Choosing A Dance Studio for Your Child

If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, are experienced in teaching children, and produce a big show at the end of the year, aren’t they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you choose to enroll your child? Yes.

There are 4 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal with, and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program.
 

Here are the 4 things that every parent should consider before deciding on 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. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional “sprung” dance floor.

Our dance studios have sprung floors with cushioning placed every square foot between the hardwood surface and the sub-floor. The floor visibly gives every time a dancer jumps on it. The floors also have hardwood surfaces, which allow for good tap sounds and ease of movement. 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 more, 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 are being missed. A smaller class size also allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.

Our studio limits our classes for children ages 5-12 to a maximum of just 12 students per class. We limit all our pre-school dance classes (ages 3-4) to a maximum of just 6 to 8 students per class (depending on the number of 3-year-olds). Teen and adult and advanced classes are sometimes allowed to get larger, based on the discretion of the instructor and staff.

3. What is the parents' experience at the year-end show?

Most studios put on a year-end show. Some are produced in high school theatres or other casual local venues, some at the Hult Center. Some are long, drawn-out affairs during which the audience wonders when it will ever be over. Some require parents to remain backstage to monitor the small children... or teach mature dance material to very young dancers and put them onstage wearing costumes that are beyond their age.

Parents are assured that their children are given age-approriate costumes, music, and choreography. They drop off their young dancers backstage and sit back and enjoy the show. We provide trained child-care providers to monitor the small children backstage, under the supervision of the teaching staff. We produce our annual show at the Hult Center and complement the well-trained student dances with some performances by faculty and semiprofessional level tap dancers and with professional lighting, sound, and costumes. The show is fast-paced and leaves the audience wanting more.

4. What is the overall experience?

a. Quality -All of the classes are of the highest quality. Our teachers are selected for their extensive dance training and their commitment to providing quality instruction.

They give individual corrections and encouragement during class, and they design state-of-the-art dances to showcase the talents and skills of their students.

b. Choices -Students may choose from two program options: the ten-month performing program or non-performing classes, which begin anew each term and maintain open enrollment throughout.

c. Communication -Office and administrative staff are on hand during class times to provide assistance and are responsive to feedback and questions from parents and students.