If most
dance studio 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 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 4 things that every parent should consider before
deciding on a dance studio for their child.
1.
What is the class size?
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 that each student understands the concepts and instructions.
Even with older students, smaller size is just as important. Teachers
are able to keep checking with progressions and clarity of skills
acquired each year. Individualization is important not only with instruction
but in recognition of each student. Large classes can often enable
students the ability to “hide” in the back of the class
and thus end up feeling ignored or even left out.
It is a natural thing for students to want to have fun, learn and
be successful. Our studio takes pride in restricting class sizes so
as to allow teachers to nurture each child’s potential. By not
only recognizing each student’s individuality as a dancer, but
also as a learner, we see growth that those bigger studios can often
miss.
2.
How is the atmosphere at the studio? Are there competitions?
The philosophy of the studio owners has been to develop an environment
that encourages creative expression. This occurs in an noncompetitive
atmosphere where each student is recognized for their own individuality.
This is where we take GREAT pride in our development of the studio.
This is not to say that we have not competed or will not compete in
the future, it is just not what we are about. Inside the classroom
we have fostered a network of great teamwork and admiration for each
other. There is no room for competitiveness among peers. Our focus
is on the learning, the joy, the passion of dance - and we do love
to perform!
Our Performance Group is comprised of students who want extra performances
such as First Night in Northampton and other various nonprofit opportunities
within the Valley. It is open to all that wish provided they consistently
demonstrate diligent work ethics and attendance.
3. What is the end of the year performance?
Our annual Dance Extravaganza during the month of June provides the
students a great opportunity to show off and perform what they’ve
learned throughout the year for two nights. It has been raved as one
of the “best shows” by people who are often accustomed to
the typical 4 plus hour “dance studio recital” - and with
good reason. We present an array of varying styles of dance - tastefully
and uniquely choreographed and designed for each specific class. We
also organize the routines and sets so that our own time limit of
under 3 hours is maintained each year. We recognize that families
have difficulty committing an entire weekend for 3 or 4 performances
each lasting over 4 hours.
Besides the June performance, a showcase will be held in January to
feature developing talents. This “Winter Show” does not
include costumes or set designs, but it focuses on giving the students
a chance to perform. After all, who wants to wait until June? We find
that families as well as the students, really appreciate this opportunity.
4. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
Friendly staff - you bet! To have a good experience it’s important
to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes
and schedules even if the teacher is occupied in a class. Our studios
have office staff on hand during regular class times so you can
get immediate assistance.
click
to hear audio reading