6 Things to Look for When Choosing a Dance Studio for Your Child

When searching for a dance studio for your child, there are certain things to look for to encourage a positive and healthy experience. Here are six things to consider when choosing a studio for your child’s dance training.

Trained Dance Instructors

Dance classes should be well structured and taught by experienced dance teachers. A professional performance career does not always translate to effective teaching, so you may want to inquire about teacher credentials, certifications, and/or experience working with young students. Teachers should be knowledgeable, patient, kind, and encouraging to ensure a great introduction to dance!

Space for Dancing

Studios should have dance spaces that support a dancer’s health and safety. There should be enough space for children to move about freely but contained so students can focus. Sprung wooden or floating Marley floors protect bones, ligaments, and joints while preventing slips, falls, and injuries.

Studios offering a variety of classes should have the appropriate equipment. Ballet classes should have ballet barres, for instance, and tumbling classes should have mats for the floor. The environment should be welcoming, and the equipment should be intact.

Age-Appropriate Curriculum

Studios should have a progressive system of instruction where lessons build on one another. New skills should be taught in each class so students continue to improve and advance. Students should generally be grouped into classes by age and dance experience. Classes should be challenging, but not push beyond a child’s physical limitations.

Additionally, you may wish to inquire about song selections played in class to ensure students are practicing and performing to age-appropriate music.

Class Size

Your child should have plenty of individual attention so she can receive corrections and learn proper body placement, especially in the beginning levels. Large classes may have teacher assistants to help offset larger class sizes.

Amenities and Cleanliness

Studios should have dressing rooms, changing areas, and lockers/shelves for storing dance bags and supplies. The studio will be busy with lots of children in and out of the building throughout the day, so check for cleanliness within the dance spaces and waiting areas. Many studios also have policies and procedures for COVID-19 that you may wish to ask about.

Organized and Informative

Customer support will be very important to new dance families. Approximate costs for shoes, costumes, and tuition for the year should be communicated, as should dates for rehearsals and performances.  Studio information can be shared to dance families in a variety of ways including newsletters, emails, social media, or team apps, so check to see how your studio shares its news.

Ready to locate the perfect dance studio for you or your dancer? Click on the “Find Dance Studios” tab to begin your search by location, dance styles, ability levels, and age ranges!