If
most dance studios seem to have qualified friendly teachers, experience
in teaching children, and a big show at the end of the year, aren't
they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you
decide to enroll? Yes, it does! There are several factors that make a
difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the
amount of work and hassles the parents must deal with and the overall
enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. here
are 4 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a
dance studio for their child.
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 instructions.
Our smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are
being missed. A smaller class size also allows our teachers to ensure
that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique. Our
studio limits all of our classes (ages 6 and up) to a maximum of just
12 students per class. With our kindergarten dance classes (ages 3 - 5)
we limit all classes to a maximum of just 6 students per class.
What are the "extras" required for the year end show?
Most
studios put on a year end show in a theatre with a professional
setting. Students that perform in the show must have a costume for
their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their
child’s costumes, or pay extra and the parents must find their own
seamstress to do the sewing. This can be inconvenient and frustrating
for parents who are busy or can’t sew. Most studios also require
parents to purchase tickets for the recital performance night.
Our
studios use our own professional seamstress to sew and alter the
costumes, so parents do not have to worry about any costume hassles.
Our studio also gives each parent 2 free tickets for our year-end show.
This way you as a parent will not be faced with any extra work or
expenses. The opportunity to perform for others is a great source of
self esteem for our children.
* Parents also love that our shows are very tasteful, artistic and of tolerable & moderate length.
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 or
schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studio has
office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get
immediate assistance.
How qualified are the instructors?
Dance
is a physically demanding activity and if taught incorrectly if can
have harmful effects the way a dancers body moves and grows. Some
studios find it too expensive and time consuming to employ qualified
instructors, and in some cases graduate unqualified students up to
instructor positions. These business practices can be lead to dancers
that have injuries and poor technique.
Instead
of calling the studio to ask, "Who are your instructors?" understand
this. Our studio employs only instructors with degrees in dance and/or
reputable teaching experience. Our teachers have extensively studied
the correct way to teach all aspects of dance and pay special attention
to technique and proper form. This ensures our students receive superb
instruction while keeping their bodies healthy.