How To Choose A Dance Studio/Teacher

 A Guide for Parents and Students who are new to dance

When your child loves to dance. 
What is the best age to start dance lessons? What kind of dance should he/she take?
How can I find a good dance studio and teacher? 

Each year many parents ask for help in selecting a dance studio and teacher for their child-or for themselves. 

Dance Masters of America works to promote high standards of dance across the United States, but they make no recommendations of any schools teachers or community programs that offer dance classes.

In this leaflet you’ll observe guidelines developed to help you choose a teacher who can provide the best possible dance instruction for your child, appropriate to his/her age, skill level and interest.  Many of these guidelines will help adults in selecting a dance classes as well.

Ages 3-5 A teacher for this age group should be knowledgeable about the physical, mental and emotional development of young children.  Classes in dance for this age should encourage the young child’s natural ability for dance expression, develop his/her sense of body awareness and focus on the joy of participating in a variety of movement experiences.

Instruction in specific dance forms, such as ballet, tap and jazz should be directly related to the child’s physical development.

Classes should have a maximum of no more than 12 children and last no longer than 45 minutes.

Ages 6-9 Children at this age are ready for a more formal approach to dance.  Emphasis on increasing body awareness and acquiring dance skills.

Classes should have a maximum of 12-16 children and last at least 45 minutes.

Ages 10-up Students starting dance at this age should focus on developing technique and performance skills broadening the students knowledge of proper movement mechanics, anatomy and dance appreciation. 

Classes should not have more than 16 children  and last 45minutes to 1 hour, with longer classes for the more advanced and serious student with several years of previous training. 

After two years of dance instruction students with serious aspirations should be studying two or more days a week.  They also should be encouraged to study a variety of dance forms. 

Classes at all levels should have at least four to six students.  When a class is to small, students are not sufficiently challenged by the interaction with peers.

Private or semi-private lessons (less than four students) are only desirable in unusual circumstances, i.e. for the serious students who want to take in addition to group lessons or make-up missed material. 

For Adults, the desirable class size varies according to the situation and the duration of the class and may be any where from 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What about the classroom or studio?

It should be clean, bright and reasonably spacious-adequate for the size of the class.  Good ventilation, lighting and a space free from any protruding objects is essential. 

What about Recitals?

A formal late spring recital is recommended for all children and should be a satisfying, informative experience for the child and the families.

For all children a chance to perform can be an important and exhilarating experience.   A portion of the child’s dance class will be devoted to preparation for this special event. 

How do I judge a specific teacher? 

Try to observe a class and ask yourself the following questions, Does the teacher….

…Encourage the love and joy of dancing in each child and show an interest in each child’s growth and development?

…Seem aware of the physical and mental capabilities of the particular age group being taught? 

…Are the children grouped with consideration as to age and ability?

…Maintain an atmosphere comfortable and supportive to all students in the class?

…Begin with a class warm-up and progress from simpler steps to more complicated ones?

…Use imaginative language when giving instructions?

…Include creative work along with formal instruction?

…Use percussion and musical accompaniment?

…Include rhythmic training in the lesson?

…Encourage appropriate apparel for the class? 

Finally, talk to the teacher and try to judge her enthusiasm for dance and children- and general knowledge of dance and related art forms.