4 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a Dance Studio

If most dance 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 in which place you decide to enroll?  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 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 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.

The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor.  A vinyl composite “marley” floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance.  Facilities such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance-The Touring Show, all use marley floors as their dance surface.  A marley floor allows dancers to slide with a degree of “controlled slip, but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls.  Very few studios use professional marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular tile for a studio floor.

Our studio has such a special floating floor.  It helps to reduce the risk of injuries and allows 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 all of our classes (ages 7 and up) to a maximum of just 14 students per class.  With our preschool classes (ages 3 – 6), we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 10 students per class.  In addition, many of our classes have assistant teachers to help your child.

3.  What are the “extras” required for the year end show?

Most studios put on a year end show in an auditorium.  Students that perform in the show must have a costume for their dance numbers.  Some studios may require parents to sew their child’s costumes, or pay extra for a seamstress, which the parents must find.  This can be inconvenient and frustrating for parents who are busy or can’t sew.  Most studios also require parents to purchase tickets and programs for the recital performance night.

Our studio removes the worry of costume sewing by having costumes ordered for the students that require minimal, if any, alterations.  Also, there are no tickets to purchase for family members and guests to attend the recital.  Free recital programs are handed out.

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 hat can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class.  Our studio has office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.