How To Choose A Dance School
Does it seem that most dance schools are the same? They all appear to have qualified, friendly instructors, experience teaching children, and an end-of-the-year production, so what's the difference? Does it really matter which dance school you choose? Yes! There are several things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and expense for the parents, and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. We would like to take this opportunity to help you choose the right dance school for you or your child.
1. Instructors
When choosing a dance school, it is important to find out about the instructor’s backgrounds. A good teacher should have a minimum of 6-10 years of training and performing with a reliable dance school or company. The amount of stage experience a teacher has is also important, since dance is a performance art. If teachers are unable to demonstrate what they are trying to teach or their knowledge of dance, students will struggle as they are forced to figure out steps on their own. Parents should also be weary of instructors who teach several different dance forms. Instructors who teach several different forms of dance have spread themselves so thin, that they will not provide quality instruction. What about a college degree? Most of the top choreographers and teachers today do not have degrees in dance. Experiencing dance is far more important, than spending your best dancing years in a classroom. Parents should also make sure the school does not allow children to go on pointe before the age of 10 or without previous ballet training.
2. Class Size
If a dance class has fewer children in it, each child will receive more personalized attention and have the opportunity to develop more as a dancer. With younger children, it makes it easier for the instructor to maintain the class, as well as making sure each student fully understands the concepts. For Pre-school dance classes, eight children is the maximum number of students you would want in a class. For students ages 6 and up, look for a maximum of 10-12 students. The smaller class sizes make certain that fundamental concepts are not being missed. A smaller class size also allows the instructor to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.
3. Dance Studio Facilities
The type of dance floor used in a studio is very important. Floating floors are the best types of floor for injury prevention. The floor covering is also important. The best surface layer for a dance studio floor is a vinyl composite called marley. Studios should also be equipped with professional music equipment, full-length mirrors and two heights of adjustable barres for ballet students.
4. End-of-the-Year Production
Most studios have a performance at the end of the year. Some studios require parents to pay high costume and recital fees, as well as arrange to have alterations for costumes and purchase tickets to the recital. As parents, grandparents, or guardians, you have been paying for lessons all year, and this is your time to enjoy the benefits of those lessons. We offer very high quality costumes at an affordable price. There is no recital fee, and parents receive two free tickets to the performance!
5. Combination Classes
Several schools offer combination classes, which include 2 dance forms in one class period. Many parents find this to be a convenient way for their child to be exposed to more than one dance form, however, students in combo classes do not receive the best possible dance education. Students need a full class to really improve and progress in a certain dance form. Class time also ends up being wasted as students have to stop to change shoes in the middle of the class.
6. Pre-school Dance Classes
Several studios offer ballet, tap, and jazz classes for children ages 3-5. Students this age are not yet physically ready for the strain or discipline these dance forms require. It is important that pre-school aged children take part in dance programs that are specifically designed for their age. Students should be introduced to basic steps and positions of ballet that their bodies are ready to do at that stage. It is important to look for a Creative Movement or Pre-Ballet class, which is ideal for this age group.
We hope this information will be helpful in choosing a dance school for your child. If you have any questions regarding our school or would like to visit us, please give us a call at 678-450-8845.
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Northeast Georgia School of Music & Dance 123 Green St. Gainesville, GA 30501
