What to look for in a Dance Studio?

To some, choosing a dance studio may not seem like a big deal. They may choose one in close proximity to their home, or they may choose the studio that their friends’ children already attend. Some may think that unless their child dreams of being a professional dancer that choosing a studio doesn’t much matter. To the contrary, a dance studio can be so much more than that! For many dancers, the studio is a second home, a safe haven, and a place in which they interact with friends who become as close as family. Many children who study dance do not move on to become professional dancers, however the memories they make at their home studio are irreplaceable. Choosing the right studio is sometimes instrumental a child’s development.

Sometimes when parents choose a studio for their children they overlook the bigger picture. Parents should look closely at their options and ask themselves what their child has to gain from each option. Choosing a suitable and quality dance studio might be a daunting task for people who are experiencing this for the first time; there are, however some basic things to look for in a studio. These bullet points can help you choose the best dance studio to enhance your children’s skills, and potentially lead them on a professional path if you are so inclined.

Experienced and Qualified Instructors:

The heart of the dance studio is within the instructors. You’ll want to be sure that your mentor is qualified and experienced. A knowledgeable and experienced dance instructor can help to polish a dancer’s skills and inspire hard work and practice at home.

A quality instructor can pinpoint a dancer’s weak and strong points and explain how to apply corrections and critiques accordingly. The benefits of a good instructor go beyond dance; a great instructor will be patient with students as they teach life lessons in diligence, respect, and hard work.

Safety of Students:

With any physical activity, risk of injury is a possibility. In a good dance studio, however, instructors will put in maximum effort to reduce the risks. Safety of students is of the utmost importance. Qualified instructors will ensure that dancers have stretched, warmed up properly, and that they are attempting technique that aligns with their current abilities. The equipment used, specifically the dance floor, must be high-quality and able to absorb impact to ensure safe use over time.

Variety of Classes and Levels:

It’s important to check out what styles of dance your studio offers. Is your studio versatile? Do they offer beginner and advanced classes in every style? There must be a difference between the level of dance a dance studio is teaching to beginners and to advanced students. Most studios will offer the basics, such as jazz, ballet, and tap, but you may seek out a more well-rounded experience. Look for studios that offer these styles plus classes such as hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical.

Atmosphere and Environment:

One of the most important and basic things to look for in a good dance studio is the environment. A good dance studio will always have a friendly and nurturing environment. The teachers must be friendly, fun, and professional. A good student-teacher bond will usually bring out a student’s maximum capabilities.