Do you have a budding dancer at home? A little one who just loves to move to the beat (or perhaps off-beat?!)? A tween looking to explore a new interest? Dance may just be the fall activity you're looking for. I know from experience, when shopping around for a dance studio there are a bunch of variables and no shortage of options to consider. There's location, class schedule, skill level, student maturity/experience, price, hidden fees- the list goes on. You can make spread sheets for days, but ultimately, it comes down to a feeling. Where is your child's dance home? Where will they come and shed their inhibitions, mingle with friends, forge new independent paths and find the courage to try new things? Because that is what dance is all about. Of course, there is a skill set to be learned and muscles to train, but most importantly, there is a child developing. A dance home sees all of that and provides the foundation to flourish. As Miss Angelica, owner of the Dance Effect always tells her students "This is hard, yes; but we can do hard things". It's a core value at TDE and it applies to so much more than pirouettes. Confidence, grit, determination are life skills they gain through dance. Each time they learn a new step, each week they kick a little higher and certainly each time they take the stage to preform- they are developing core values that will help them succeed long after tap class has ended. When "shopping" for a studio, be sure to pay special attention the culture of the studio and be sure it's a place your child is greeted with joy.
By now you've probably guessed it; my family's dance home is The Dance Effect PAC. Miss Angelica and her team have nurtured my daughters for the last six years. From Itty Bitty Ballerinas to Funk Monkeys and now the youngest is graduating to the Academy Dance program- it's been a long, but wonderful ride. Each week, my girls sprint through the doors because they are met with a team of compassionate teachers and friends. So on the long list of shopping "variables"; when it comes to dance home TDE is an easy and resounding check. There are still others so, here's a run down to help you out:
- Location: 3563 Schyukill Rd Spring City. The studio sits at the cross section of Owen J Roberts, Spring-Ford and Phoenixville school districts. There are kids enrolled from all three as well as private schools and daycares.
- Class Schedule: Classes are offered at a variety of times, especially for younger dancers. Weekday, week night and weekend times work to give flexibility on class type (ballet, jazz, tumbling, mommy and me, etc)
- Commitment: students can enroll for the year or for a 6 week session. Sessions are great for those who aren't sure what type of dance they'd like best and want to "dabble".
- Skill Level: TDE welcomes students of all skill levels and even has beginner level courses for big kids designed specifically to catch them up to the skill level of their peers
- Price: dance is an investment, there's no way around it. Pricing at TDE is competitive and varies according to length of class/hours danced per week. Discovery classes are typically priced under $100 per 6 week session.
- Additional/Hidden Fees: TDE prides itself on no hidden fees. All fall dancers perform in the holiday showcase in December free of charge. The cost of the spring show is included in tuition for Academy Dancers. Discovery Dancers have the option to perform in the spring recital, but it is certainly not a requirement. Those who choose to can add a performance package which can be distributed throughout the year or paid in the spring at recital sign up.
Finally, there is no way to tell if a studio feels like "home" until you try it! Sign up for a free trial class and see what it's all about for yourself!
3563 Schuylkill Road
Spring City, PA 19475
Email: Hello@TheDanceEffectPAC.com
Phone: (484) 938-8793
