My daughter has been taking dance classes for 12 years and I can honestly say that it has enriched her life beyond measure and provided many moments of joy for our entire family. If you or your child will be entering the world of dance you will need to consider the following points when choosing a dance studio.
Is your child a perfectionist and a serious competitor or do they like to take things at a slower pace and just have fun? Some dance studios offer more competitive programs geared towards learning difficult routines and perfecting them for the purpose of winning dance competitions. Others offer a more relaxed atmosphere with the intent of creating an enriching, artistic experience for the student, while enjoying the art of dance rather than being rewarded for performance perfection.
Find out how many students are in each class and the scheduling of the classes. If there are too many kids, your child might not get the attention they deserve. Also, if the class times are not convenient it may create a stressful situation. You don't want to find yourself rushing to get to class or missing classes because of scheduling conflicts.
You should know all of the costs upfront before commiting to a studio's program. Be sure to ask about weekly or monthly class fees, costume fees, recital fees and any other costs that may arise so you can compare apples to apples with other studios. There may also be volunteer time expected of the parents as well, so ask about that too.
Any studio should be willing to let you observe some classes so you can get a feel for the atmosphere and the learning environment. Do the students look engaged in what the instructor is teaching them. Does the instructor use an encouraging tone or a more critical one when correcting students technique? Do you think your child will thrive in this enviornment and enjoy the class?
Seek out others in your community who've had involvement with the local dance studios. Ask other parents about their experiences with any studio you are considering for your child. Try to get several different opinions and see if there is a consensus, either positive or negative on any particular studio to help you make your choice.
I hope you find the perfect dance studio for yourself or your child.
Awesome list of things to consider when choosing a dance studio, thanks! Hi5!
Recommended read for anyone considering this for their child. Wish I had considered these points when I enrolled my 3 year old in the wrong dance class. Good job!
select one here...