Facts about the ALDC...

These are some FAQs about the ALDC Pittsburgh that you may not already know. For the purposes of information, I've actually taken these directly from the ALDC Pittsburgh website so that you can hear in their own words what some of their philosophy about dance is and some of their criteria as to dance in their studio, etc. may be.

Here we go! :)

Because we receive a tremendous number of emails and can’t always respond in a timely fashion, Please note:

We are not currently auditioning for the TV show. If you would like to take classes, you may call the studio to find out available times.

Though you are allowed to visit the studio, we DO NOT allow watching rehearsals or classes.

If you are looking to attend classes or enroll, please call the studio for schedule.

Due to the large number of calls we receive, if it is busy, keep trying!

Miss Abby is unable to provide privates or choreography outside of The ALDC.

We will have a recital in June and might sell tickets to the public. Please check back or sign up for our newsletter.

We do NOT know our schedule of competitions or Master Classes, so again please check the website or sign up for the newsletter.

Miss Abby is unable to send personalized autographs, though autographed photos are available on the Shoppe.

We can not accept ideas for music or choreography.

If you don’t have something nice to say, please don’t say it in an email.

HOPE THAT HELPS and appreciate our fans!

Do Dance Instructors need a license? No, not in the state of Pennsylvania! This is even more reason to investigate the teacher and the studio you are considering. Make sure your Dance Studio is affiliated with the Dance Masters of America, a non-profit organization that Tests each member in Dance History, Terminology, Proper Technique, and hands on spotting in all genres of dance. They also audit your classes to see how you relate with different age children and investigate your business practices. The Dance Masters of Pennsylvania Organization hosts continuing education seminars and conferences several times per year. The faculty of Reign Dance Productions are always active participants in these events!

When should my child begin dance classes ?

Children’s dance education can begin as early as the age of two, when they have the motor skills to participate in dance class. Each child grows at her own pace – some are more physical while others are more verbal. Our Baby Ballerina Program begins with Ballet for Posture and Turn-out, Tap for Rhythm & Musical Timing, and Gymnastic Tumbling for flexibility and strength to improve balance and co-ordination. Children are like sponges, eager to learn. However, bad habits can easily form during those first few years of dancing school. A proper formal dance education is most important in the formative years.

What classes are available for my preschooler? Baby Ballerinas: Ballet (in the French Method), Tap, and Gymnastic Tumbling Prima Preschool Program: Ballet (in the French Method), Tap, Jazz Basics and Gymnastic Tumbling

Should my son take dance? Yes! It is equally important for boys to have the same opportunity to learn rhythm & timing, coordination, classroom etiquette and an appreciation for the performing arts. Dance will increase strength and flexibility, building a strong, healthy body that will help with all future sports programs and professions.

What benefits will my child gain from dance class? Your child is about to begin her dance education. Through proper training they will develop good posture, poise, proper body alignment and grace. Dancing will increase flexibility, improve coordination and introduce an appreciation for the performing arts. Stage experience and our photo shoot will help the shy, self-conscious child; and class structure will control the over-aggressive one. Self-expression will be learned through the most beautiful of all the arts.

Should my child take private lessons? Class lessons are best for your child for he/she will learn to work in unison with a group. The competition between class mates is good for the dance student and will make them grow into a more enthusiastic dancer. Good work habits will be formed through the cooperation, teaching your child to live with people in harmony all through life.

Private Lessons here at the Reign Dance Productions are available for those interested. Privates are most commonly used to learn choreography for select dancers. They can be used to play catch up when transferring from another studio or missing classes. They can also be scheduled for advancement in a certain subject. We offer Acrobatic and Gymnastic Private Lessons every weekend for one on one spotting instruction.

When will my child begin Pointe training? Young dancers are always enthusiastic about beginning dancing en Pointe too soon. If a child has had good ballet training he/she will begin Pointe work around the age of 10 or 11. If care is not taken, lifelong disabilities can result from starting Pointe before supple bodies are strong enough and muscles are properly developed.

Why is Ballet so important to dancers? Ballet is the foundation of all other dance forms. This art of dance was born in the18th Century and has continued to evolve into today’s worldrenowned entertainment. Ballet technique is written in French, the traditional language of dance. By learning the correct terminology of each dance movement will be easier to execute. Dancers are only made through hours of practicing technique to perfect control of every part of the mind and body. Congratulation to you, Parents, for giving your child a chance to build a beautiful, strong, healthy body & mind and to enter into the art of dancing.

When is Jazz incorporated to a child’s curriculum? Young dancers are anxious to begin jazz – America’s true folkdance. Jazz is exciting, energetic and fun! Our Intermediate and Advanced Prima Preschool Classes incorporate Jazz into the curriculum. However, Jazz is built on the basic fundamentals of ballet and without proper ballet training a young dancer will never fully grasp the body movement concepts to become a great jazz dancer.

What is Hip Hop? Once thought of as today’s current Fad Dance – Hip Hop has proven the test of time. Hip Hop is a style of Jazz Dance incorporating Break Dancing, Popping, Locking, and Urban Funk. Hip Hop is now being taught in most dance studios across the country. It is a great choice for dancers with little former training or beginning late in life. It’s Funky, Fun and not only for the Hip!

Why Should I Choose This School? Because your child deserves the best! Reign Dance Productions will enhance your family’s life. We offer every child opportunities to grow, to learn, to see the world. We realize that not every child has the drive, determination or natural talent to become a professional dancer. However, we believe that every child deserves the chance to try!

It is a huge misconception that Reign Dance Productions is for the serious or advanced student. This is simply not true… we cater to the preschool beginner and instill a love for dance and lifetime respect for the performing arts. No other studio in the tri-state area can come close to producing the number of successful employable professional dancers that we have! Our facility was built from the ground up for the dancer. Our Floors are Equity approved and our Ceilings are 12ft high. We have open viewing and encourage you to watch your child’s progress in every class. We have an amazing faculty, who continue their own studies by attending workshops, seminars and national conventions. We travel to NYC and LA to learn the cutting edge dance styles. We are always there to see the newest Broadway Show Opening.

We can look at a child and see their natural potential for advancement in the Performing Arts. We can then put them on a training path that surpasses the best college dance program. We personally take our students to the hottest happening dance events all over the country. We also have the contacts and connections to help them kick start their careers. Our alumni reads like a Who’s who of young professional dancers. We have former students performing in shows all over the world.

Our Annual Dance Concert is like watching a Broadway Show. You have an easy payment plan to follow. Our costumes are priced moderately. The Dressing Room Shoppe carries a full line of Bloch, Capezio and Danskin. We are partners with The TightSpot. The store is located adjacent to the studio for your convenience.

What more could you want? A safe happy environment where you can feel the excitement and energy in the atmosphere! A great place to learn a better place to grow up!!!