Dance is an incredible experience for children and the benefits of participating in dance are endless. But choosing the right studio and knowing what to look for can make your child’s experience with dance even better than you anticipated.
What are some of the things you should consider when researching where to have your child dance?
First, spend some time to determine what your goal’s are and if the child is older what her/his goals are for dancing. Are you looking to start dance for fun, exercise, discipline and meeting new friends or do you and your child want to take their dance to the next level eventually performing, competing or striving to earn a college dance scholarship.
Do you want a studio that offers primarily traditional ballet training or a studio with a variety of dance styles providing exercise and fun for the child? Once you determine your dance goals and start researching which studios in the area might help your child meet those goals, here are some of the things you might look at when making the decision on where to dance.
What is the Philosophy of the Studio? Is the studio more of a recreational studio, highly competitive or somewhere in between. Make sure your goals for dance match what the studio offers. What is the teaching philosophy of the owner? What is the environment of the studio (clean, safe, well lit, friendly staff). Does the studio allow parents and family observe classes? What is the studio’s standards in regards to age appropriate attire and music? Ask the studio owner what makes their studio the right place for your child’s dance needs? What do other parents in your area say?
What is the background and experience of the teachers? What is the owner’s and teacher’s experience in dance? Do they possess dance degrees, have performance experience? How long have they taught at that studio? Are all classes taught by adult teachers? What do other parents in your area say about the studio’s teachers?
Location of Studio: How convenient is the studio to where you live or your kids go to school? Can you get your child to classes on time? What is a realistic commute between the studio and home?
Does the studio’s class schedule fit your schedule?: Are the classes you are looking for available at times that fit your busy work and family schedules?
What are the costs involved with dance? Learn what tuition costs and payment schedules. What if any registration fees or other service charges does the studio charge? Find out if the studio has a recital and if so, what are costs for costumes, tickets and miscellaneous items? What type of shoes and clothing is required? What are those costs? If my child starts dancing and then decides they no longer want to dance, what is the studio’s refund policy (refunds, credits, penalties)?
Opportunities to Perform: What opportunities are available for students to perform throughout the year (recitals, holiday shows, performing companies, competition teams)? What are the venues the dancers perform at and when?
Other tips: Ask around the community (neighborhood, school, church) to find out where other parents’ kids dance and what they think of their studio? Call the studio to arrange a visit to observe/participate in class, meet the teachers and observe the environment (what the kids are like, what the parents are like, what’s the staff is like). Is the studio a place where you and your child would meet their dance goals, feel comfortable, have fun and grow as a dancer?
Dance is an incredible experience for children of all ages, but getting the right “studio fit” is key for your child to get the most out of their dance experience. Take some time researching the studios in your area, and answer the questions above. You will find it that it will help you find the right place for you and your child.
