More About Us!

parents guide | message to parents | pre-dance program
classroom etiquette | recital information

 

Questions most frequently asked about our studio

 

What do we offer? 

Backstreet offers over eighty (80) classes to choose from - not counting our performing competition team classes. ages range from two years and up.

 

What is the cost?

Our individual and family plans are different from other studios. both plans, individual and family, (more than one person in the immediate family) wants to dance or act? Just add up total hours for fees.

 

what does unlimited mean?

just that! take as many classes as you are eligible for. we offer both individual and family unlimited plans. we have a variety of classes to choose from, including our zumba aerobic fitness class, to jazz, tap, ballet, turns, leaps, hip-hop, modern, conditioning, musical theatre, tumbling, YOGA, AFRO-JAZZ MODERN, AND MORE!                   

           

what about fees for our competition perfroming teams?     

your unlimited plan also includes your competition classes, (required technique and team classes) wether your on one team or ten teams. it's all included. one price and a whole lot to choose from! also, unlimited fees for performing team members get a discount.

 

COME IN AND REGISTER FOR CLASSES!

THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE TO BE! RATED NUMBER #1 IN THE INLAND EMPIRE SO DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND! 

 

MORE INFORMATION?

TAKE A FEW MINUTES AND BROWSE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE. CHECK OUT WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER- OUR TEACHER, INFORMATION ON OUR RECITALS, PERFORMING GROUPS, OUR SCHEDULE, AND SO MUCH MORE. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON OUR FACEBOOK AND TWITTER LINKS FOR EVEN MORE ABOUT US. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GIVE US A CALL CALL!! (951) 786-9096.

 

PARENT’S GUIDE

Dance education should be a fun experience that is enjoyed not only by the dancer, but parents as well. But, where do you start? You might be brand new to this or just moved into the area. How do you find the right studio and, of course, the right teacher for you or your child? Your choice of a teacher is imperative to the development and enjoyment of dancing whether your looking for an extracurricular activity or envision dance as a profession.

For most of us, dance is as natural as every breath we take. When music comes on we just feel it all through us and move with the rhythm. It makes us smile and gives us pleasure. Dance teaches us good posture, grace, balance, awareness and appreciation of what the body can do. It has a tremendous impact on the physical development of a child by reinforcing crawling, skipping, jumping, hopping, etc. Children gain self-reliance and discipline. They learn to share and interact with others. The benefits of dance are endless for everyone involved.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A DANCE SCHOOL?

One of the hardest choices facing parents today is that of choosing a dance school or other activity-related schools for their children. A few years ago it was easier; the choices were slimmer. In the last couple of years, dance has become very popular with children and with adults. This is attributed to the many dance shows on television. This is good because more children are being exposed to one of the most beautiful art forms. On the other side of the coin, it makes it harder than ever for a parent to decide where to send their child to study dance. Anyone can open a dance school (at least that is what I am told) and call themselves a dance teacher. So how do you choose? What questions should you ask to find the right fit?

First, check the background and qualifications of the teachers. These are some factors to consider, but more importantly, can the instructors come down to the level of your child? Perhaps they have been a professional dancer, taught at another studio, or has a degree in dance. Does this necessarily mean they can teach your child? The answer to this is no. The only way one can truly find out about a teacher or school is to go check it out before registering, see how a teacher interacts with other students, and if this would be a good match for you or your child.

If you are interested in what is called combo classes (a combination of ballet, jazz, and tap) make sure that time is not wasted in between different dance instructions. Too much variation in class is time consuming and a waste of money.

Ask about performances. Semi or annual performances is the ultimate delight for most parents. They love to see their child perform on stage. Make sure these and other performance opportunities are available for you or your child. After all, this is where you sit back and reap all the benefits of the hard work you and your child have been working towards.

Visit the studio. Always check out the school first. Look for a clean, well kept facility and a friendly atmosphere. Check out the sound equipment, barres, mirrors, and most importantly, floors. Never dance on surfaces like concrete. Dancing on a floor that has no give causes injuries and other problems.

Does the school offer a variety of classes, not just for children, but adults as well? After all, it is never too late to learn to dance.

Check out the school’s policies and guidelines. Watch the choreography and music that is being used. Look at pictures on the walls; is the costuming appropriate for you or your child? All of these factors should be considered when deciding on a school of dance.

And last, but not least, please feel free to call or come by and see how we, at Backstreet Performing Arts, can make dance a part of your life.

 

A MESSAGE TO OUR BACKSTREET PARENTS!

Dance is an expression of the human drama, of emotions and perhaps the art form most immediate and expressive of the individual in groups.

The staff and teachers at Backstreet Performing Arts are dedicated to providing quality dance instruction to all students in an effort to increase and enhance their dance experience. As in almost every human endeavor, each person progresses to various skills levels at a purely individual pace. In all forms of dance…strength, balance, center, dance technique and a sense of one’s own body movement are purely individual, yet measurable by the trained and attentive eye. Our teachers are trained to teach these dance elements and to identify the progress and capabilities of each dancer. From continued evaluation of each student during class and performances, teachers and staff are able to place each dancer with others of similar learned skills and abilities. Such placement is the basis for forming classes of various levels, and allows specific instruction in predetermined technique and form for each class.

We understand that parents want the best instruction for their child and also want to see progress in their child. Proper level placement, however, will avoid discouragement and disappointment in a student, and allows the dancer to perform with others of similar skills. Advancement through dance levels at an accelerated and unwarranted pace will only serve to lessen the overall beauty and expression of the student’s dance experience.

 
PRE-BALLET ARTS FOR THE YOUNG CHILDREN

Pre-ballet for the Mommy & Me and the two year olds…..

Mommy and Me class for the two (2) year old is an unconditional bonding experience for children and parents alike. Here at Backstreet, some beautiful memories and bonding relationships have developed over the years between children and parents who have met in this class. Watching children slowly let go of parents’ hands and experience friendships with other children is a sight to behold. Research shows that it is important to let toddlers explore their surroundings without mommy or daddy, but this is not always an easy task to accomplish. A child at this age may worry that the parent who has left them may never come back. This is due to a child’s misunderstanding of the concept of time.

These “Mommy and Me” classes are an excellent beginning for those children who might not be ready to let go of their parent’s hands. But, as they progress and feel more secure, it is time to move them into their own class. That is why Backstreet Performing Arts offers “Tiny Tikes” classes for those children who are already ready for their own class. These classes aid in the transition into preschool or other similar activities. Classes starting at two (2) years of age encourage a toddler’s independence. Independence develops in a child by offering a balance between freedom and security.

Some good tips for your toddler’s success:

• It is important that when your little dancer comes to class they’re not tired or hungry, otherwise your child will be more likely to cry for other reasons than just coming into class.
• Make sure your toddler goes to the restroom before class. Some children will get into a habit of leaving the classroom for this purpose, which disrupts the rest of the class and interferes with their learning.
• Do not wear dance shoes to and from dance class.
• Come properly dressed for class. This means dance wear is clean and without holes in tights, and hair is up and out of the face
• Do not interrupt class. If you need to take your child out, please come to the office and a staff person will retrieve your child from class.
• Keep in mind that children have their own pace at which they become ready for a classroom environment. There are times when a child is not ready to join, based on his or her natural participation in the class. Waiting another few months can contribute to a successful dance experience. At such a young age, every month makes a big difference. Please, do not take it personal if your child is asked to wait to take class. After all, we all want what is best for your child.

Pre-ballet for the three (3) year old…..

In comes the three year old who can walk, run, climb and has an attention span of about three minutes. The three year old cannot yet “think” except in terms of what they can see, feel, hear, or touch. The concept of pretending is just now coming about.

They can be self- centered and most of the time they do not play well with each other for any length of time. They do better with a transitional object, such as a doll, stuffed animal, or scarf in class. That is why these objects are used quite often in their dance class. We try to make taking turns and sharing a more easy task.

Little ones are skeptical of working with a partner, but most of the time they will give it a try. They love to imitate. They often misunderstand words and ideas that they cannot see or touch. Their concept of time is now - not yesterday, tomorrow, or what happened five minutes ago. They only think, feel, act and understand in the present tense.

They love to learn new words, so in all our ballet classes we use French terminology, along with the English definition. Children like to name parts of the body, tell you the colors they know, and when given the chance will talk and talk and talk. They love to show you what they have learned. They love to please.

They react and strike out when they are unhappy or hurt. And, oh yes, they will cry, pout and not always respond to you. But patience and understanding is what is important here at Backstreet Performing Arts. Even if they do not participate, remember they are still learning and they can gain much from a dance class.

Pre-ballet for the four year old…..

In comes the four (4) year old who can walk, run, kick, jump, climb, gallop, hop, skip, imitate, link together basic ballet steps, and create their own movements. They start to learn coordination, rhythm, music, and spatial awareness. They love to talk even more, use their hands to express themselves, imagine, dramatize, and ask questions. They cannot always separate fantasy from fact.

They want to be noticed and make friends. They don’t like to make mistakes or be criticized. They like to test the waters -or shall we say rules-to see if they apply to them. Their attention span is usually five minutes - here or there. They can deal with the five senses, but still not comprehend objects that are not right there for them to touch. They are aware of right and wrong, but can’t always decipher what is correct, and at times feel incapable of doing so. They try very hard to please and want to be recognized for it.

They love to be hugged and called by name. They love to be complimented. They don’t like the word “no” so we try hard to find other words to use, if possible. They take pride in what they do and like to show off what they have learned.

Four year olds can and do learn a great deal in a dance class. They can and do learn rules, dancing with a partner, follow one another as well as lead. They love to share stories and are full of energy and curiosity.

Five, six and seven year olds…..

And here come the five, six, and seven year olds who can perform basic movements, count music, and follow beats. Their technical ability is progressing noticeably from week to week. They can learn combinations of fundamental movements.

They love to imagine, dramatize even more, and love to pretend more than ever. They like the teacher to be in charge and definitely like working with partners. They know who they like to dance with and even who they don’t want to dance with, but will follow the rules given by the teacher - usually with a smile.

They are learning to share better, follow rules and willingly help one another. They do need things explained and want to make friends.

Children at this age are aware of right and wrong and beginning to know the difference between the two, but still have trouble with making right decisions. Self control is emerging and they are full of more imagination, curiosity, and energy. They are fun to teach and very eager to learn. After this age, they are ready for the full course of learning the beautiful art of ballet.

In summary for all ballet classes of younger children, the main objectives are:

• Interaction between other children and making new friends
• Learn to follow directions
• Develop coordination and motor skills
• Work on balance
• Develop rhythm
• Follow directions
• Learn the names of ballet steps in both English and French
• Start learning the correct technique for beginning dance steps
• Having a good time and leaving with good self-esteem, and having the courage to try new things.

Here at Backstreet we love teaching your little ones and understand that this can be a frightening experience for some. It can be hard and first, but with patience and encouragement from both the parents and teachers, this can be a beautiful, fun and memorable experience for everyone.

 
Backstreet's Studio and Classroom Etiquette

• Dance and practice clothes should be comfortable, neat, clean and of dance code attire.
• Cleanliness is imperative.
• All students should wear cover-up clothing, except for hip-hop classes, to and from the school.
• No jewelry is permitted in the class.
• Be respectful of other dancers.
• Never question an instructor’s authority in class
• Profanity of any kind is not allowed from anyone.
• No gum, eating, drinking (except water) or smoking allowed in or around the outside of the school.
• No excessive loud talking or running in the hallways or in the classrooms.
• Wandering in and out of the classrooms (this is for your own safety) is not permitted. Please do not enter a classroom unless a teacher is present.
• Cell phones are not allowed in the classroom.
• All visitors need to check in the office before observing a class. Parents should never enter a classroom without prior permission.
• No videotaping or picture taking is permitted unless approved by the office.
• Dance and/or choreography routines are property of Backstreet Performing Arts and should not be performed outside of the school without permission of the Director.
• Backstreet Performing Arts is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
• All dancers must be on time to class. Dancers arriving 10 minutes late need to come to the office first. It will be up to the instructor to invite the student to participate in class.
• All students, at the end of a class, should acknowledge the instructor by applauding and thanking him/her for what they have shared with them.
   

 

BACKSTREET DANCE RECITAL INFORMATION

One of the most exciting parts of being a dancer is performing for others. Here at Backstreet, every dancer on every level gets to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and bring it to the stage for the Summer Recital and Winter Recital.

There are three shows on recital day – morning, afternoon, and evening. You or your dancer may be in one, two, or all three. Not all routines are in each show. Some routines may be performed in more than one show. Performance order and amount is determined by the studio.

All dancers, our little ones through adults, are encouraged to participate in the performance process. For your little dancer it promotes confidence, discipline (to memorize a routine), and is just plain fun! For older dancers, it gives them the opportunity to show their love for their art to friends and family. And let’s face it – every dancer, no matter how young or old – loves to hear their efforts applauded as that curtain closes at the end of their number. The recitals are a great experience for dancers, friends, and family. The memories from each performance are cherished.

To make each performance as good as it can be, there are certain guidelines and processes that must be followed:

- All dancers must attend their weekly classes. If you miss too many classes it makes it hard for the teacher and the other dancers to learn the routine. Each dancer has their important place in each number – missing too many classes may mean you or your dancer are asked to sit out in fairness to those who are consistently working hard every week.

- Costume deposits must be made on time and are non-refundable. Part of the performance is learning to be part of the team – and part of being on the team is wearing the ‘uniform.’ Costumes are required for all numbers: each number requires something a little different – shoes, tights, dress, pants, hair piece, etc… If you or your dancer has committed to being in the recital there is a costume deposit required for each routine. If you don’t make your deposit, then you may get left out of the costume order, and therefore may not be able to participate in the show. The deposit amount depends on the cost of the costume being ordered.

- Dancers are required to attend at least one dress rehearsal (maybe more) the week of the show. These rehearsals are crucial to the success of the show. It is the time when dancers leave their comfort zone and put their work on stage just like in the show – no mirrors, no teacher up front, no ‘re-dos’. Because performing on stage is very different than being in the classroom, little changes may happen during dress rehearsal to make the routine work in the new stage environment. For little dancers, this may be their first stage experience. It can be scary, seeing all those faces looking up at you. Dress rehearsal gives your little dancer a chance to become comfortable. This is also the last chance to fix any costume issues that may come up.

- During the performance, backstage rules and protocol must be strictly observed. The behind-the-scenes action of a recital is a very exciting process. It is highly organized and depends on everyone working together toward the same goal – a great show. There are rules that have to be followed by both dancers and parents to ensure the safety of each dancer (priority number one!), and to make sure the recital flow smoothly. During the show dancers are required to stay in the green room – there are no exception to this rule. Little dancers will have a team mom looking out for their needs and safety. Dancers must check in at the beginning of the show, and check out at the end. No parents other than team moms are allowed into the green room during the show – including intermission. There are no men allowed at all upstairs. This is a changing area for our dancers, and we ask that out of respect for their privacy men remain on the first floor. There is no food or drinks other than water allowed in the green room. Costumes can be ruined when this rule is not observed!

- As show time approaches you will be asked to sign a contract of understanding regarding the rules above, and any other information necessary for a great show. The contract is designed to avoid misunderstandings and to make sure everyone involved in the recital understands the process completely. Again, this is to ensure the safety of you and your dancer, and to make sure we can continue to produce great recitals for you and your friends and family to enjoy!

The reward for all of the sweat, time, effort, and dedication comes together in the recitals. The recital – especially for those not on competition teams – is the chance to share you or your dancer’s love of dance with others. By following the rules for performance above we can ensure that recitals remain a source of joy, and that the only thing you and your dancer feel after each recital is the pride that comes from a job well done!

 

 

CALL NOW (951) 786-9096

3478 UNIVERSITY AVE.

RIVERSIDE CA, 92502