Consumer Questions Answered by the Experts
What Makes a Great Dance School?
T
here are lots of extracurriculars these days for children. Dance is a great way to stay active and increase endurance, co-ordination, strength, flexibility, agility, confidence and expression. Life skills that will follow your young dancer into adulthood. Because all parents want the best for their children, here are some things to consider when choosing the dance studio that will best fit your – and your child’s – needs. • First call or email the studio and ask questions about what programs they have for the age group you are looking into. • What are the fees? Are there fees in addition to the price of enrolment? • How much are costumes and are there any other fees that come up throughout the season? • What is the philosophy of the dance studio? • Is it to teach children how to enjoy dance and build many life skills? Is it to offer a safe, fun and nurturing environment ? How do they feel about the competition side of dance ? What avenues are there for your child whether they choose to compete or not compete? Does the studio recognize there is a path for recreational dancers as well?
Teachers
Your child’s dance instructors should be positive, professional and have dance experience . They should have a rapport with their students that promotes not only technical growth, but confidence and nurtures your dancer. Ask what the teacher’s name will be. Talk to your dancer at home about their teacher and get them excited about meeting them. Feel free to ask about the teacher and how their journey in dance began.
Classes
Decide in what type of class you would like to enrol your child. Classes can include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pointe, musical theater, acro , lyrical and contemporary. Also, for younger dancers, studios will offer specialized programs for them, which is a great way to introduce them to dance. Trust the studio in guiding and deciding what level and program best suits your child. Some dance disciplines require more of a commitment than others therefore, always ask how to achieve certain classes if your child has an idea in mind, so that it’s clear how to achieve this.
Facility
Your child’s dance studio should be equipped with: • Mirrors to promote learning technique • Sprung floors to prevent injuries • Ballet barres • Age appropriate music, movements and themes.
Discipline
Remember that dance is a discipline. This starts with respect for the studio, teacher and to yourself. It is important to come weekly to class to stay committed and to always come in proper attire listed by your studio. Dance studios teach more than just dance. The relationships and respect among many other things that are taught will last a lifetime.
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