Understanding The 3 Stages of Level Advancement at Reyha Dance Center

Why Growth Takes Time - and Why Each Stage Matters

At Reyha Dance Center, we believe every dancer’s journey is unique, and growth in dance isn’t a straight line - it’s a layered journey. Even level at Reyha is designed to nurture dancers through 3 stages of development: Learning, Thriving, and Leadership.

These stages happen within each level, not just between them. That means a dancer may spend multiple years in the same level, moving through these 3 phases at their own pace before they’re ready for advancement.

Advancement at Reyha Dance Center isn’t just about “moving up.” It’s about moving through - deepening understanding, refining technique, and developing the confidence and maturity that makes a dancer truly shine!

Stage 1: Learning, Building Foundation, Understanding

When dancers first enter a new level, they begin the Learning stage. This is where they absorb new material, vocabulary, corrections, and expectations.

In this phase, dancers are focused on:

• Understanding correct placement and alignment

• Learning new skills with intention and control

• Adjusting to a higher standard of focus and detail

Our teachers prioritize clean technique and correct foundations over tricks or speed. This phase often feels challenging, but it’s where deep growth begins.

The Learning stage is about planting roots. Strong roots lead to confident growth later on.

Stage 2: Thriving, Consistency, Confidence, Growth

After about 1-2 years of consistent work at the same level, dancers enter the Thriving stage. They begin to move with greater ease, confidence, and musicality.

In this stage, dancers:

• Apply corrections independently and consistently

• Show visible progress in strength, coordination, and stamina

• Begin to perform movement with intention and artistry

• Take ownership of the learning process

This is the stage where dancers start to feel things “click.” Thriving dancers are no longer just “keeping up” - they’re standing out!

Stage 3: Leadership, Refinement, Mentorship, Example

The final stage within each level is Leadership - where mastery meets maturity. These dancers demonstrate strong technique, reliable work ethic, and a clear understanding of what it means to be a part of the Reyha community.

Leadership-stage dancers:

• Set the tone in class through effort, focus, and kindness

• Encourage and uplift their friends in class

• Consistently execute combinations & choreography cleanly and confidently

• Demonstrate readiness for new technical and artistic challenges

This stage isn’t about perfection, it’s about poise, attention to detail, and dedication. Leadership-level dancers exemplify “The Reyha Way” - grit, grace, and gratitude. True leadership in dance is found in humility, consistency, and care for others.

Why It Takes Time & Why That’s Beautiful

It’s important to remember that all 3 stages - Learning, Thriving, and Leadership - happen within each level, and dancers move through them at different speeds. Unlike school, we intentionally design our syllabus and curriculum for dancers to remain at the same level for 2-3 years to ensure that they can successfully move through the 3 stages within the level.

Some dancers may progress quickly through the learning phase but take extra time to strengthen consistency or confidence. Others may thrive in their technique but need time to grow emotionally into leadership.

At Reyha Dance Center, we value depth of growth over speed of promotion. Each dancer deserves the time and support to master all 3 stages of the level they’re in before advancing.

The Reyha Dance Center Promise

At Reyha Dance Center, we celebrate every stage of growth. Whether your dancer is learning, thriving, or leading, they are right where they need to be - building the technique, artistry, and character that will carry them far beyond the studio walls!

After all, true advancement isn’t what level you’re in. It’s about who you’re becoming along the way.