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6 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 at which place you decide to enroll? Yes. 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 a 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 protect against potential injury is to choose a studio with a professional "raised" floor. A Raised floor is a floor that sits on a wood structure designed like a grid, so that there is give to the floor so that the shock won't be absorbed by the dancer.
The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite "Roscoe" floor is accepted worldwide as a superior surface for recreational and professional dance. A vinyl 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 Roscoe floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular floor tile for a studio floor.
GOTTA DANCE STUDIO Response: All of our studios have raised Roscoe floors to help 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 instruction. Smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size also allows teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.
GOTTA DANCE STUDIO Response: Our studio will limit all of our classes with the exception of Performance Team production numbers, to a maximum of just 12 students per class. Many of our classes also have a student teacher in attendance to help with the class.
3. What are the "extras" required for the year end show?
Most studios put on a year end show in a theatre space. Students must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child's costume or find a seamstress to make the costume. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for busy parents. Most studios also require parents to purchase tickets for the recital performance night.
GOTTA DANCE STUDIO Response: Our studio purchases costumes from reputable costume companies. The costumes arrive read to wear except for some occasional hemming and minor accessorizing. There is no charge for admission to the end of the year recital. The show is open to the public with free admission for all.
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 costumes, schedules, shoe purchases, etc..., even if a teacher is occupied in a class.
GOTTA DANCE STUDIO Response: We recognize that customer service is an important issue and we have a manned reception desk during class times.
5. What kinds of costumes and music will my child be exposed to?
Many studios pick costumes that look good on a few students but not on all. Costume companies make all of their costumes available in all sizes. It is up to the teacher to make good judgments when selecting costumes and music, ensuring that the dancers and parents are comfortable with the selections. Choose a dance studio where the instructors exhibit the maturity to make appropriate choices.
GOTTA DANCE STUDIO Response: We have always been firm in our resolve to use only age appropriate costume and music. Most parents have been supportive and often times relieved with this policy. Our recitals are family friendly. We have always recognized that dancers come in all shaped and sizes and need to be comfortable in their costumes. We use a cross section of music from a wide variety of venues in an attempt to provide exposure from the classics to contemporary. Our music will not contain profanity or condone violence.
6. Will my child, who is a recreational dancer, be given the same attention as dancers who are members of the competition or performance groups?
Many studios put a much greater emphasis on competitive dancer who take part in out of town dance contests. The recreational dancer who is taking classes for fun and exercise do not receive the attention and special treatment that the "super star" dancers receive. It is important that you choose a studio which will treat ll dancers equally, with patience and respect.
GOTTA DANCE STUDIO Response: Our motto at Gotta Dance is "...Where Dancing is Fun!" Our teachers form special attachments to all their students and take pride in helping each dancer become all that he or she is capable of becoming. Dance class should be fun, whether you are a recreational dancer or a student planning on a career in the performing arts.
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