How to choose the right studio for dance classes

Whether you’re looking for dance lessons for yourself or a child, you should do a little research before parting with your hard-earned money. While it may be tempting to simply enroll at the first school you visit or the one closest to your home, you should meet with someone at the school and ask them the following questions.

Ask about policies for dance classes

Each school will have their own policies, so it’s important that you understand what you’re getting into when you sign up for dance classes. For example, if you or your child have to miss a lesson, what happens? Can you attend a make-up class or will you just miss instruction for that week? Also, will you be required to sign a contract or are these lessons held monthly? Don’t be afraid if the studio requires you to sign a contract; this just means that the school is serious about its students and wants to make sure everyone gets adequate instructional time. It is also important to ask about parental expectations if the student is your child. You will need to know if parents can watch the lessons and if parents are expected to do any costume work.

You should also ask about the recital and accompanying fees. Some possible recital costs include fees for costumes, hair and makeup, photography, and a video of the recital. Depending on your studio, this could add quite a bit to the cost of dance classes, so it’s important to know this up front.

Ask About Teacher Credentials

Another thing to consider before signing up for dance classes is the credentials of the teachers. Teachers must be accomplished dancers, both in performance and education. Look for instructors who have a bachelor’s degree in dance or fine arts, as well as professional experience.

Ask what ages teachers work with

Some studios work with students of all ages. If you’re looking for a class for your two-year-old, make sure the school accepts students that young. However, if you are looking for a class for yourself, you will need to check that the studio has an adult level class.

Ask what types of lessons they teach

If you’re looking for a hip hop class, it won’t do you any good if the studio you’re interested in only teaches lessons like ballet and tap. Many studios offer a variety of lessons, including beginner ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, pre-pointe, and pointe. Knowing what you’re looking for can help you narrow down your options, making your decision easier.

These are not the only criteria by which you should judge dance classes, but it is a good starting point. Make sure you know what to expect from teachers, as well as what is expected of you and your child. This can help ensure that you or your child have fun during the lessons and learn a lot about the art of dance.