Why? - Mathews Dance Studio

Why MDS?

There are so many questions.... and this photo sums up pretty much all of them.

Why did YOU start a dance studio?

I know, crazy, right?! I am a high school art teacher with two young children who dreams of 'free time.' Starting a new businesses was not in the plans.... But after teaching dance for 15 years the studio I was working at closed. The.. same.. year.. my.. daughter.. could.. start.. taking.. classes.... And I was devastated. So, I taught one creative movement class to kids I already knew and loved. AND I LOVED IT. (Look at those two- how could I not!) Working at a studio was great- but developing my own curriculum..and policies... and schedule was the best! AND, I got to teach my child and her friends. So I added on a few more classes for the summer. And that was GREAT! And now here, we are... growing and entering our second year as Mathews Dance Studio!!

Why is THIS studio, with these silly kids, the place for YOUR kid?

Because the FOCUS of this studio is to foster a LOVE for dance. Not to train the next professional dancer (although that would be nice) but to instill in a new generation of children (my child included) a LOVE FOR DANCE the way I LOVED DANCE as a child. And look at them. They DO.

Why is this studio different from other studios?

After 15 years of dance teaching at other studios I noticed how quickly the 'fun' left from ages 3 - 4 to ages 5 - 6. Creative Movement classes with parachutes, tumbling, creative interpretation and exciting movements stopped abruptly as students merged to a strict barre and center format in Pre-Ballet. (Hear me out dance people- I'm not saying structure should be abandoned.) I realized it was time to completely change the focus and curriculum expected of younger children.... after all- the structure and dedication will not come if the LOVE is not there. I began to create an entirely DIFFERENT curriculum- focusing on exploration of assorted dance styles, self expression and imagination. Don't worry- the technique is still there- but they almost don't know it! They are having so much fun they don't even see how hard they are working!

Why the "sessions?"

We are closed for long breaks between classes. As a dance teacher, I understand the need for consistent training, but as a PARENT, I know that kids need a BREAK. I want your children to be able to experience different activities. I want them to try new things. And if at some point they realize that dance isn't for them THAT IS OKAY. But what I don't want is for dance to become a requirement, or chore. A break gives them time to refresh, regroup, and recommit! (For me too!) When they're older- yes. They need to be in the studio consistently... but now- let them be kids. And when they come to dance, let them LOVE being there!

And so, the answer to "Why?"

Love.