If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers who
have 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. There are 4 main
things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction
your child receives. Here are the 4 things that every parent
should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.
1. What are the qualifications of the instructors?
It is important to make sure that your child’s instructors are
qualified and experienced. Dance instructors are not licensed in
this country so basically anyone can teach dance. Our instructors
have professional dance training, hold university degrees in dance or
related fields or are members of national organizations such as Dance
Educators of America or Dance Masters of America. Our instructors
follow a syllabus (study or reference guide) for all of our classes
so that they know what to teach, when to teach it and how to teach
it.
2. What should I look for in a dance facility?
A dance facility should provide a spacious clean, neat and safe environment. The
facility should offer amenities such as a reception area, view windows
for observation of classes, full length mirrors, ballet barres and changing
rooms. Our facility offers all of the above.
3. 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 feet, ankles, shins, knees and backs of
dancers. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by
choosing a studio that has a floor that is not directly on top of concrete. Our
special floors are oak wood sprung floors that help reduce the risk
of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.
4. 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
schedules, dancewear or costumes, even if a teacher is occupied in
a class. Our studios have office staff on hand during all regular
class times, so you can get immediate assistance.