How to Choose a Dance Studio
Most dance 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 many things that make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, including proper equipment, the environment and organization of the program. Below are a few things your should know before selecting a dance studio.
How do I register my child for a dance class?
Registering at Janet's Dance Studio is very easy. We have a simple form to complete with basic information including child's name, age, address, phone, and birthdate. We also have a tuition agreement that allows you to decide what type of payment plan you would like to select for the year. The registration form can be mailed back to the studio or returned in person. Once the form is complete, we can help you select a class that is best suited for your child's dance education.
Could I find cheaper tuition somewhere else?
Yes... and no. There is a difference between cost and value. You may be able to take a class cheaoper at another studio, but it is important to ask yourself what you are getting for your money. We have students enroll with us who have taken years of lessons from other studios, only to find out that they are behind according to our standards. At Janet's Dance Studio we set the bar very high and we encourage excellence from our students and ourselves. We always offer quality dance education, organized classes and responsible instructors, which by anyone's standards is a bargain.
What does my child need to get started?
Oncwe you have turned in your registration form and the new student registration fee, all you need to do is attend the first class. Your child is welcome to wear a leotard, but it is not required until October of the dance year. We feel that letting your child try out a few classes before purchasing dance items is important to both you and your child. Your child will be comfortable in shorts, a tee shirt and either socks or barefoot for the first few classes. Once you have become comfortable with the classes, we will discuss dance shoes and leotards. We always offer a “Swap & Shop” day at the end of September that allows students to shop for needed items without great expense. Many items at our "Swap & Shop" are gently used from returning students that have just outgrown them. Both new and used items are available. Waiting until the end of Spetember allows your child to make sure she is ready for the dance experience before you have the expense of dance attire.
Can my daughter dance with her friends?
Depending on the level of her friends, she may or may not be able to be in class with them. Some of our students have been dancing for many years, and to add a beginner to the class would hold everyone in the class back from continuing their dance education. However, if your child’s friends are in a class that is not extremely advanced, it is a possibility. Having your friends in dance class makes dancing more fun, as well as encouraging home practice when friends come over to play.
What if my child doesn't like it?
We offer a monthly payment plan to all new students. This allows you to pay for only the month so that you may try out our program. We think that every child should try at least 6 to 8 lessons before making a decision about the dance class. The first few classes can be overwhelming to many new students who have never been in a classroom situation and it may take awhile to adjust to our rules and policies. If at the end of your first two months you decide dance is not right for you, you just need to let us know and we will take your child's name off of the class roll.
What type of dance floor is used?
Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of turning and jumping. Dancers need a floor that will allow them to move freely without getting splinters or twisted ankles. Our studio has a professional marly floor used by professionals around the world. It has a “non-slip” surface and provides an excellent coverage for a wooden or concrete sub-floor. We keep our floor extremely clean, not allowing anyone with street shoes to stand on the dance floor, to insure you and our teaching staff a clean and safe environment in which to learn dance.
How do you know if someone is a good teacher?
Finding the right teacher is very important to your child’s future as a dancer. Good teachers don’t necessarily have to be a great dancer – they have to be a good teacher. Good dance teachers must be able to have control of the class at all times. Discipline is a must to good education! She must have authority and assurance when she is teaching as well as always being prepared for class. She must hold the attention of the class and vary her class each week to make the movement fun and enjoyable.
Does the studio continue their education to pass on to the students?
In any business it is important to continue gaining more knowledge and ideas that will help your consumer. It is no different in the dance business. As fast as technology is changing dance styles and techniques change, too! There will always be the traditional basic of ballet, tap and jazz, but new twists on the old styles keep the art of dance fun and entertaining. Janet’s Dance Studio continues to attend conventions and workshops on a regular basis to become informed of the latest styles and techniques that we can present to your child in our classes.
What are the “extras” required for the year-end show?
Most studios put on a year-end show in a professional theater. Students that perform in the show must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child’s costume or a pay a seamstress to do the sewing. Our studio orders professional costumes for each student participating to keeps parent’s involvement “hassle-free” when it comes to costumes. The studio is responsible for placing the order, sorting the costumes and any extra items such as hair ties, shoe buttons and props. Parents need to do nothing except measure, pay for the costume and then put it on their child the day of the show.
Can I get immediate customer service?
In many area studios, the teacher is also the studio owner. They must conduct the class, as well as act as administrator. Often, precious class time is lost because the owner/teacher is talking with a parent about an issue, leaving a class full of dancers unattended. Our studios have office staff available during class times so that many simple questions may be answered either in person or by phone. This allows the instructors to devote their full attention to the students. If an issue best handled by an instruct does arise, an appointment may be made as to have their full attention and not disrupt a scheduled class.