What are you looking for in a dance studio?
To begin, parents looking to enroll their children in a dance studio should first think about what they would like to get out of the studio experience. Not all studios are a good fit for every type of dancer. For instance, some studios only offer a competitive dancing curriculum, while others are recreational and better suited for those enrolling for fun and social interactions. Finding a dance studio with a good balance between competitive dancing and technique training is also something very important to consider, and speak with the owner about.
Ask your friends for recommendations.
It is best for a parent to ask friends who have children enrolled in dance studios for recommendations. Friends can offer solid information that can not be gathered from the schools themselves. Ask parents of dancers attending the schools what they think about the studio. Other parents will be honest about their experiences, as they have nothing to lose by offering positive or negative criticism.
Visit the studio and get to know the staff.
Parents looking to pick out a dance studio also need to visit different studios and speak with the instructors and staff at the different studios. Ask the staff what their philosophies on dance are, how many kids are in each class, do you let the kids out on time or five minutes late every week? Parents need to get a feel for the potential schools where their children will be dancing. It is ideal to take children along and let them (if they are old enough) ask their own questions as well. Also, the child may want to try a class, many schools offer free trial classes which is great for your child!
Attend year end recitals.
Parents should attend dance recitals at each of the schools that they are considering enrolling their child in. A studios recital tells a lot about the studio. Take note of how skillful the dance students are, what types of costumes they are wearing, the musical selections chosen, whether or not it looks like the kids are having fun and overall professionalism. Parents should definitely bring a note pad and write down any information or questions they may have while viewing the performance.
Compare prices.
After going to each studios recitals, parents should then take careful note of the prices that the various studios charge. Dance lessons can be expensive, and with costumes, shoes, tights, leotards, hair supplies, and makeup. Costs can quickly escalate and it is important to ask about any other hidden fees or contracts.
After gathering all of the relevant information, parents can then pick out a school that suits their child. However, they should continue to monitor how their children are enjoying the dance studio experience once they are enrolled in a school. If a child is not happy and/or things are not going well overall, a parent should speak with the teacher to find out if there are any behavioral issues, or personality conflicts from the student, or towards the student in class. The most important aspects while looking for a dance studio is that the teachers are providing quality education and that the child is finding success and happiness in their environment.