If most dance studios seem to have qualified teachers, experience teaching children and a big recital at the end of the year, aren’t they all pretty much the same?  Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll?  Yes.  There are 4 things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles you, the parent, must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a studio.  Here are 4 things 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 your bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a great deal 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” or “raised” floor. These floors are built up and help to absorb the shock of jumping.  These floors are superior to concrete based floors.

The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor.  A vinyl composite “marley-type” floor is accepted worldwide as the best type of surface layer for recreational and professional dance.  Most professional dance companies use “marley-type” floors as their dance surface.  These floors allow dancers to slide, with a degree of “controlled slip”, but it is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Studios often do not use these types of flooring systems because of the expense involved, and opt for a regular hard floor.

All of our studios have raised wood floors under the floor surface.  Our special floors help to reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.

2.  What are the sizes, levels and ages of the classes offered?

If the dance class has fewer students in it each child will receive more personal 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.

Our studio limits our classes (ages 7 and up) to a maximum of 15 students per class.  With our combo classes (ages 3-6) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of 12 students and an assistant teacher is in each class.

It is very important that students are placed in the proper class levels and are in class with other students who are relatively the same age.  We offer a wide variety of classes that are divided by levels and ages to ensure that each student gets the most out of each class.

Our classes are first divided by age, Petite (ages 6-8), Junior (ages 9-12), Senior (ages 12 and up).  Our classes are then divided by levels: Level A (beginning), Level B (intermediate), Level C (intermediate/advanced), Level D (advanced).  Each child will always be placed in age and level appropriate classes.

3.  Can I get immediate assistance and customer service? 

In some 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 or in a class.  Our studio has office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.

4.  What are the “extras” required for the year end recital?

Most studios put on a year end recital in an auditorium.  Students that perform in the recital must have costumes 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 sew.  Most studios also require parents to pay a recital fee or purchase tickets for the recital performance night.

Our studio will have a professional seamstress sew and alter the costumes, so parents do not have to worry about any costume hassles.  Our studio also gives each parent 2 free tickets for our year end recital. This way you as a parent will not be faced with any extra work or expenses.