4 THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING A DANCE STUDIO
If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers with 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 4 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal with, and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are the 4 things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.

1. WHAT TYPE OF DANCE FLOOR IS USED?

Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional "floating floor." A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam to absorb the shock of jumping. A high-density foam base is superior to a "sprung" floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor.

The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite "Marley" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Facilities such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, as well as the Riverdance Touring Show), all use Marley floors as their dance surface. A Marley floor allows dancers to slide with a degree of controlled slip, but is not slippery so there is less risk of injuries and falls. Very few studios use professional Marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular "sprung" floor.

Our studio has floating floors that have over 700 high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a Marley top surface that is imported from England. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.

2. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE CLASS?

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 easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes ensure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size allows our teachers to monitor individual students to prevent them from developing bad habits or improper technique.

3. WHAT ARE THE "EXTRAS" REQUIRED FOR THE YEAR END SHOW?

Most studios, including ours, put on a year-end show in a professional theatre. Students that perform in the show must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child’s costumes, or pay extra and the parents must find their own seamstress to do the sewing. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for the parents who are busy or cannot sew. However, at The Academy of Music & Dance All students are measured by us and costumes are purchased for you.

4. CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE WITH ANY ISSUES/ QUESTIONS/ CONCERNS?

In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for client related issues, or the studio may have no service staff available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studio has a service staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.

Getting Started is Easy…

1) Stop by and your friendly service staff will show you our state of the art facility and class schedule. Click here for map!
2) Let us answer any questions that you may have regarding classes, the studio, etc.
3) Complete the registration form and we will get you to class!
CALL: (626) 768-2614