Elies's parents speak. Elies, a lovely 8-year-old girl from Dadizele, has completed her first dance year with the modern competition team ND-Kidz.
Thanks to the good guidance we have seen Elies grow. Not just in dance, but certainly also in self-confidence.
Did your dancer enjoy the competitions?
Definitely. The information we receive beforehand about the competition is very clear. We know exactly where and when we are expected, what we need to bring. That already brings the necessary calm. Because a competition is and remains an exciting moment. Elies says that once she arrives in the changing room, her stress levels already drop completely. Being with the group and the motivating words from the coaches ensure that our daughter takes to the stage with full courage every time.
Did your dancer enjoy the team lessons?
The first weeks Elies found it quite exciting and intensive. The level is clearly a step higher and she had perhaps underestimated that a bit. But thanks to the good guidance we have seen Elies grow during this year. Not just in dance, but certainly also in self-confidence. As parents we are very grateful for that.
Did your dancer have any fears beforehand? Have those been overcome?
"Will I be able to do it?", Elies asked at the start of the dance year. As parents we mainly told her she could trust the coaches, because the fact that she had been selected for the competition team meant the coaches had seen her talent. After the first lessons we repeated that regularly, because sometimes she couldn't see her own talent any more. The fact that she was the youngest member of the ND-Kidz group especially caused anxiety. She compared herself with the oldest dancers in the group, who have of course already reached a higher level. It took her some time to see that, to understand that she needs to give herself time to grow. But she managed. She kept going and is already looking forward to the next dance year.
She kept going and is already looking forward to the next dance year.
Did the dance season with the team turn out as you had expected?
A dance season with a competition team naturally requires some commitment, from the dancer and from the parents. But when you see how your child grows in their talents, you happily take on the extra effort as a parent. We had received plenty of information beforehand. It is also really lovely to cheer alongside the other parents during the competitions.
Looking forward to next season?
Absolutely. Next dance year the current ND-Kidz group will be split into an ND-Minis group and an ND-Kidz group. Elies is delighted that she will be part of the ND-Minis, as it will offer plenty of growth opportunities together with the dancers her own age.