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! 

The post The Dance Parent Toolkit appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

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! 

The post Back to Dance Survival Kit appeared first on Dance Unlimited, LLC.

If you are new to the DU family, it is our pleasure to welcome you this Fall! When you enter into our space, we hope it feels warm, inviting, and JUST like you imagined your child’s first day of dance: super special! 

We know that becoming a new dance parent can come with a lot of new information, so we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about dancing with us. 

DU Welcome Guide for Brand New Dance Parents:

1. What To Wear To Dance Class

Here at DU, we have a required dress code for both our dancers’ safety and technical benefit. The dress code can be found HERE. Be sure to find your child’s class, purchase the required attire, and let us know if you have any questions!

2. Where To Purchase Dancewear

For your convenience, all required dance attire and shoes are available for purchase through Dance Unlimited. Just contact us to place your order! Dancewear can also be ordered directly through our studio store at Discount Dance. 

3. How to Get Your Spirit Wear

Current families can purchase DU Logo merchandise online through our NEW pop-up online store. Families will have 2 weeks to place their orders. We will let our current families know as soon as the online store opens for shopping. Our students LOVE sporting their DU gear in the studio and around the community!

4. Hair Up and Shoelaces Double Knotted!

To ensure that your dancer can see and move without any distractions in class, please make sure their hair is pulled back off their face and their shoelaces are secure. Pro tip: tuck in the elastic bows on your child’s ballet slippers! 

5. What To Pack In Your Child’s Dance Bag

In addition to their shoes, dancers may bring a water bottle to class each week. We kindly ask that you leave toys and food at home! Don’t forget to label your child’s belongings, especially their shoes!

6. COVID-19 Policies

You can find our most updated COVID-19 Policies HERE. Most notably, please make note of our updated mask policy and lobby closure. While masks are not required in the facility at this time, they are optional. So if you’d prefer that your child wear a mask, please email us so we know. The lobby remains closed as a waiting room until further notice.

7. Tuition is Paid Through Our Parent Portal

All payments can be made online and you can access the Parent Portal HERE! Bookmark the link for easy access!  

8. How To Stay In-The-Know All Year Round

We utilize email as our primary means of communication with our dance parents, so the best way to stay updated is to check those inboxes regularly. In addition, it’s a great idea to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you can see our programs in action! You may even see your child’s face pop up on your feed!  

Do you have a question about something that isn’t included in our welcome guide? Check out our FAQ page or contact us today. We’re here to help!

We hope this welcome guide will serve as a helpful tool for all of our brand new dance parents! Becoming a dance parent is special. We’re here to make sure it’s stress-free so you can cherish your child’s first dance moments!

We can’t wait to see you on the dance floor in just a few short weeks! If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to check out the schedule and save your child’s spot soon, as classes are filling quickly. Classes begin on September 13th! 

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