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5 Things You Should Ask Before Choosing a Dance Studio
1)
Does the studio limit their class sizes?
Parents always want to know how much the classes cost but rarely ask about class size. Some dance studios are only able to offer low prices because the classes are very large. The smaller the class, the more individual attention your dancer will receive.
2)Does the studio provide dance training or just dance classes?
How would you feel if your student graduated from high school but never learned to read? Parents can enroll their dancer in class for years and later find out that their dancer did not receive solid training. Dance is a wonderful and fun activity, but if it's something you do for several years you should expect more than just a good workout. You are making an investment of time, effort and energy and should be getting a great dance education along the way. Sometimes dance terms can be overwheming and a little intimidating, but remember it's always OK to ask questions about class curriculum and objectives.
3) Are the class lengths suitable to the dancer’s level?
Proper dance training takes time. There should be a warm-up portion of the class to warm up all the necessary muscle groups and focus on correct placement. Center work and across-the-floor exercises condition dancers and develop grace, fittness and power. Time spent learning choreography and improvising gives students a chance to refine their performance skills and musicality. A preschool class might only last fourty-five minutes where upper level classes usually require ninety minutes.
4) Does the studio provide a well-rounded dance education experience?
There are many aspects of dance education: Technique training, physical development, movement quality, musicality, injury prevention, dance history, class etiquette, and more. Additionally, students learn classical and contemporary repertory through performances, as well as learning about hair and make-up, costuming, scenery, and choreography. If instructors are not knowledgeable in these areas or there is not enough class time to learn about these other areas, your dancer's training will be incomplete.
5)What kind of flooring do they have?
To prevent injury, dancers should dance on a flexible "floating" type wood floor with a surface suitable to the dance style. Many studios, colleges, and professional companies use a “Marley-type” flooring to provide a consistent amount of controlled slip. Floating wood floors are floors that are raised up off the underlying flooring with foam supports to allow the floor to give when the dancers land on it providing a softer landing. Dancers should never train on flooring that rests directly on top of concrete as it is too jarring to their joints and bones and causes injury.
