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4 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 which place you decide to enroll at?  Yes.  There are 4 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 4 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 stress on the bones and joints.  Most dance footwear does not provide and 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 prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional "floating floor".   A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping.  A high-density foam base is superior to a sprung floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor.

The top layer of the floor is also an improtant factor.  A vinyl composite "marley" floor or a hardwood floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professiional dance.  Facilities such as the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance-the Touring Show, all use marley floors as their dance surface.  These floors allow 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 marley or hardwood floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular floor tile for a studio floor.

Our studio has floating floors that have over 700 high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a marley or hardwood top surface.  Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuiries and allow 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 instructions.  Our smaller class size also allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.

Our studio limits it's class sizes and also has assistants to aide in the learning process.  Our Babes and Kindergarten programs have  two assistants per class to help keep this busy age on task and focused.  For ages 6 and up we have one assistant to give that extra help when needed.

3.   What are the "extra's" required for the year end show?

After receiving costumes for the recital some studios require lot's of extra' s such as different tights, different color shoes, socks instead of tights the list can go on and on.  Some studio's have a whole week of dress rehearsal's.

Our studio supplies anything additional we want added to the costumes.  We have one night of dress rehearsal, and before recital performances we apply make up and provide hair stylists for your convienence. Our recitals are organized and "hassle-free".

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 or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class.  Out studios have office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.

 

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