Finding The Right Studio

Parent guide for finding the right studio for yourself

As a parent you are always looking for opportunities to let your children grow and extend their abilities. Dancing offers many life building skills and is a great way to build strength, suppleness, self awareness, spatial awareness and self esteem in children. But just as there are many different dance studios there are also many different teaching styles so it’s important to look for studios and dance programs that fit your child’s character. And at the end of the day, only you can know that.

This guide assumes your child is just starting out in dance and has no personal aspirations to a lifelong career in the performing arts. If your child is a little older and is maybe looking at dance a little more seriously, you might find the “Student Guide” more useful.

In What Environments Does Your Child Perform Best ?
Some children are intimidated by large groups while others love to make themselves the center of attention. Some children do better in a nurturing environment where it’s OK if they don’t pay attention and don’t get all the dance steps. Others require a more disciplined teacher in order to remain focused.

You need to evaluate your child honestly. Just because you danced on Broadway it doesn’t mean your child will have the same abilities or the same inclination. There are many stories of children who showed all the signs of being a fantastic dancer but they were put into a strict dance program that focused on technique where a more relaxed, fun program may have fostered the passion for dance before the focus on technique took the fun out of it for them.

And remember, you can always change to a different dance program later.

Facilities
For young children this is probably less important. Children don’t mind if the walls are a little drab although of course if it’s bright and cheery they may enjoy their experience more. Also remember you may spend quite a bit of time in the waiting room so don’t ignore your own needs.

A floating dance floor is a big consideration for older dancers to help prevent injuries, but children weigh so much less that they are not putting as much energy into their bodies when leaping. Clean, smooth, splinter free and non slippery is about all you need to look for.

Location / Convenience
This might not seem to be too much of an issue for you but with so much else going on in our busy lives, having a convenient place to dance will make it so much easier to get coats and shoes on little people if you don’t have to worry about some of these factors. Traffic can be a big issue so check if there are back roads that can get you to the studio if things back up. Ease of parking and well lit parking for evening classes in the winter. You may not always be going to dance directly from home so is it close to many of the other activities your children take part in? Is it close to their school?

Do the classes start at times that are convenient for nap times, meal times, school etc.?

Range of Dance Programs
Does the studio offer a range of classes that will allow your child to explore different areas of dance? Children learn at different rates so check if the studio offers an age progression or different levels and can your child move between the levels if they show a real talent?

Future Growth
If your child really becomes passionate about dance, does the studio offer classes that will push their abilities and continue to challenge them to become the best they can?

What Information Can You Find Out
Apart from the studio itself, what other information is available? If the studio has a web site then you have access to a lot of information although remember that it’s not impartial. However, you can still learn a lot about a studio. Look at the number and types of classes they offer. Look at the schedules to see how many classes and what times they’re available. Look at teacher bios to get a sense of what level their teachers are, although remember that an impressive dance resume does not necessarily mean that they’re a good teacher.

Search around online for newspaper articles and press releases about the studios you’re interested in.

Recommendations
Referrals are probably one of the best sources of information as you’ll generally get a sense of that parent’s experience with the studio. A good recommendation is most likely good but a bad recommendation you should take with a pinch of salt. People can have fantastic experiences for years but one bad experience seems to negate all the good.

Trial Classes
Finally after doing all the research, a trial class gives you the opportunity to see for yourself. Most studios offer free trial classes so you have nothing to lose.