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Trying to decide between a few different Dance Schools at which to enroll?

5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a Dance Studio

If most dance studios seem to have 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 at which place you decide to enroll? Yes. There are 5 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra stress and hassles the parents must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 5 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 instructions. 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 technique.

Our studio limits all of our dance classes (ages 6 and up) to a maximum of just 15 students per class. With our creative movement and combo classes (ages 2-5) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 6 students per class (or 10 with an assistant).

2. What are the teachers’ qualifications?

It stands to reason that a highly qualified instructor will yield better results from their students. The more experienced an instructor the better they will handle the classroom and understand how to communicate with the students. Unlike most studios we always employ the most professional instructors available. Many of our instructors have degrees in dance or child development. Instructors that do not have degrees have accumulated their experience over many years of training, performing and instructing.

3. What is the atmosphere of the studio?

Your child’s experience in any school setting will shape their behavior for better or worse. The environment we offer can enhance and stimulate their creativity. Our studio does not have a highly competitive environment. We provide supervision and enforce discipline and dance etiquette. Our family atmosphere supports academics and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We have an active parent association, open to all parents, to create and support programs for all the dancers at our dance academies.

4. What is the year end show experience?

Students work all season towards this show and look forward to the chance to show off their new skills only to be upstaged by the mishaps of the backstage crew. Due to our years of experience in professional performances, we can provide a fun, professional experience for our dancers.

Our students are treated to the prestigious Pantages theater for their year end show in Tacoma. We hire a professional staff of over 25 to assure that everything from scenery, lighting, sound, stage management, dressing rooms to the front house is expertly attended to. We provide updates every month in our school newsletter concerning the show. We also provide a handbook to our parents about what to expect at the year end show months in advance. This way you will be able to relax and enjoy your child’s performance.

5. 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 academies have office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.