About
First Position Dance Arts stands out because we are student/client oriented. Each student/client walks away knowing that he/she is not just a number to us. For kids..."We don't just build dancers, we build people." For the adults, due to our staff being highly qualified, they also genuinely care for each of our clients. First Position started in my home, each location that I have moved to has been an extension of my home. Each child/adult is treated like an honored guest and our job is to ensure that he/she is cared for personally. We take it to heart that it takes a village to raise a child. We are a part of your village. We also believe that we all crave a strong sense of community or village for adults. Of course, a client may come in, take a class and leave without interacting with anyone if he/she so desires. However, we hope that each person that walks through the door knows how much we genuinely care about their health, wellness, emotional well-being and over all being.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When working with children, FPDA uses both age and ability as a starting point. Our programs are brain development based while allowing children to nurture their creative side. First Position teaches technique, artistry, making healthy choices, performance skills and most of all a love of art. We want dancers to learn their dance/movement fundamentals and have fun! Dance should be fun!
When working with adults, FPDA strongly encourages the client to work at his/her own pace. It's not a competition! Dance/Fitness/Personal Training is also supposed to be fun. It's hard to maintain good health if you don't like your fitness choice. Your first class is $20 and then FPDA gives you 2 free classes. This allows you to try a few different dance/fitness styles to find the right fit for you!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All of our dance educators have taught and performed nationally and internationally. The Director/Owner, Lisa Welsh, of First Position has been training since she was 4 years old. She has trained with nationally and internationally recognized dancers/educators/choreographers. Ms. Welsh has a B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis on child development from Stockton State University. She also took at least 4 dance classes a semester. She also has a M.S. in Human Resource Development from Villanova University.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Please check our website for pricing for our Children's Program.
For adults: 1st class is $20, and receive 2 free classes. 10 class card (Valid for 6 months) is $150. 30% discount (card is $105) if you have a gym membership, are a college/graduate student or have a child attending our Children's Program. A monthly unlimited card (Valid for 1 month, 1st of the month is not the required start date...start anytime!) is also $150. 30% discount (card is $105) if you have a gym membership, are a college/graduate student or have a child attending our Children's Program.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching at 20. I was attending classes at a Community College and my dance educator asked me to take over her classes. She needed to spend more time with her family and realized that I was highly qualified to teach both modern and jazz dance.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students aged 3-90's. I have worked with children and adults with special needs. As a certified personal trainer as well as a dancer, I can work with anyone. My "tool box" is quite deep and I have had extraordinary dance/fitness educators and mentors.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Well, there are 2...watching First Position's dancers exit the stage after our annual Spring Dance Concert with huge smiles on their faces and exuding pride in a job well done and confidence.
Teaching, watching and dancing with smiling, happy and very sweaty adult clients!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Check the credentials of the Director/Owner and his/her staff. Check out a class. Our website is currently under revision. However, you will be able to check out the dance and teaching styles of all of First Position's teachers via video clips.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Health issues. Goals for their overall wellness. Will the client get personalized attention or just be a number? Does the dance/fitness/personal trainer have a strong understanding of anatomy and injury prevention? Which class(es) will be the most fun? Do the classes start and end on time? How many classes should the client take a week? Are the classes over crowded?