END OF YEAR SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

We will be posting more information on the event soon. Popejoy Hall is currently selling tickets for our dance program's annual End of Year Show to be held on June 7th. You may purchase tickets for this event in one of three ways:

Box Office:

Go to the Popejoy Hall box office on the UNM campus at The Center for the Arts. It is located directly north of the UNM Bookstore (one block north of Central) at Cornell and Redondo Drive.

Telephone:

Call the box office at 505.925.5858

Internet:

Visit the UNM Tickets website to purchase online:
https://www.unmtickets.com/SubPage/Events.aspx?pageID=445 (you will need the Java plugin to view this page)

If you have trouble with this link you can just go to www.unmtickets.com. On the right side you will see a calendar > click the right facing triangle next to the month's name until you find June > click on the 7th > a popup will show "City Serenade - Dance Dimensions", click that link.

Note: Tickets will NOT be sold at our studio. You must purchase them through UNM.
REMEMBER: Last year the End of Year Show sold out, so get your tickets soon!

END OF YEAR SHOW 2008 INFORMATION PACKET

SPECIAL TEAM FLYERS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!

Click on the document icons below for information on the special teams at Dance Dimensions School of Dance and Music. Feel free to print out these printer-friendly documents for future reference.

DimensionNext Adult Allstar Dance Team

Pups Allstar Dancers

5th Dimension Cheer Team*

*New version with fixed typo; sorry if this caused chaos, confusion, or concerns!

FREE REPORTS: Helpful Knowledge for Parents and Students

DANCE: 4 Things Every Parent Should Ask Before Choosing a Studio
1. 1)What type of dance floor is used?
  Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping and turning, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear provides little support or cushioning, so the shock of the dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and backs of dancers. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio that has a professional sub floor. A sub-floor provides the cushioning and support needed while jumping and leaping to act as a shock absorption for the knees and ankles.
  
  The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite "marley" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Facilities such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance-the Touring Show, all use marley floors as their dance surface. A marley floor allows dancers to slide with a degree of "controlled slip" which lowers the risk of slips and falls. Many studios opt for a regular tile or wood floor due to the expense involved of using marley floors.
  
  Our studio has a 2 marley floors each with a wooden sub-floor underneath. Our special floor helps reduce the risk of injuries and allows students to dance longer without getting fatigued.
2. 2)What is the teacher to student ratio?
  In order to receive proper instruction, students need to have personalized attention. Not only will this help their dancing ability, but it will allow the student to feel more comfortable, and have more fun in class. Our controlled class environment makes sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed.
  
  Our studio has large dance spaces, which promote a high-energy atmosphere, and a team oriented environment. In order to take advantage of this space and still offer quality instruction, our classes for ages 7 and up have an additional instructor/demonstrator for every 12 students. In our younger students classes (ages 3-6), we provide an additional instructor/demonstrator for every 6 students in the class.
3. 3)What is the studio's goal for their students?
  There are many different styles of dance and every studio has a different way of teaching these styles. There is the traditional fine art dance studio that offers only ballet, jazz and tap for their students. The goal for these dancers is to choose a skill at a young age and stick with it through high school. These studios are normally very strict with body sizes, weight, ability and discipline of a dancer. The goal for many of these studios is to produce the traditional ballerina in hopes (and expectations) that he/she may go on to be a professional dancer.
  
  Our studio's goal is to provide a positive learning atmosphere for students preschool through adult to learn the skills needed to be whatever type of dancer they desire. We aim to help dancers develop the skills and basics needed in order to take their dancing as far as possible whether that be competing, staying physically fit, or going pro. We help increase self-confidence, technical skills, physical fitness, healthy competition and a well-rounded education to students that are interested in pursuing dance.
4. 4)Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
  In many studios, the teacher conducts classes and does the administrative work. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like payments or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studio has office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate attention.
MUSIC: 5 Things to Know to Get the Most Out of Lessons
1. 1)How Young is too Young: Starting at the Right Age
  Adults can start any instrument at any time as well as vocal training. Their success is based on how willing an adult is to commit to practicing. For children though, starting at the right age is a key element to the success of their lessons. Some people will tell you "the sooner the better" but this attitude can actually backfire and be a negative. The last thing you want to do is turn a child off music just because they had one unpleasant experience which could have been prevented. Sometimes if the child waits a year to start lessons their progress can be much faster. Children who are older than the suggested earliest starting age usually do very well.
  
  3-4 Years old
  If a preschooler has a keen desire and wants to start music, a group preschool music class will give them a good foundation in music basics which will be helpful in later private lessons. At this age, private lessons generally do not work as the child has not yet experienced the formal learning environment of kindergarten or school and learns more effectively through the game oriented preschool environment.
  
  Piano/Keyboard/Singing Lessons
  At our studio, 5 years old is the youngest age that we start children in private piano and begining singing lessons. At this age they have begun to develop longer attention spans and can retain material with ease.
  
  Guitar: Acoustic, Electric and Bass
  8 years old is the earliest we recommend for guitar lessons. We are willing to try younger students if they are interested in pursuing guitar and if they have the patience and attention span to focus for the class. Guitar playing requires a fair amount of pressure on the fingertips from pressing on the strings. Children under 8 generally have small hands and may find playing uncomfortable. Bass guitar students generally are 10 years old and older.
  
  Vocal Training
  12 years old is the earliest we recommend formal vocal training. Before this age, singing lessons will be more about learning to read sheet music and matching pitch. The reason we don't recommend more strenuous voice lessons before age 12 is that the vocal cords are more prone to damage while still developing.
2. 2)Insist on Private Lessons when Learning a Specific Instrument or Training Your Voice
  Group classes work well for preschool music programs, and theory lessons. However, when actually learning how to play an instrument or train your voice, private lessons are far superior since in private lessons it is hard to miss anything. Also, this gives each student the chance to learn at their own pace. This means the teacher does not have to teach a class at a middle of the road level, but has the time and focus to work on the individual student's strengths and weaknesses. For that lesson period, the student is the primary focus of the teacher.
3. 3)Take Lessons in a Professional Teaching Environment
  Learning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that is focused on music education. In a professional school environment a student cannot be distracted by t.v., pets, ringing phones, siblings or anything else. With only one lesson time per week, a professional school environment can produce better results since the only focus at that time is learning music. Students in a school environment are also motivated by hearing peers who are at different levels and by being exposed to a variety of musical instruments. In a music school, the lessons are not just a hobby for the teacher but a responsibility which is taken very seriously.
4. 4)Make Practicing Easier
  As with anything, improving in music takes practice. One of the main problems with music lessons is the drudgery of practicing and the fight between parents and students to practice every day. Here are some ways to make practicing easier:
  
  a) Time: Set the same time every day to practice so it becomes part of a routine or habit. This works particularly well for children. Generally the earlier in the day the practicing can occur, the less reminding is required by parents to get the child to practice.
  
  b) Repetition: We use this method quite often when setting practice schedules for beginners. For a young child 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, we use repetition. For example, practice this piece 4 times every day, and this scale 5 times a day. The child then does not pay attention to the amount of time they are practicing their instruments, but knows if they are on repetition number 3 they are almost finished.
  
  c) Rewards: This works very well for both children and adult students. Some adults reward themselves with a cappuccino after a successful week of practicing. Parents can encourage children to practice by granting them occasional rewards for successful practicing. In our school, we reward young children for a successful week of practicing with stars and stickers on their work. Praise tends to be the most coveted award-there just is no substitute for a pat on the back for a job well done. Sometimes we all have a week with little practicing, in that case there is always next week.
5. 5)Music is Very Enjoyable, so Have Fun!
  Music should be something that you enjoy for a lifetime. So, try not to put unrealistic expectations on yourself or your children to learn too quickly. Everyone learns at a different pace and the key is to be able to enjoy the journey.
What Kind of Dancer Are You? Identifying the 3 Types of Dancers.
1. Now that you have decided to dance, what's next? How do you know what classes to take? Well, the first major step is to identify what type of dancer you are. Once you have figured out what type dancer you are now, you can plan for what you want to be. We hope that the descriptions below help you to understand the three different types of dancers. Just remember, no one type of dancer is better than the other - just different.
  
  The main thing is that you ARE a dancer and once you know what role dance plays in your life, you will be able to set realistic goals for yourself. Also, the type you are now can always change later as you grow and learn. If you have any questions, just ask us.
2. 1)RECREATIONAL (Hobby/Fitness)
  Recreational dancers enjoy dance for the physical fitness and fun of working out in a dance atmosphere. One or two classes per week is just right for these dancers. When choosing a class, rely on your interest and what sounds like fun to you. You enjoy the social aspect of class and may enjoy performing once a year at the studio's recital. Dance is something that is done in addition to other activities, hobbies or sports. Most recreational dancers just enjoy dance for their personal benefits. Dance gives you a sense of satisfaction.
3. 2)COMPETITIVE
  Competitive dancers do just that, compete. These dancers are interested in becoming a well-rounded dancer. Technique class and basic ballet is a must for competitive dancers. At least 2-3 classes per week with possible team practices as well should be part of your curriculum. Competitive dancers take classes not just because they love to dance, but because a class sounds challenging, hard and will bring long-standing benefits to overall technique. These dancers will probably want to tryout for their high school, college or even semi-pro teams. Dance is a way of life and will continue with them forever.
4. 3)PROFESSIONAL
  Professional dancers are those that receive some sort of payment for their dancing abilities. Professional dancers range from dance instructors, assistants, coaches, choreographers, and independent contractors for videos, shows, musicals etc. Normally, you cannot become a professional dancer until you reach the age of 18. Before that time, taking as many classes, performances, competitions, dance training, demonstrating, assisting, etc., should be the main focus. You should be one of the students that "lives at the studio." If you are interested in pursuing this avenue of dance, you have decided that dance is your "thing." Dance is your main priority and becoming a better dancer is something you strive to achieve constantly. You are intrinsically motivated and focused. Dance is your passion.