Four 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 where you decide to go? Yes, it does! There are four 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 four things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.
1. DOES THE STUDIO PROMOTE FAMILY VALUES?
Many studios in this day and time are all about “pushing the envelope” in terms of music, choreography and costumes -- often teaching the “latest” or “hottest” routines, with little thought as to why they are teaching them or who they are teaching them to. Our studio is conservative in our choreography, music and costuming. We have found that we can be both current and relevant while maintaining routines that you won't be embarrassed to show Grandma and Grandpa. And since all of our dance recital routines and other performances are posted on our HeartBeats YouTube Channel , you can be sure they are not only tastefully done but they can easily be shared worldwide with the family that you value.
2. WHAT TYPE OF DANCE FLOOR IS USED?
Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer.
Our studio is comprised of three large dance studios with over 2,500 square feet of fully-cushioned professional floating dance floors to absorb the shock of jumping. These floors reduce the risk of injury and allow students to dance longer without getting tired. Further, our studios are configured with moveable sound walls to allow a full stage-size performance space for productions, rehearsals, music recitals and social events.
3. WHAT IS THE END OF THE YEAR PERFORMANCE LIKE?
Most studios put on an end of the year performance. Students who perform in the show must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios require parents to sew their child's costumes or pay extra for a professional seamstress to do the sewing. Most require you to purchase additional tights for the performance and some will even require you to spray paint your shoes to match the costume! Extensive rehearsal time in addition to your child's regular classes is often required to get ready for the performance, and performances can sometimes run well over three hours!
Our studio orders recital costumes fully finished and ready-to-wear and tights are provided to go along with them! Shoes are generally kept the same color as the year round dress code and we provide a separate specially-designed recital for our youngest dancers and their families to enjoy!
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. Our studio has dedicated office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance. And our dance director and executive director are very accessible via phone, email, and appointment to discuss any other questions you may have regarding your child's classes.
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