I'm starting the search for both dance and swim lessons in Marietta, Smyrna/Vinings and/or Sandy Springs. For dance, I'd just like somewhere that's good with little kids (2.5 on up) and is a reasonable price--nothing fancy at this point! For swim, looking for feedback about places you've had good experiences with (the teachers, facility, price, etc.). I think my daughter would do best with a facility that pushes enough to get results, but not so much that it creates anxiety. Thanks so much!
Look into your local YMCA. They are usually reasonably priced
recreation dept for both.. swim classes in my area range from 25 per session to 6 per session. for younger kids the experience is great but some skills take time and maturity to develop. so plan on swim class for several years.. (my kids started at 3 and at age 5 .... can swim short distances) we do swim class pretty continuously from march till november skipping hte coldest months..
dance studios are serious.. adn the season is sept-june.. then recital.. community center or rec dept will have casual dance class. fun without the committment. I am so tired of dance class by march... and it just keeps going till june.. arg..
Most dance studios won't enroll children under 3. If you want to start lessons right away, the county parks and rec dept is probably your best route. However, I was very disappointed with the dance class offered at our local park when my daughter started dancing 4 years ago. The instructor gave everything a cutsie name instead of using correct ballet terms. She would tell the kids to show her their "pizza feet" when she wanted them to show her 1st position. I never once heard her tell the class that It was called 1st position. I am of the thought that if my child is going to learn something they need to learn the correct terminology as well. We quit after a month and switched to an awesome studio and the cost really wasn't that much more. So my advice would be to wait until she turns 3 and try a real studio. Most even offer a free trial class.
Check your local recreation department for dance classes to start. They usually are not fancy or expensive, and most don't require specific attire or special shoes, so you won't have to invest a lot in case your child doesn't like it. Private dance studios usually are more strict about dance wear and shoes and are of course more pricey.
If you want the studio route, make sure to ask about all fees up front. Usually by this time of year, studios are in the middle of their dance season and have already ordered/measured for costumes for their year end recital. Ask about monthly fees, and fees toward costumes and recital performances so you are aware at the start of your financial commitment.
Good luck!
