FAQs - A Dance Class For Me! (not your typical dance class)

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your class different from other special needs classes?

There is no special or required dance attire for class, just the fact they are dressed is a win for most families.
Shoe policies are determined by the studio. At Club Fitness Addiction we recommend some type of shoe.
There is no verbal instruction for each step. The student has just one job, to copy the instructor, Elizabeth Chacon. Over time, they will learn the routines and dance with others.
The class is structured play and social skills practice.
Students are not removed from the class for behavior issues.
In A Dance Class For Me! some behaviors are not considered maladaptive and are not corrected. Those behaviors are talking, yelling, flapping, spinning, running, jumping, anything a student does to help his or her brain calm itself.
Maladaptive behaviors that are addressed and stopped are: hitting the instructor, other kids, the wall, or the mirror.
If you have questions regarding your student's behavior, please feel free to ask Elizabeth Chacon what can be done for the benefit of your student.

What if my son/daughter, student won't look at you or copy you?

Your child will most likely not participate during his or her first class. It's not an immediate expectation.
Eye contact is not required in class. Your child may look at the instructor on his or her own, or if they give a quick "high-five."
Students are allowed to be themselves, that can mean singing, dancing on their own, or sitting down to watch.
Students are in a dance class with a mirror and music playing, other students, new adults, and no hand over hand manipulation. They are dealing with a lot of sensory input.

What are your goals for the students?

If the student comes to class with clothes on, it's a win!
If the student can stay in the room the first class, it's a win!
If not right away, over time they will look copy the instructor
Look in the mirror and use it as a tool
Learn to tolerate the music
Learn to participate and lead in the social exercises we do in a circle
Learn to play or dance with a partner
If unable to speak, start the process of speech
Additionally, the students with the most experience in the class will learn to help direct, lead, and assist in class.

You may watch the class. You may also wait outside of the class.
Please stay in the building during class in case your child needs to use the rest room.
If you decide to watch your child please do not “coach” from the sidelines. The instructor will ask you to stop coaching.
Hand over hand manipulation is not allowed to give your child a chance to copy on his or her own.
Please only take pictures or video only with your cellphone.
If your child wants you to watch him or her, the instructor will instruct the child to ask for your attention.
If your child gives you a hug, redirect your child back to class after the hug.
Parents are expected to stay quiet, but if talking becomes too loud the instructor will ask you to quiet down.
Many dance classes don't allow parents, but I think parents miss the opportunity to watch the group of children interact and socialize. Each class becomes its own little community.

What if my student has aggressive or violent behaviors and I am concerned for the teacher's safety as well as the other students in class?

Please, disclose your concerns.
We can start private lessons with the goal of moving your student into a group class.
Fortunately, Elizabeth Chacon has training in self-defense and can stop the attack/behavior from getting out of control.
Students will learn calming techniques to use when frustration starts to build up and before the aggressive behavior starts.
If you are concerned that the aggression is too much for me, it’s possible for Elizabeth to consult with other self-defense instructors to come up with a plan for your student.

Why work with these students?

First, dance is an important cultural activity, dance allows an expression of emotion that cannot be duplicated in any other art form. As in all arts, dance is inclusive - or should be inclusive.
Second, we can't change the world to make everyone feel safe. But, we can create a safe environment in a dance class. Simply put, everyone needs a place to feel safe, a teacher who is supportive, and an activity they enjoy without fear of being removed.
Third, removing a child for unwanted behavior doesn’t solve anything. Each student can learn to calm himself or herself. Students need to know that someone in this world will NOT allow aggression.
As an instructor, Elizabeth recognizes when a student needs to learn how to calm down in the middle of the aggression, meltdown, or crisis. (If you were upset and someone taught you how to calm down, the memory of that physical experience was stored in the deepest part of the brain for future use.)
Eventually, Elizabeth will learn to recognize the signs of coming aggression or frustration and intervene early with calming exercises. You, the parent, will benefit from this and learn more about your child.

How can I sign up for a class?

Contact Elizabeth Chacon You can call, text, or email Elizabeth Rose Chacon, (818) 425-4129, and [email protected]
Ask for an assessment in Huntington Beach (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoon) or Irvine (Wednesday and Saturday mornings). Schedules change often but at the assessment we can select the best time, place, and day for your child.
You’ll find a form to fill to request an assessment if you click here..