EARLY BIRDS

The Early Bird program is rooted in developmentally appropriate pedagogy that  supports each child both physically and emotionally. Our curriculum emphasizes healthy  technique, musicality, creativity, and a love of movement in a nurturing and inclusive  environment. We prioritize process over pressure and focus on building confidence,  coordination, and joy in dance. While students are encouraged to work hard and grow,  the Early Bird program is not a competition-style program. Our goal is to create a strong  foundation and foster a positive relationship with dance that supports students as they  grow and continue their training.

For new students, placement is based on age to ensure children are in a  developmentally appropriate environment. Should a new student need to move to a  higher level, this will be determined after their first class.  

(Students must meet the age requirement by August 1st) 

• Pre Early Bird A, B, C, D: Ages 3 & 4  

• Early Bird I A, I B, I C: Ages 5 & 6 

• Early Bird II A: Age 7 

• Early Bird II B: Age 8+ 

• Pink Panthers: Age 8+, by invitation only

In Pre Early Bird, classes are offered in multiple sections, all following the same  curriculum. The different sections help with scheduling and class size, but the structure,  content, and expectations remain the same across all Pre Early Bird classes. 

In Early Bird I, the class sections differ by program length and dance styles: • Early Bird I A: 2-hour block program, includes ballet & tap combo, Hip Hop and African  dance with live drumming on a rotation  

• Early Bird I B: 3-hour block program, includes ballet, tap, and Hip Hop • Early Bird I C: 3-hour block program, includes ballet, tap and African dance with live  drumming 

Families can choose the option that best fits their child’s interests and schedule.

Pink Panthers (Early Bird III) is an accelerated training program for students who  demonstrate a strong desire for additional training and consistently exhibit the focus,  maturity, and responsibility required for a more rigorous learning environment. Students in this program are selected by Ms. Allen and her artistic staff, and train  multiple times per week in a variety of dance styles. Pink Panthers are dancers who  show readiness for increased expectations, can apply corrections consistently, work  independently, and thrive in a fast-paced studio setting. Pink Panthers are generally 8  and 9 years old.

Students are formally evaluated twice throughout the year. In the fall, families receive a  snapshot of their child’s progress. Toward the end of the spring semester, students are  evaluated and placed for the upcoming year. Progression is based on both readiness  and comprehension, ensuring each child is supported appropriately as they grow within  the program. 

Most students spend: 

• 2 years in Pre Early Bird 

• 2 years in Early Bird I 

• 1-2 years in Early Bird II A & II B

Our Saturdays are filled with joy, laughter, and dance! When your child arrives, they will  check in at the sign-in tables in the lobby and be guided to their studio. A Teaching  Assistant and/or Teacher will welcome them and help them prepare for their first class. 

Classes will begin with a warm-up followed by exercises rooted in developmentally  appropriate technique, joy, and imagination. Students are encouraged to support one  another, build confidence, and explore movement in a positive, structured environment. For students enrolled in multi-hour programs, supervised snack and water breaks are  built into the schedule to ensure children stay energized and cared for throughout the  morning.

Yes! Our Early Bird program follows a dress code so students can move safely,  confidently, and without distraction. 

• Girls: Plain pink leotard, pink convertible tights, hair in a neat bun • Boys: Plain white t-shirt with black shorts or pants 

Specific shoes are required for each dance discipline and will be shared with families  upon enrollment.

Yes! All Early Bird students must be fully potty trained and able to use the bathroom  independently, including managing their own clothing in a bathroom stall. If an accident  occurs, families will be notified promptly. More than one accident will result in a request  to take a pause from the program to support the comfort and well-being of your child  and our staff.

Families and parents are not permitted to sit in on regular classes. This policy helps  students develop independence, confidence, and focus within the studio environment. Each spring, we host a Family Observation Week, during which families are invited into  the studio to observe (and even participate in!) their child’s classes.

Detailed pick-up and drop-off instructions will be provided upon enrollment. Parking is neighborhood street parking. Please observe posted street signs and avoid  blocking driveways. We also offer a morning drop-off line, where a member of our staff  will assist your child from the car into the building. On your child’s first day, we ask  families to park and walk their child inside so they can become familiar with our building,  staff, and check-in process.

After students complete Early Bird II B and/or Pink Panthers, they are evaluated for  placement into Academy I. Academy I continues a student’s training in a more  structured and rigorous environment as the foundational skills built in Early Bird are  expanded and refined. This transition marks an important milestone, where students are  encouraged to take greater ownership of their training while continuing to be supported  by our faculty in a thoughtful way.