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 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 parent 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 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 instruction. 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 techniques.
Our studio limits all of our classes (age 5 and up) to a maximum of just 18 students per class. With our preschool classes (ages 2.9 - 4) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 12 students per class.
2. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration at the same time. 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 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 class. Our studio has office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance. We also have a live person on hand during daytime business hours to assist with any questions or concerns. If, for some reason, you should call and get an answering machine, we will call you back within the hour.
3. What are the “extras” required for the year end show?
Most studios put on a year end show in a professional theater. Students that perform in the show must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child’s costume, 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. Our studio uses our own seamstress to sew and alter the costumes, so parents do not have to worry about any costume hassles.
We also offer a special package including the recital DVD, two recital tickets and a recital tee shirt for $70 ( an $85 value). Look for order forms in April.
4. Can I dance year-round if I choose?
Most dance studios provide dance classes from September to May or June and either hold “dance camps” or no dance classes at all in July and August. For the more serious student, this gives them two to three months off from consistent training and discipline. Dance Images Dance Center has always been a year-round dance school. We have always believed that our students gain valuable training in July and August without the added distraction of homework and mandatory school functions. Our summer session ends with an added performance opportunity that has always been a bonus for our “budding professionals”.
