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WELCOME TO BLDC!
IMPORTANT INFO FOR A GREAT DANCE EXPERIENCE!
Welcome to BLDC!
We are so excited to be starting our 22nd dance season at BLDC! The faculty and staff are committed to making your dancer’s experience at Body Language a positive one, full of learning, growth and fun!
The information included here will help get the year off to a great start and keep you up-to-date throughout the year. Reminders and additional information will be emailed to you over the course of the dance season, so please be sure we have an email address on-file which is checked regularly.
BLDC is committed to providing high-quality dance classes to enhance the overall development of the child. We provide a safe and child-centered environment to encourage our students to explore dance with qualified, nurturing, knowledgeable teachers.
We take our roles as mentors and teachers in your child’s life very seriously. It is our objective to inspire a passion and appreciation of this art form in our students. We believe that dance training encourages young people to develop a positive self-image. Along with improving coordination skills, agility, strength and developing muscular awareness, dance classes give children the freedom to express themselves through movement.
Office Hours
The office is open Mondays-Thursdays from 4:30-9:00 pm when classes are in session. If you would like to contact the office during the day, please email us at [email protected] or leave a message at 616-667-2272 and an office staff member will get back to you.
Contact Info
Studio Address:
888 Chicago Dr
Jension, MI 49428
Phone: 616-667-2272
Email: [email protected]
Social Media
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bodylanguagedance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bldc4u/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bldc4u
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bldc4u
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BLDCdance/
Drop-off & Pick-up
To see a map of the studio and locate your dancer’s classroom drop-off door by class, click the link above!
It is important to arrive on-time to pick-up your dancer after their class is completed. If you are running late, please call the office so we can notify your child and make arrangements so your child is safe while they wait for you to arrive. Excessive tardiness picking up your child will result in additional fees.
Dress Code
Proper shoes and attire must be worn to participate in class. You can find descriptions and examples of the proper attire for each class in the Classes section of our website.
Please, never wear any dance shoes outside.
Hair
It is important for hair to be pulled back away from the face at all times. Dancers enrolled in Ballet classes are required to wear their hair in a secure bun. Dancers in all other classes are to wear their hair pulled back and up in a way that is not distracting while dancing (ponytail, bun, braid, etc).
Hygiene
Dancers ages 9 and older are urged to wear an antiperspirant deodorant. We will be working hard in class and we want to smell as good as we look!
What to Bring
Dancers should come to class dressed and ready to enter the classroom. Each dancer should carry a dance bag with their shoes inside. Please label your dancer’s shoes. Since everyone in class will have the same shoes, this will make it much easier to track down the owner of any stray shoes. The best way to do this is to use a permanent marker on the inside of each shoe.
Lobby Etiquette
A calm lobby atmosphere sets the tone for our students to enter the classroom ready to learn. Dancers, parents and siblings should be respectful in the lobby area, keeping voices down and conversations appropriate for little ears. Be respectful of studio property. No running or climbing on furniture, please!
Class Corrections
Verbal and tactile corrections are an essential part of dance training at all levels. Students must be continually guided to ensure proper and safe placement. Physical guidance is done with great care and sensitivity in communicating information that isn’t accomplished by verbal cues alone. A guiding but comfortable approach may be utilized along with verbal instruction when necessary.
General Studio Rules
Parents of Young Dancers
Please take your dancer to the restroom BEFORE class begins to avoid accidents and disruptions to class.
Class Observation/Entering the Classroom/Comments and Concerns
Please allow your dancer to enter the classroom independently. No parents, friends, or siblings are allowed in the classroom at any time, unless invited by an instructor. This is for the benefit of your dancer, as well as their safety. When the instructor has their full attention, they can absorb the materials being presented. We will have several occasions each year where parents may be invited into the classroom to observe a demonstration of what their dancers are learning.
During parent observation, we would like to remind you that performing in front of a crowd in the classroom can be intimidating to some children while others revel in the experience. Encourage your child to be the best that they can be without regard to what others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form; each child needs to achieve at a pace that is comfortable. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage the children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments. If your dancer experiences difficulties during observation times, please do not be discouraged. Please also understand that if your child was having difficulties in class on a regular basis, we would bring it to your attention.
Any questions, comments, or concerns should be brought to the office instead of speaking to the instructor during their class time. If you need to pull your dancer out of class before the class is scheduled to finish, please notify the office or your instructor ahead of time.
Special Info for Parents of Building Blocks Dancers
Creating a classroom routine is very important for the success and comfort of your dancers. Teachers begin establishing those routines right away. Each week, the teacher will open the door to the classroom and invite the dancers in. It’s an important step for the dancer to enter the class independently. The process of separating from the parent as the child attends dance class is an important accomplishment of young children. Our Building Blocks classes might be the first experience your child will have both in a classroom setting and independent of Mom, Dad or childcare providers. Rest assured, our teachers are aware of this and are accustomed to dealing calmly and caringly with the anxieties of you and your little one.
Dancers will begin class sitting on a spot marker, or in a circle for a short gathering time. During this gathering time, dancers may stretch their bodies, hear about what they will do in class and the teacher will take attendance. Following this gathering time, the dancers begin their tap instruction at the barre and in the center of the floor. When the tap portion of the class is completed, the dancers change their shoes from tap to ballet. We encourage the dancers to be as independent as possible in this task, although the teacher is always available to help. The class continues with instruction in ballet, or jazz. Class typically concludes with a creative movement activity. This allows the dancers to explore their own creativity and joy in movement.
During the first weeks, there may be some tears, some fears and some trials. Any new situation can bring a certain amount of anxiety and it is indeed stressful to hear your child crying. We are here to help you and your dancer transition through any difficulties.
Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
Easing the difficulties of separation can take several weeks. On occasion, a child is simply not ready yet for class. If we believe this is the case, we will let you know.
Closing Policies
In the case of inclement weather, BLDC will determine whether to remain open or to cancel classes. Closing notifications will be sent to the email address we have on-file. We consider the safety of our students and faculty to be the most important factor in such a decision. Likewise, each parent needs to make their own determination in risking travel if they are uncomfortable with the road conditions. Canceled classes are not re-scheduled or refunded. Dancers are encouraged to make-up any missed classes due to cancellation in another similar class on our existing schedule. Please ask the office if you would like a make-up class recommendation.
COVID Safety
COVID safety measures will be implemented should it become necessary. Changes and updates to our protocols will be made as often as necessary to follow CDC guidelines.
We are so excited to be starting our 22nd dance season at BLDC! The faculty and staff are committed to making your dancer’s experience at Body Language a positive one, full of learning, growth and fun!
The information included here will help get the year off to a great start and keep you up-to-date throughout the year. Reminders and additional information will be emailed to you over the course of the dance season, so please be sure we have an email address on-file which is checked regularly.
BLDC is committed to providing high-quality dance classes to enhance the overall development of the child. We provide a safe and child-centered environment to encourage our students to explore dance with qualified, nurturing, knowledgeable teachers.
We take our roles as mentors and teachers in your child’s life very seriously. It is our objective to inspire a passion and appreciation of this art form in our students. We believe that dance training encourages young people to develop a positive self-image. Along with improving coordination skills, agility, strength and developing muscular awareness, dance classes give children the freedom to express themselves through movement.
Office Hours
The office is open Mondays-Thursdays from 4:30-9:00 pm when classes are in session. If you would like to contact the office during the day, please email us at [email protected] or leave a message at 616-667-2272 and an office staff member will get back to you.
Contact Info
Studio Address:
888 Chicago Dr
Jension, MI 49428
Phone: 616-667-2272
Email: [email protected]
Social Media
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bodylanguagedance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bldc4u/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bldc4u
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bldc4u
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BLDCdance/
Drop-off & Pick-up
To see a map of the studio and locate your dancer’s classroom drop-off door by class, click the link above!
- Dancers enrolled in a BBA or BBB class will enter through the front main entrance. These dancers should enter the lobby accompanied by an adult. If your BBA or BBB student needs help to use the restroom, please have an adult who is able to assist them in the building during their class in case they need to use the restroom during the class. If possible, leave siblings at home.
- Dancers in all other classes will be dropped off directly to their classrooms using the exterior doors.
It is important to arrive on-time to pick-up your dancer after their class is completed. If you are running late, please call the office so we can notify your child and make arrangements so your child is safe while they wait for you to arrive. Excessive tardiness picking up your child will result in additional fees.
Dress Code
Proper shoes and attire must be worn to participate in class. You can find descriptions and examples of the proper attire for each class in the Classes section of our website.
Please, never wear any dance shoes outside.
Hair
It is important for hair to be pulled back away from the face at all times. Dancers enrolled in Ballet classes are required to wear their hair in a secure bun. Dancers in all other classes are to wear their hair pulled back and up in a way that is not distracting while dancing (ponytail, bun, braid, etc).
Hygiene
Dancers ages 9 and older are urged to wear an antiperspirant deodorant. We will be working hard in class and we want to smell as good as we look!
What to Bring
Dancers should come to class dressed and ready to enter the classroom. Each dancer should carry a dance bag with their shoes inside. Please label your dancer’s shoes. Since everyone in class will have the same shoes, this will make it much easier to track down the owner of any stray shoes. The best way to do this is to use a permanent marker on the inside of each shoe.
Lobby Etiquette
A calm lobby atmosphere sets the tone for our students to enter the classroom ready to learn. Dancers, parents and siblings should be respectful in the lobby area, keeping voices down and conversations appropriate for little ears. Be respectful of studio property. No running or climbing on furniture, please!
Class Corrections
Verbal and tactile corrections are an essential part of dance training at all levels. Students must be continually guided to ensure proper and safe placement. Physical guidance is done with great care and sensitivity in communicating information that isn’t accomplished by verbal cues alone. A guiding but comfortable approach may be utilized along with verbal instruction when necessary.
General Studio Rules
- Body Language Dance Company is a smoke-free building.
- Food is only allowed in the picnic table area of the lobby. Students are expected to pick up after themselves.
- Water is the only liquid allowed anywhere in the classrooms and must be in closed containers to avoid spilling.
- No chewing gum allowed in the classroom
- No charging of electronic devices at the studio.
- At the studio, both in and out of the classroom, any student wearing inappropriate attire, using improper language or displaying unacceptable behavior will be dismissed from class for the day and the parent will be asked to pick them up.
- Students should leave valuable items at home. BLDC will not be held responsible for dancers’ personal items left behind.
Parents of Young Dancers
Please take your dancer to the restroom BEFORE class begins to avoid accidents and disruptions to class.
Class Observation/Entering the Classroom/Comments and Concerns
Please allow your dancer to enter the classroom independently. No parents, friends, or siblings are allowed in the classroom at any time, unless invited by an instructor. This is for the benefit of your dancer, as well as their safety. When the instructor has their full attention, they can absorb the materials being presented. We will have several occasions each year where parents may be invited into the classroom to observe a demonstration of what their dancers are learning.
During parent observation, we would like to remind you that performing in front of a crowd in the classroom can be intimidating to some children while others revel in the experience. Encourage your child to be the best that they can be without regard to what others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form; each child needs to achieve at a pace that is comfortable. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage the children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments. If your dancer experiences difficulties during observation times, please do not be discouraged. Please also understand that if your child was having difficulties in class on a regular basis, we would bring it to your attention.
Any questions, comments, or concerns should be brought to the office instead of speaking to the instructor during their class time. If you need to pull your dancer out of class before the class is scheduled to finish, please notify the office or your instructor ahead of time.
Special Info for Parents of Building Blocks Dancers
Creating a classroom routine is very important for the success and comfort of your dancers. Teachers begin establishing those routines right away. Each week, the teacher will open the door to the classroom and invite the dancers in. It’s an important step for the dancer to enter the class independently. The process of separating from the parent as the child attends dance class is an important accomplishment of young children. Our Building Blocks classes might be the first experience your child will have both in a classroom setting and independent of Mom, Dad or childcare providers. Rest assured, our teachers are aware of this and are accustomed to dealing calmly and caringly with the anxieties of you and your little one.
Dancers will begin class sitting on a spot marker, or in a circle for a short gathering time. During this gathering time, dancers may stretch their bodies, hear about what they will do in class and the teacher will take attendance. Following this gathering time, the dancers begin their tap instruction at the barre and in the center of the floor. When the tap portion of the class is completed, the dancers change their shoes from tap to ballet. We encourage the dancers to be as independent as possible in this task, although the teacher is always available to help. The class continues with instruction in ballet, or jazz. Class typically concludes with a creative movement activity. This allows the dancers to explore their own creativity and joy in movement.
During the first weeks, there may be some tears, some fears and some trials. Any new situation can bring a certain amount of anxiety and it is indeed stressful to hear your child crying. We are here to help you and your dancer transition through any difficulties.
Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
- Read books about dancing and/or dance class with your child.
- Establish a routine for class with your dancer. This can include laying out your dancer’s outfit, helping them pack their dance bag, dressing for class and arriving about 5 minutes before class is scheduled to begin.
- Explain to your dancer that they will be entering the classroom without you. We often tell our dancers that the dance room is a special place just for dancers and you need to have a dancing outfit and dancing shoes to go into the classroom.
- Develop a goodbye routine as your dancer leaves you and enters the dance room. This can be a special hug, kiss or your own special goodbye. What is important is that it becomes a routine.
- Reassure your child that you are happy that they are taking class and that you will be waiting for them when they are done. Please be sure to arrive several minutes before the class ends to greet your dancer as they are dismissed.
- Do not let your dancer become aware of any of your own anxiety about the separation! Stay positive and let your dancer know that you believe in their ability to participate in the class independently and have fun!
Easing the difficulties of separation can take several weeks. On occasion, a child is simply not ready yet for class. If we believe this is the case, we will let you know.
Closing Policies
In the case of inclement weather, BLDC will determine whether to remain open or to cancel classes. Closing notifications will be sent to the email address we have on-file. We consider the safety of our students and faculty to be the most important factor in such a decision. Likewise, each parent needs to make their own determination in risking travel if they are uncomfortable with the road conditions. Canceled classes are not re-scheduled or refunded. Dancers are encouraged to make-up any missed classes due to cancellation in another similar class on our existing schedule. Please ask the office if you would like a make-up class recommendation.
COVID Safety
COVID safety measures will be implemented should it become necessary. Changes and updates to our protocols will be made as often as necessary to follow CDC guidelines.
