Below is a list of questions that parents often ask us about the Florida Jammers program.  If there is something that you want to know that we don't discuss here, please email Tiffany and Donna at FLJammers@aol.com or give us a call at 941-504-8861. We'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding our program.

Can my daughter take your class if she's never danced before and might have two left feet? Yes, this class would be perfect for her! No prior dance training is required to be a Florida Jammer. The Florida Jammers is a program that teaches basic coordination, incorporating body movement to music.

If my daughter is shy, should she sign up for Florida Jammers?  Of course!  Participation in the Florida Jammers gives girls an opportunity to express themselves through dance, meet other students from their school & around the county, and develop teamwork skills, self-esteem, confidence, and physical fitness.  We've seen many shy girls attend Jammers and within a couple of weeks are outgoing, confident, and having the time of their lives!

What is the difference between the Florida Jammers and other dance studios? The Florida Jammers are considered a traveling dance studio because you are receiving the same quality instruction of a standard dance studio; however, we conveniently bring the dancing to you. Although we are a traveling dance studio, we differ from the standard dance studio in many ways.  Parents love that our lessons are held right after school and that they have an extra hour to run errands, or do whatever activity they want until it is time to pick their daughter up.  Because we can bring the dancing to you, we don't have the overhead fee of a typical studio.  Therefore, we can keep our prices low and reasonable, which is especially important during these tough economic times.  Also, we do not require you to purchase a different costume for each routine your daughter performs at the recital.  Instead, we purchase comfortable shirts and shorts that are flattering for all body types and will be appropriate for all routines - poms, hip hop, jazz, and cheer.  Because we do not get multiple elaborate costumes, your recital fee is very reasonable, and also includes the cost of trophies, facility use, and other awards.  There are no ticket prices for spectators - another difference between the Florida Jammers and a typical dance studio. Our recital fee varies from year to year, but on average the cost is approximately $60-$70 and includes the recital uniform, trophies, other awards, facility use, and more.

What do the girls do when school is dismissed? Does somebody walk them down to their lesson?  We do not have enough staff to visit each classroom to walk the girls down to their lesson.  Florida Jammers students are responsible to walk themselves to the P.E. area for class. Usually, more than one Jammer will be enrolled from each classroom, so they can form a buddy system and walk together.  When we dismiss from our lesson, we do have staff members supervise pick-up or walk the girls back to after care if needed.

What if my daughter is also in the after care program at her school? The Florida Jammers have established a great relationship with after care.  It depends on the school, but some after care programs require the girls to sign out prior to going down to Jammers (Taylor Ranch and Lakeview, for example).  Often we will send a staff member down to supervise the walk from after care to the lesson, if it's needed.   When class dismisses, one of our staff members will walk the after care girls to after care. 

Do you provide the snacks & water? We recommend bringing a snack to eat at the beginning of class because it's right about this time of day that hunger kicks in and the girls need an energy boost.  We do not provide snacks because it's difficult to find a snack that every girl likes.  Also we do not provide water because there are drinking fountains conveniently located in the P.E. areas.  We strongly recommend that each girl bring her own individual bottle of water to class so she doesn't have to wait in line during drink breaks and can stay adequately hydrated all throughout class.

What should my daughter wear to class? We encourage the girls to wear their Florida Jammers practice t-shirt or any other Jammer Gear items and comfortable shorts or pants. To purchase some cool Jammer Gear for your daughter, check out www.groovestyles.com  We often sell shirts, pom bags, and other cool stuff in class and at Jolly Jammers practices as well, so keep your eyes peeled.  We also require that the girls wear sneakers (no flip flops or dress shoes) to class - this is so that their feet are properly supported during jumps & leaps.  We also recommend that long hair be pulled off the face as to help keep the girls' necks cool and also so they can see the teacher while they are dancing. We don't recommend wearing jeans to class as they can be constricting and do not promote flexibility.

Can my daughter bring a friend to class?  No.  It is our policy that friends cannot participate in class. They can watch a class only if a parent is present.  This is because they have not signed our emergency contact release form, and because they are not officially enrolled in the class, we have not purchased insurance for them. In the unlikely event that something would happen to the friend, we cannot be legally liable. And we think you'll agree that it's not fair for a friend to be taking a free class when you are paying for the same service.  Now, there may be opportunities to invite a friend who is not currently enrolled as a Florida Jammer to an event in the future (ex: summer camp).

Can my daughter watch a class? Yes, but only if you are there to supervise.  Typically, after a few minutes of watching, girls see how much fun it is and want to join right away!

What sorts of cheerleading do you do?  Our focus is on cheers, chants, motions, and jumps. We do not do any tumbling or stunting because we do not have any mats available in the P.E. areas. Plus it makes Tiffany and Donna too nervous! :)  Remember, the Florida Jammers is a pom & dance group with some cheer. We do not consider ourselves a cheerleading or gymnastics team.

What if I am late picking my daughter up?  We understand that bad traffic and construction are inevitable living in Sarasota County (especially if you are traveling on 41!) However, most of our instructors have other jobs or responsibilities that they need to get to right after class ends.  If you haven't picked up your daughter within 15 minutes after class dismisses, then you will incur a babysitting charge on your next envelope.  This policy is in place so that we can compensate our staff properly for the extra time spent with your daughter. Oh and please don't forget your daughter all together! Believe it or not, it happens, and some girls find it to be a very traumatic experience.

What kind of music is played  in Florida Jammers classes? All of our warm-up and routine songs are age-appropriate. Tiffany spends all summer listening to music, looking up lyrics, and editing out any potential problem lyrics.  It is really difficult with hip hop to find songs that are appropriate, however, some hip hop artists do a better job than others.  If you are looking to buy your daughter a music CD as a present but don't know what artist to pick, Tiffany would be happy to help you.  Just send an email to: FLJammers@aol.com

What is your teacher to student ratio? The number of instructors that we have at each school varies depending on class size.  Larger classes will have more instructors present than smaller classes. Typically, our teacher to student ratio is 1:10, thereby insuring that our students can receive more individual attention if needed.   Each and every class has at least one instructor present who is over the age of 21, and at least one high school teaching assistant. Plus, the Florida Jammers Directors, Tiffany and Donna, rotate around to ensure that each school's needs are being met. Occasionally, we will have a "Super Pom Mom" volunteer to help out with a large class. If you are interested in joining our staff or volunteering your time as a "Super Pom Mom" please contact us at FLJammers@aol.com 

This is my daughter's third/fourth/fifth year and she will be joining Advanced JAM. Will this class be too difficult for her? Will it involve tumbling or stunting? Can she participate in after-school lessons as well?  If your daughter has taken 2 years after school and is now joining Advanced JAM, she has acquired the necessary background and skills needed to be in the group.  So no, it will not be too difficult for her.  If she wants, she can participate in the after-school class as well. There is a discount if she participates in both classes, and we can work that out with you.  If she doesn't want to join Advanced JAM, she can still take lessons after school as a third or fourth year student.  Advanced JAM is similar to after-school in that the focus is still on hip hop, poms, and jazz, however the skills are more challenging, the routines are longer, and movements are faster. We also will be making formation changes on the floor instead of staying in our rows.  We will not be tumbling or stunting in Advanced JAM.   

What is the difference between Advanced JAM and the Middle School Competing class? Not much! They both attend competitions and participate in extra performances, they both require the black dance sneakers and silver poms, and they both have their classes on Thursday nights at Pine View. The main difference is that Advanced JAM is for 3rd & 4th Year Elementary Florida Jammer Students, whereas any middle schooler can participated in the Middle School Competing class no matter how many years she has been with our program.

Are you planning to expand to other schools & counties in Florida? Absolutely!!! So hang tight!