FIVE THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING A DANCE STUDIO
If you’ve looked at a few dance studios, you’ve probably found that most seem have qualified, friendly instructors, experience teaching children, and a large selection of classes. You’ve also probably found yourself wondering, “Aren’t they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which studio we choose?” Absolutely YES--it does matter. There are a few main aspects that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are a few things that every parent should consider before selecting a dance studio for their child.
1. 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. Traditional dance footwear provides little cushioning or support, so the resulting impact of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on a dancer’s knees, ankles, and back. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional sprung floor. A sprung floor is a system of high-density foam and 2 interlocking layers of plywood, built to float above the concrete or subfloor base, which creates a superior dance floor that helps to absorb the shock of running, jumping, and leaping.
The top layer of the dance floor is also an equally important factor. A vinyl “marley” floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Universities and professional companies prefer and utilize vinyl flooring as their dance surface for rehearsals and performance. A vinyl floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of “controlled slip", but is not slippery like hardwood or tile so there is a decreased risk of slips and falls. Because of this, vinyl flooring is ideal for ballet, pointe, and modern dance. Very few studios use this flooring because of the expense involved, and usually opt for less expensive options.
All of our studios have professional sprung floors consisting of over 2500 high density foam blocks, two layers of plywood, and oak hardwood flooring with a vinyl “marley” top surface. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.
2. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE CLASS?
If the dance class has fewer students in it, each child will receive more personalized attention, learn and retain more information, and have more fun. With younger students it is easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions.
Our smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts or skills are being missed. It also allows our teachers to closely monitor each child's progress and make sure every child is in the class that is most suitable for his or her age, skill level, and social development.
Our studio limits all of our classes (ages 4.5 and up) to a maximum of just 12 students per class. With our preschool and kindergarten dance classes (ages 2.5-4) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 8 students per class.
3. WHAT IS THE STUDIO PHILOSOPHY?
Many studios emphasize the year end recital, which includes costumes, makeup, and sewing hassles. Other studios emphasize their competition team and require a huge time commitment. We think that children’s time in class can be better utilized in learning valuable skills and concepts, rather than an all-important recital piece. We also don’t believe that recitals and competitions are the best way to celebrate a child's accomplishments. Not to mention the added expense, time, and hassle for parents!
We emphasize an artistic, fun, joyful, non-competitive dance experience to help our students develop their own unique artistic personality and appreciate the joy of movement. We strive to provide a meaningful and positive experience for every child. All of our classes utilize only age-appropriate movement and music. There are no “recitals” and no little ones in makeup. Instead, we hold an optional final class showing, on stage and in uniforms, to demonstrate accomplishments.
4. CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
In many studios, there may be no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like makeup classes, purchasing a uniform, or checking your account balance, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studios have office staff on hand during most afternoon and evening class times, so you can get immediate assistance.
5. WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE INSTRUCTORS?
Many studios have friendly teachers that are qualified to teach children, but those teachers often have no formal training or education beyond simply taking lessons when they were youths, or perhaps a few classes in college. Or, the studio is trying to save overhead costs by hiring the advanced-level students to teach classes. Although many popular studios operate this way, these teachers are not as well qualified when it comes to educating children on proper technique, concepts, artistic interpretation, or performance, not to mention their experience in recognizing and handling behavioral and developmental issues.
If you are paying your hard-earned money for a dance education, you should receive quality instruction from a well-qualified, knowledgeable instructor who can create a class to which your child is eager to return, week after week. You can be certain that our instructors have the education and experience to provide your child with a fun, artistic dance class where he or she is continually challenged and inspired. Our teachers put much thought and effort into planning potent, creative classes which stimulate the child physically, mentally, and emotionally. We employ only adult instructors with dance degrees, professional dance experience, and years of teaching under their belts. All instructors also remain under continual review by the Program Director, who offers supplementary advice and training to ensure the most successful class possible. Our instructors are true professionals and excellent role models for your child.
