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5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Dance Studio

If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience in teaching children, and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which dance studio you decide to enroll your child in?

Yes, It Does!

There are 5 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of dance instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassle the parents must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved in a professional dance program. To help you choose the right dance studio for your child, here are the 5 main things that every parent should consider before deciding at which studio to enroll their child.

1) What is the Studio Mission?

It is most important to consider the mission and values of the dance studio. Some studios spend all of the class time working on one or two dances to perform at the end of the year. Other studios are focused mainly on competitions which can create an unhealthy win/lose atmosphere. Also, many studios have young children perform in revealing costumes with suggestive music and choreography normally reserved for Los Vegas showgirls.

Our classes focus on proper technique and dance education as well as including inspiring choreography in a fun and encouraging atmosphere to help develop well rounded, technically sound performers. Our students always perform in "family friendly" costumes with age appropriate music and choreography to help build confidence and self-esteem.

2) What type of dance floor is used?

Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide much cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and the back of a dancer. The best way to prevent potential injury is by choosing a dance studio with a professional "floating floor". A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of dance movements.

Our studio has professional "floating floors" made from high quality imported maple that is suspended on hundreds of high-density foam blocks. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without fatigue.

3) What is the size of the class?

If the dance class has a limited number of students in it, each child will generally receive more personalized attention, learn more, and have more fun. With younger students, it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and to make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A limited class size also allows teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.

Our studio limits the size of all of our classes based on the age and skill level of the students to ensure that no fundamental concepts are missed and that each student receives the attention they need to develop good discipline and proper technique.

4) What "extras" are required for the year end show?

Most studios put on some kind of year end performance. Students who perform in the show must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios require parents to sew their child's costumes, or pay extra for alterations. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for parents who are busy or do not know how to sew.

Our studio uses only professional costume suppliers and seamstresses to sew and alter each costume so that parents do not have to worry about any costume hassles.

5) Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?

In many studios, the teacher/owner conducts the classes and also does the administration work. Trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher must use class time for customer service issues or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a satisfying total dance experience, it is important to choose a studio that can assist with customer service issues like costumes, schedules, etc. even if a teacher is occupied in a class.

Our studio has professional office staff on hand during all regular classes so that you can always get immediate customer service without interrupting any classes.

As you can see, the studio that you choose can greatly affect the quality of dance education that your child receives as well as the overall dance experience for you and your child. The correct choice can lead to a lifetime of growth and enjoyment.