How to Choose a Dance Studio for Your Child

Rate: (9 Ratings)

Dance classes for your child can have many benefits, including improved coordination, an opportunity to develop social skills, and just plain fun. Follow these steps to find a dance studio that's a good fit for both you and your child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Consider what you want in a dance studio.

There are many excellent dance studios but not all are a good fit for every dancer. Do you want a laid-back experience with an emphasis on fun or do you want a studio that offers lots of opportunity to perform and compete? Answering that question before you begin your search will make the process of choosing a dance studio easier.
Step 2

Ask your friends for recommendations.

Seek out parents whose children are already dancing. Talk to parents who have children the same age as yours as well as a parents of older children to hear different perspectives.
Step 3

Visit several studios and talk to the teachers and staff.

Ask to observe a class; a good studio should be very comfortable with that. Ask questions about their philosophy and the size of their classes. Get a feel for the kind of place it is. Take your child along if possible and get his or her opinion too.
Step 4

Attend recitals.

You can tell a lot about a studio by the kind of recital it puts on. Are the dancers skillful? Do they look like they're having fun? Are you comfortable with the costumes and music selections? These are all things to note.
Step 5

Consider price.

Dance can be an expensive activity. Find out what each studio's fees are and ask about extras like costumes and recitals.
Step 6

Once you've made a decision, enroll in the studio but continue evaluating. Make sure your child is happy and that you are comfortable with the choice. And if your child continues in dance, and your needs or objectives change, don't rule repeating the process to keep him or her on the right path.

Comments

prism said

Flag This Comment

on 11/25/2008 Excellent, excellent advice. Every step you mention is so important. My 12yo son has been dancing since 4yo. That might be another consideration to add to the list. Some studios, especially in smaller communities, don't have many (if any) boys. If you are starting a son in dance, will he be comfortable with that.