5 Things to Know When Choosing a Dance School

If most dance schools seem to have qualified and friendly instructors, experience working with children, and put on a big show at the end of the year, aren’t they all about the same? Does it really matter which school you choose to enroll your children? Yes! There are 5 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 school. Here are 5 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance school for their child:

1. What class should I choose for my child?

Classes are usually separated by age and ability. Instructors should be able to answer any questions that you might have regarding placement. Keep an open mind when listening to instructors suggestions. Proper class placement is essential for success in a dance class. If a class in not at the right level for the student, it can be very frustrating for a child. The number of students in each class is also crucial. Check to see if the dance school keeps small class sizes. Preschool classes should have no more than 12 students. Classes for students age 7 years and older should have no more than 15 students. Also each class should have an assistant instructor so that the instructor/student ratio is never higher than 1 to 8. This insures that your child’s needs will be met.

If enrolling a male student, ask about costuming and choreography. Dance schools should be choosing masculine costumes and choreography that allows male students to feel comfortable. Our school assist parents in selecting appropriate classes by giving instructor recommendations in the spring. This eliminates any confusion and allows students to excel in a comfortable yet challenging environment in the following season. Our class sizes are no larger than 12 students for the preschool program and 15 students in our jr/sr programs. All classes are assigned an assistant instructor. Our student enrollment is nearly 25% males. We believe guys should be treated like guys. That is reflected in our costume and song selections. All males should have the opportunity to dance and be in a comfortable, supportive atmosphere..

2. How young in too young to start dance instructions?

This will differ for each child. There are a lot of things a dance school can do to assist children in having a positive, rewarding experience. Classes for little ones should be fun! They should also be learning the basic building blocks of dance. Remember that with little ones, sometimes they have an off day. As long as they are enjoying themselves during class, that’s what really counts! Another important thing is parent involvement. We take this a step further for all of our preschool classes and have viewing weekly through windows from the waiting area. Parents may watch the entire class and if a student needs their parent, they are always close by. You should be leery of schools that don’t have an open door policy. Yes, it can be distracting to a class to have parents sitting in or being close, however if you feel the need to view the class, do not hesitate to ask. Schools should be sensitive to your concerns and accommodate you immediately. Our innovative preschool program is open to children ages 18 months to 6 years. Basic techniques are presented to students using games and imaginative play. Classes are short and high in energy... just like the little ones!

3. What are the costs involved in participating in a dance program?

Fees will vary depending on the age of the student and type of class they are enrolled in. The standard fees are usually tuitions, dance shoes, class apparel, costumes, performance tickets and optional photographs and videos. Fees will differ from school to school, so ask if you are unsure. Don’t necessarily look for the least expensive program available. Quality instructors and facilities will sometimes require higher fees. But being informed and prepared about the fees can enable you to know if the school will fit your particular wants and needs.We don’t believe in hidden costs. Our parents know up front all of the fees that will take place over the dance season. We want parents to feel comfortable and confident about their decision to have their children enrolled at our dance school. Being up front and honest keeps lines of communication open and allows parents to prepare accordingly. No last minute surprises.

4. What qualifications are important to look for in a dance instructor?

Proper training and experience is essential. They should have an extensive background in not only dance, but childhood development, anatomy and be up to date on changes in dance styles and techniques. All of our instructors are involved in ongoing instructor training programs through our dance school. they take classes regularly and meet bimonthly to discuss new instruction methods, injury prevention, various styles of dance, and ways to improve students technique. they also attend workshops, seminars, conventions, and/or competitions through out the dance season.

5. What can I do to assist my child in practicing outside of class?

Practice is vital since it enables students to better execute steps and retain information presented in class. Schools should keep you up to date on what students are doing in class and what they should be working on at home. Once recital routines are complete, practice tapes with students dance music should be available. We ask all students 7 years and older to bring a notebook and pen with them to every class. We assist them in writing down steps to practice before the next class. Students call their notebooks - dance journals. For the older students, they also list their personal goals and use their journals to keep track of their progress. We also have recital practice tapes available so students can practice at home. To assist in taking practice a step further, we will also be offering practice videos during our next season. We hope you have found this information helpful. Good luck in searching for a dance school that fits your needs. May it be a very rewarding experience for your child and your family.

God Bless and Keep Dancing!

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