We’re thinking about summer this week! While this winter seems to be barreling on, let’s focus on some warm weather times. Do you have plans for your dancer yet? We are looking forward to our plethora of dance camps and clinics that will be offered during our summer months. Summer is a wonderful time to continue training for your dancer as well as the perfect opportunity to try a new genre of dance.

Summer dance registration opens February 25th

As you begin to plan for summer, here is a glimpse at what we offer.

• Exciting themes – we will have a variety of themes for our dance camps. Whether your dancer enjoys being strong like a superhero, the fantasy world of princes and princesses, wishes they could be in a musical, or is in their *golden* era, we will have a camp for you! These fun themes will be woven through the camp with the music, props, and performance.
• A time to try multiple genres – we offer a variety of camps and clinics that give your dancer a chance to try something new. Our offerings range from single day sessions to 4 day camps, so dancers get a small glimpse of what a full year could look like.
• A varied schedule – our camps are set up to either be completed within one week, or spread out over two weeks to accommodate a variety of schedules. For example, camps might be Monday through Thursday, Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, completed over two weeks. We offer daytime and evening classes.
• Offerings at both locations – we will have camps and classes at both our Bridgeville and Robinson locations, so that you can find what works best for your family. Our themes will rotate between locations as well, to give multiple date options for specific camps.
• Performance aspect – on the final day of camps, we invite families into the studio to showcase what the dancers have been working on. This gives dancers a taste of what performing in front of an audience will be like if they plan to participate in our annual recital the following season.
• Clinics –  we hold clinics throughout the summer as well as camps, which are single day classes in various genres such as hip hop, tumbling, and new this year, dance team clinics! These specialized days focus in on one genre and can help dancers further certain skills they are looking to attain.

Why is it important to continue training in the summer?

• For younger dancers – it is helpful to have them continue to learn or start to learn classroom ettiequte. Dancers will accomplish tasks such as trusting a teacher for the first time, waiting to take turns, and following directions. This helps to transition into the classroom in the fall!
• For returning dancers – it can be helpful to have different teachers over the summer to expose them to a variety of teaching styles and information. Although we use a shared curriculum, each teacher brings a unique touch to their teaching style. Sometimes hearing movement explained in a different way will spark something within your dancer.
• For older dancers – continuing to train in the summer helps to keep their bodies strong.
  • • Conditioning – Through stretching, conditioning, and cooldowns, teachers will help instill healthy habits for dancers to continue working their bodies at home so they don’t succumb to injury when returning in the fall.
    • Mental sharpness for class – Since our summer sessions are single days or smaller amounts of time, dancers will learn new combinations quickly. Picking up choreography quickly is a difficult skill to acquire and maintain, but is necessary as dancers get older.
    • Maintaining technique – as dancers progress each season, along with their baseline of technique, new skills are expected to be learned. Summer dance gives dancers a chance to hone in on their technique and prepare for further development.

Our website has full descriptions of each camp theme for you to look over before registration goes live. If you have questions about what we offer or what your dancer should try over the summer, please connect with your dancer’s teachers or call the office at 412-257-2000. We look forward to continuing the fun into the summer!

“Do you want to be my best friend?!”

We hear our littlest dancers ask this question to classmates often. It is such an innocent and sweet ask that can even be channeled all the way through our oldest dancers. Starting a new dance season means making new dance friends! With dance now in full swing, dancers can find support and encouragement from fellow classmates, and build bonds that can last through the season and beyond.

Here are some ways to make new friends in dance class!

• Introduce yourself Encourage your dancer to say hi to someone new this week. This can be done at the beginning of class when we are transitioning into class and sitting down for attendance.
• Stand somewhere new We are all creatures of habit, and often times dancers like to stand on the same sticker or in the same spot each week. Try standing somewhere new this week!
• Be a cheerleader for your classmates Teachers will often times call out dancers who are doing a movement particularly well. Encourage your dancer to cheer on their classmates during these moments! We love supporting one another.
• Talk to a teacher If you know that your dancer is shy or has a particular interest, share this with the teacher. The more our teachers know about your dancer, the better we can help them connect with other dancers.
• Have a new question each week Give your dancer something new to ask their classmates such as their favorite color, where they go to school, or if they have a favorite song.
• Exchange numbers It is helpful to have a friend to contact when not at the studio! For our teens, this can come in handy when they are absent and would like to stay up to date with the latest choreography learned in class.

October is partner month in Hip Hop! Each October, all of our Hip Hop classes learn a dance that we will film and make a music video out of. Part of this dance includes working with a partner! Be on the lookout for our music video towards this end of 2025. As always, if you have questions or need guidance on how your dancer can connect with others, we’re here to help! Talk to a teacher or member of our office staff today.

It’s here – dance class eve! The thrill and excitement of jumping into another year of learning and growing at Thomas Dance is upon us. We cannot wait to meet new dancers and welcome returning dancers into our classrooms this week. Let’s have a fabulous year!

Here are some first day reminders to make this week go smoothly for all:

• Before the first day – talk to your dancer about meeting new friends and new teachers. Explain that everyone is starting fresh at the beginning of the year, similar to school!
• Check your studio location – Make sure to take note which studio your dancer’s classes are at. Our South studio is the Bridgeville location and the West studio is our Robinson location.
• Arrive on time – The studio will seem busier than normal as often times more than one family member joins to revel in the magic of the first day. Plan to get to the studio with enough time to find parking, put on the proper dance shoes, and take a first day pic with our beautiful photo wall!
• Dress appropriately – Remember to follow our dress code! That includes the proper clothing and shoes for each class genre, long hair pulled away from the face, and a dance bag. If you’re still unsure of what your dancer should wear, feel free to reach out to us.
• Read our dry erase boards – These are located outside of each classroom and will include information about your dancer’s teachers, what shoes to wear first, and any other important announcements.
• Bring your dance bag – If your dancer changes shoes during class or will be taking multiple classes, make sure they enter the dance classroom with their bag. The bag should include shoes and a water bottle if they would like one.
• Once class starts – We will use the first 10 minutes of the first day to get to know our students and help them make connections with the rest of the class.
• Communicate with the office – If you would like to fill out a tuition autopay form or have any questions, our office staff is here to help you.
• What happens if my dancer has multiple classes in different studios? Our staff will take note in each class if a student is going to another class after theirs. A teacher or teaching assistant will help them transition to the proper classroom.
• Still need dance wear? Visit Tutu in Bridgeville for all of your back to dance essentials! Their highly trained staff can help your dancer find the perfect fit for their required shoes.
• Still have questions? Please feel free to call or email and a member of our office staff will be happy to help you!

We cannot wait to see you this week!

Happy season 58!!!

When you step into a dance class for the first time, it can be many things; new, exciting, maybe a little scary, but mostly, it is magical. Our Petites Program brings the magic of dance to life through exploration, play, and a positive atmosphere of learning and growing. For dancers 18 months-6 years old, this may be their first time participating in a structured activity. At Thomas, we’ve designed our program to help these youngest learners feel comfortable in a trusted environment as they follow the routine of coming to dance each week. From developing and practicing new skills each week, to eventually stepping onto the stage in a glittery, funky, or bold costume, our highly skilled teachers at Thomas will be with your dancer every step of the way.

Our teachers are the heart of our studio. Miss Amber and Miss Kristin, our Petite Program Co-Directors, share their thoughts on what makes this program so special.

Miss Amber has been teaching at Thomas since 2013. When it comes to our Petites dancers, she loves:

The joy that sparks when we open the door and hear little voices ready to come in and share their day.

That unavoidable urge to dance and move when the music comes on! The natural movement that starts at such a young age is a beautiful reminder that dance really is for everyone. 

Miss Kristin started at Thomas in 2015. When it comes to our Petites program, she believes:

Teaching petite dancers is such a magical time! You get to watch the joy glimmer in their eyes as they explore space, props and movement! 

My favorite thing about teaching our tiny petite dancers is watching that once shy and hesitant dancer, take the stage as a confident and excited dancer! I also love the ability to train students in the foundation of their dance career but in a fun and animated way! 

Is your little one ready to step into the classroom but not yet registered? There’s still time! Visit our registration page for a current list of open classes and register today. If you need help selecting the correct class for your dancer, please contact our studio staff at 412-257-2000.

Enjoy the magic <3