Looking for a Dance Studio and wondering how to choose the best one? Here are some good tips from a mom herself:
It would be very easy for me to tell you to come to JJIU. But the truth is, we are not for everyone. You need to find the right fit for you and your family.
Looking for a new dance studio can sometimes seem overwhelming. There are lots of options out there, each studio offering a different approach to what they do. Please note, that there is no governing body for dance in Canada. So please take time to choose wisely as the standards and quality at each studio will vary. We are lucky in dance to have options. In sports such as hockey, young players have to play according to where they live. Lucky for you in dance, you as a parent, get to make that decision. You get to decide what type of environment you feel your child will best excel in.
Ask a Trusted Friend or Family Member
First, ask your like-minded friends who have children in dance. Ask friends with similar morals and values as you. Posting on a public forum such as Facebook, asking complete strangers to debate a dance studio is not going to give your child the best option. As a mom of 2 children, I understand what it is like to trust your children in the hands of others. Pick carefully, as these are the people they are going to spend time with, look up to and learn from (the good and bad). This is why it’s important to find a studio that matches your family.
Meet the Owner!
Meet the staff, meet the teachers. Right now during Covid, this is a tough one, but once things are back to normal, book a meeting. You are a good judge of character. Use your instincts.
Take a Class
Most studios offer FREE classes at the beginning of the dance season. Classes for your dancer to try a class. Trying a class allows you to figure out a lot of the questions. Questions like: What are the facilities like? What are the staff like? What classes are offered? Are there classes offered that the age doesn’t have the ability to actually do? example: Lyrical for 4-year-olds. 4-year-olds can not emote a piece of music through dance. They simply are not ready for that yet. How do I feel when I am there? How does my dancer feel when she is there? Talk to other parents. Do they offer “extra” programs? Can my dancer grow and achieve her goals here? If it is a competition studio, do they only care about those dancers, or did my child who has just come once feel attended to? Is the studio clean? Is it safe? Do I feel good leaving my dancer here alone?
Cost
What is the cost of dance classes? Ask about class attire. Do they have a uniform? A studio with a Uniform, may cost a bit more up front, but will save you in the long run. A studio with a uniform also speaks to their standards and expectations. Don’t get in over your head financially. If a studio is more then you can afford, look at alternate programs or speak to the studio director. Often, reputable studios will have recourses to help you. Be leary of studios that offer payments and deals if you sign up for more then one year.
Take your time, when you find the right studio, you will know. Choose wisely. If your young dancer is anything like the rest of us and loves it…. you could potentially be there a long time.
Welcome to the dance life!!
