Minute Masterclass Episode 117

Welcome to your one-minute masterclass. I’m Andrea Trench, founder of DiscoverDance and creator of the Foundations Course for Early Childhood Dance Educators and the DiscoverDance Experience Membership. Today we are answering the frequently asked question: should I come get my dancer if they are crying? 

It is developmentally appropriate for a child to cry the first few days of classes, working through a challenging skill, or struggling with a new concept. We are learning new and exciting things every week. When new things are difficult, big emotions can take over. If your child is upset, the teacher will assess the situation and may hold his/her hand, pick them up (with their permission), or have them sit down by the wall for their safety. They will continuously be invited back to join the fun. If the teacher sees your child is ill or uncontrollably upset, the teacher will bring them out to you. If you open the studio door, peek in, or enter the classroom, you will not only escalate the situation, but you will increase the distraction for the other children in the class. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information, to enroll in the Foundations Course, join the DiscoverDance Experience, or to find the text version of this minute masterclass, visit DiscoverDance.com.