6 things every parent should know before choosing a dance studio!! If most studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience 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 place you decide to enroll at? YES IT DOES! There are 6 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 6 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 against potential injury is by choosing a 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 jumping. A high-density foam base is superior to a "sprung" floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor. All of our dance rooms are equipped with floating floors. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.
2. What are the "extras" required for the year end show? Most studios put on a year end show in a professional theater. Students that perform must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child's costumes, or pay extra and the parents must find their own seamstress to do the sewing. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for parents who are busy or can't see. You may also be required to run back and forth during the show to get your child ready to perform. Our studio uses our own professional seamstress to sew and altar costumes if needed, so parents do not have to worry about any costume hassles. We also have you provide your own sitter to sit backstage with your child so you can relax. We hire a full crew to do all of the running and line ups for the show. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the show! Each performing family also receives a 2 disc professional DVD of the show and a FREE show themed T-shirt!
3. How qualified are the teachers? Every studio will advertise having "qualified" instructors. It is very important to do your research and find out just how qualified the teachers really are. Watch some classes. Even if your child is only in preschool ask to watch the advanced students. This will give you a better idea of the training your child will receive. Many studios allow students to teach students or hire teachers who have had no prior teaching experience. Make sure you ask a lot of questions. Watch classes at all the studios in the area and then make your decision. All of our teachers have been properly trained in the styles that they teach. They have all been training since childhood and have trained extensively with teachers from all over the country! Our students have gone on to attend college for dance, open their own studios, teach or assist alongside many of the countries top instructors and they have received many scholarships to further their dance education!
4. Can I watch my child's class? Many studios have a closed door policy and every once in a while you may be allowed to come in and watch. Having no idea what is going on behind those doors is not a good thing. It is best to be able to see what happens during the class. Is time being wasted? Are the teachers giving corrections? Are the students paying attention to the teacher? Are corrections given in a positive or negative way? Does it seem like students are improving week to week? Behind a closed door you will never know! All of our dance rooms are equipped with viewing windows so you can watch at anytime! Our rooms are also equipped with full length mirrors which help the teachers notice more corrections and they are the best tool for self-correction.
5. Is the dance school for pre-professional training or recreational training? Most studios either offer a competitive program or a recreational program. They may even offer both but cater to one or the other. It is important to know exactly what each studio offers. If the studio is just for recreational students odds are they don't have the tools to bring students to the next step. While recreational dance is more relaxed and should be fun, they should also be learning something. Even if your child never plans on doing anything within the art of dance, it just makes sense to have them receive the necessary tools needed. We all want our children to at the best schools and on the best sports teams, dance should be no different. Pre-professional/competitive programs are more extensive but should be set in an encouraging atmosphere. Reprimanding a child, putting them in the back for mistakes, yelling or talking down to them is never acceptable. The program should bring them to the next level while building their confidence and self esteem. Our studio offers both a recreational and pre-professional competitive program! Our recreational classes receive the same quality of training as our pre-professional ones. The only difference is the time invested. All of our classes are taught with a combination of love and discipline. It is our goal to teach the students proper technique while building their confidence. They walk away having learned not only how to dance but to love the art. Our pre-professional students have received many awards, titles and scholarships for dance.
6. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service? In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to 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 good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studio has a separate teaching staff and office staff. Our office staff is on hand during all regular class times so you can get immediate assistance.
