings out the best in others. He reminds us all about what it means to be a member of the DU Family, exemplifying our studio’s core values. Passion, Acceptance, Nurture, Development, and Achievement are the values we hold onto with pride as we create our programs and opportunities for young dancers. 

One of the ways we live out our studio mission is by giving back to our community. There are so many opportunities to get involved with community service in Augusta, and we can’t wait to share how DU gives back each year! 

3 Ways that DU Gives Back:

1. Have a Heart Food Drive

Each February, our studio celebrates Valentine’s Day by extending our hearts to those in need. We collect food and personal care items that are distributed to the Augusta Food Bank. Year after year, we see how much of a contribution we are able to make when our studio families all come together to give. This year, we were overjoyed by yet another successful Food Drive!

2. Valentine’s Day Cards for Health Facilities 

To make the season of love even sweeter, we also encourage our dancers to create Valentine’s Cards patients at local Healthcare facilities. This year, we had enough cards to give to not one, but two facilities. We love making others feel a little extra love on Valentine’s Day! 

3. Live Performances in our Community

During the holiday season, our DUPC dancers perform at the annual Augusta Tree Lighting. It’s one of our favorite events of the year as we share our passion for dance with the community. We treasure the smiles, laughter, and joy we get from the audience and it reminds us of how dance brings people together. 

Our studio vision is about more than just great dancing. It’s about nurturing young spirits, accepting others, fostering passion, and so much more! Giving back to our community is one of the ways that we teach our students the value of community. 

Community service in Augusta is so valuable for young minds. Our dancers are shaped by the goals we set for them and the opportunities we give them. We love showing them that #DanceUCares! 

We love our Augusta community and we love giving back! Thank you to all our families who participated in our charity events this February!

The post DU Gives Back! 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! 

The post 4 Reasons Why Kids Need Dance Right Now appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

We pride ourselves in providing the best kids dance classes in Augusta, Maine. Between our convenient options for parents, our spectacular class experience, and our family-friendly atmosphere, we know how to make the WHOLE family smile. 

What makes us so special? Today on the blog, we’re breaking it down because we can’t help but share the greatness! 

4 Ways That We Set Ourselves Apart From the Rest:

1. All-Inclusive Pricing

We know our dance parents have A LOT on their plates. That’s why we do whatever we can to make their lives easier. Our pricing is uniquely convenient because it ALL comes down to just 1 monthly payment. No extras.

Your monthly tuition payment includes class tuition, all recital costumes, performance tights, and all performance accessories. All DU families also receive 2 complimentary tickets to our annual recital and a free digital performance download. 

We love our All-Inclusive Pricing setup because it means NO surprise fees throughout the year. There are NO additional costs for performances. You won’t be bombarded with extra costume costs around the holidays or the end of the year. Your monthly payment takes care of it ALL. 

2. A Clear Path for Level Progression 

At DU, we strive to make sure that every child’s experience is phenomenal. Our programs have a clear level progression so every child can find a class that meets them at their skill level. View our new program guide here! 

Better yet, our program progression makes it easy to measure growth and see what a dancer is working towards. Our dance classes run on a school year calendar, but there is no restarting each fall. We always progress a child’s training so they continue to grow year after year. 

3. 20 AMAZING Years of Experience

Big news! This past year, we celebrated our 20th anniversary year of kids dance classes in Augusta! We’ve treasured the past 20 years of providing amazing dance education to our community, and we can’t wait for 20 more!

What does this mean for our families? Well, it means we’ve had 20 years to work out kinks and grow our programs to be the best they can be. They say practice makes perfect and that has held true at our studio throughout the years. 

We know how to offer AMAZING classes that are convenient and affordable for parents. We’ve had time to perfect our studio procedures so everything is on point and organized for our dance families. Our recitals have grown into spectacular productions over the years. Most importantly, our 20 years of dance education make us confident that we are giving you nothing but the BEST. 

4. More Than Just Dance

At Dance Unlimited, our motto is “inspiring confidence, embracing compassion, and building community.” We may teach our students stellar dance moves, but when they leave the studio, they have gained so much more than just the steps. 

At our studio, we watch as our students form life-long friendships with other dancers. Even if kids attend different schools or aren’t placed in the same school class, they are able to see each other each week at dance. 

When we asked our students why they dance, we got some answers that made our hearts just soar! “When I dance, I feel safe” said Ashley, age 3. Jasmine, one of our 6-year-old dancers said, “when I dance, I feel good about myself.” Even better, 11-year-old Kara told us, “When I am at Dance U, I am part of a family. Everyone is loved.” Our studio’s motto rings true for our students time and time again. 

Are you ready to experience the DU difference?! We are currently accepting enrollment for our 2020/2021 Dance Classes. With limited class sizes due to COVID-19, some classes are already filling. Click here to view the schedule and don’t wait, register today! 

The post The DU Difference: What Makes Us Special appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

With uncertainty about schools, daycare, and activities, we know our dance parents have a lot of difficult decisions ahead. As we prepare to open up our doors for another season of spectacular dance classes in Augusta, one thing is becoming very clear: preparation is key. Things will look a little different for our kids this Fall, but with preparation and clear guidelines, we are confident that our children can adapt!

Preparing for a safe return to dance classes is our top priority. Our dance floors have been taped off into socially distant personal squares for each dancer to move within. Class sizes are now smaller to allow for proper distancing. We are staying 6-feet away from our students and reminding them to use hand sanitizer often. Our facilities are cleaner and more organized than ever before so every child knows exactly how to stay safe. 

We couldn’t work ANY of our magic without the continued support of our fabulous dance parents. Today on the blog, we are sharing what YOU can do to help your child stay safe this fall. 

How to Prepare Your Child for a Safe Return to Dance: 

1. Teach Your Child about Germs and Best Hygiene Practices

This one is especially important for our tiniest dancers! It’s never too early to teach them about germs and how they are spread. Reminding your child to cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing, showing them how to properly wash their hands, and telling them to keep their hands away from their mouth/face goes a long way when returning to dance classes! 

2. Practice Social Distancing At Home

Amongst our teachers at Dance Unlimited, we often joke about how dancers have been “preparing” for a socially distant lifestyle for the entirety of their training! It’s true, dancers are EXPERTS at spatial awareness and maintaining spacing while moving through the room. 

Show your child what 6 feet looks like. Ask them to place their stuffed animals 6 feet apart and teach them some dance moves. Skip across your backyard while staying socially distant. Most importantly, show them how to speak to others without breaking that 6-foot barrier. All of this will help them feel confident and comfortable heading back to dance. 

3. Send Your Child to The Studio Ready To Go!

Prior to COVID-19 craziness, our dance families were always welcome to use our dressing rooms to change into dance clothes and store their belongings. However, to reduce the number of shared surfaces and germ spreading, the more you can show up completely ready to go, the better.

If your child is enrolled in just one class, we ask that you come to the studio fully dressed with nothing but essential items. For all other students, pack your dance bag with shoes and water only. Be sure to eat your snacks before entering our space and come prepared and on-time to class! 

4. Staying Positive During This Uncertain Time!

Parents are the most important impact on a child’s attitude and readiness to adapt to new circumstances. We love our dance parents and are SO thankful for your continued support of your child and our studio. We know you have a lot on your plate right now. Reminding yourself to stay positive and excited for what’s ahead while in front of your child may be difficult during stressful times, but we know it will go a long way once your child heads into class! 

We are SO excited for another great year of dance classes in Augusta. If you’re ready for a safe, fun, and socially distant return to dance, be sure to check out our Fall Dance Schedule. With smaller class sizes, don’t forget to save your child’s spot and register today!  

Once again, the safety of our dance families and staff is our number one priority. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue dancing and we are committed to doing so safely. We can’t wait for a great year!

The post Preparing for a Safe Return to Dance: What WE’RE Doing and What YOU Can Do To Help appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.