Four Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Dance Studio

If most studios seem to have qualified, 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 which place you decide to enroll at? Yes! There are four main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parent must deal with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are four things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.

1. What is the size of the class?

Smaller dance class sizes have many benefits. 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 imperative that they understand the concepts and instructions.  A smaller class size also allows a teacher to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique. A teacher to student ratio of 12 students per 1 teacher is best with students of age 7 and older, with a lower ratio allowing more individual attention.  However, with students of age 3 to 6 years, a ratio of 6 students per 1 teacher is highly recommended with a lower ratio even better for young students.

Here at Hilltown Dance Center we limit our class size to a maximum of 12 students.  With our 3-5 year old classes, we have a 3 to 1 student to teacher ratio. Many times we will have 2 helpers in a class to help our youngest students grasp preliminary dance concepts. In our 6 and up classes, we have a 5 to 1 student to teacher ratio at the maximum. It is important to us that all of our students have a firm foundation in dance technique to prevent injuries in the future.

2. What type of dance student does the studio want?

There are many different types of dance studios. Some are strictly ballet schools and want students who only want to study ballet and have a body made for ballet dancing. Other studios are competition studios which also want a certain type of student with a family income that can afford designer costumes, multiple class and competition fees as well as a full year commitment (often including summers and vacations). Finally, there are studios that focus primarily on younger students and offer mainly programs such as Kinderdance or Creative Movement. These studios begin the dancer in an appreciation of dance as an art form.

What studio is right for your student? Ideally, you would look for a studio that offers dance programs in all areas of dance that your child shows an interest in. Also, the studio should have ongoing programs to foster the love of dance throughout their school career and beyond. Finally, it should have an opportunity for more intensive study if your child develops an interest in that as well. Being able to have a friendly and stable learning environment where your child can expand their skills to enjoy dance for a lifetime, is an ideal studio for any level dancer.

Our studio offers classes to students age 3 through adult. We believe that you're never too old to learn to dance or enjoy it's benefits. We offer tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, acrobatics, pointe and ballroom classes with combinations classes for our youngest students age 3 to 5 years old. These combination classes have either tap and ballet or jazz and acrobatics. They learn beginning concepts in two forms of dance geared towards their limited attention span at these ages.  We feel that they should learn beginning concepts as early as they are ready.  For our more advanced students we offer the opportunity to join one of our dance teams.  These teams have costumes that cost the same as regular classes, but have the opportunity to do a dance competition 1 or 2 times a year.  We also do fundraising activities for families to help offset any additional costs. We want all students who are interested to have the chance to participate.

3. Are the teachers qualified and how can I tell?

Artists of all types do not always have a degree, but have experience in various training facilities and with highly specialized skills. Most highly skilled professionals still belong to a reputable dance organization, where they continue their own training and skill development. Some of these organizations are the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts, Dance Masters of America or Dance Educators of America. These organizations provide classes to teachers and students in various types of dance to provide a well-rounded learning experience for all. However, teachers with a college degree should have a degree in Dance, Education or Education with a minor in Dance to have the most understanding when working with children of various ages and abilities.

All of our teachers are members of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Arts. Our director, Polly Jo Labbé, is currently the National President. She is the former New England chapter President, Vice President  and National Vice President. All of our helpers also participate in classes offered by N.A.D.A.A. on both the local and national levels. Our director also has a BA degree in Education Studies with a concentration in Dance and a minor in Psychology.  She feels that all aspects of a child's dance education are important as well as the knowledge of what is age-appropriate for students to be striving to learn.  She also has her dance teaching certification through Dance Masters of America in all dance forms.

4. Do they offer any discounts?

Ideally, any studio you choose will offer discounts for multiple classes taken or for family members who also take classes. The more classes studied the lower the per class rate.  Also, sometimes there are special student discounts as well like free entrance to rehearsals or special performances. Picture or video taping opportunities for family members at rehearsals or special performances is also an added bonus since most studios do not offer these opportunities. Special bonuses to families that help out at studio functions like recitals or rehearsals, like free tickets is also a sign of a studio that truly cares about its students and their families.

Our studio offers discounts to all families for multiple classes and additional family members.  These reduced rates allow students to continue their dance education in as many classes as they want (similar to a child playing multiple sports). We also offer a special holiday show where all of our Hilltown families are invited to our performance and potluck dinner.  People can bring anyone with them that they choose. In addition, our students are able to watch dress rehearsal for free in their own special seating section and receive a free ticket to dress rehearsal for a family member to take pictures or video tape.  Parents who volunteer to help at either dress rehearsal or the recital also are given a free ticket.  Here at Hilltown Dance Center we feel that everyone is a member of our Hilltown Dance family.