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6 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Dance Studio
If most dance studios 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? YES! There are 6 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 6 things every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.
1. What type of floor is used?
Dance is a very physical activity requiring lots of jumping which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide sufficient cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and backs of dancers. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with professional "Marley" flooring atop a hardwood surface.
"Marley" is a generic term for dance floors composed of heavy-duty homogenous vinyl. They are the gold standard in dance flooring and are used by most professional dance companies worldwide. Along with the hardwood surface, the "Marley" floors provide additional cushioning, thereby, absorbing much of the shock of movement. This absorptive property reduces the risk of injury and enables students to dance longer without getting tired. In addition, "Marley" flooring provides the appropriate amount of grip to protect dancers from unnecessary slips and falls.
Most schools do not go through the expense to install "Marley" flooring. Both of our studios have these professional floors for the comfort and safety of our students.
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 fundamental concepts are not being missed; it allows the teacher to correct technique before bad habits develop.
Our studio limits all classes (ages 6 and up) to a maximum of 15 students per class. With our Pre-Ballet classes (ages 3-5) we limit our classes to a maximum of just 10 students per class.
3. Does the school put on a professional year-end concert?
Performance is the reward for taking the time to learn dance technique. It enables students to apply the knowledge they learn in class and present it in an artistic way. Most studios put on a year-end recital.
Unlike other studios, however, we put on professional concerts complete with lights, sound and
costumes. During our 10-month teaching year, students concentrate strictly on learning dance
technique during the first part of the year. The second half of the year is spent in perfecting technique in addition to learning choreography to be performed in the concert. Our teachers do not coach students from the wings or audience during performances. Dancers are expected to learn and be proficient in the choreography that they will be performing.
Our concerts offer dancers the opportunity to work with professional sound and lighting technicians at the Elko Convention Center. Advanced students may also have the opportunity to learn about and take part in producing our concerts.
4. How does the studio advance its dancers?
Advancement in dance should be based on a number of factors including previous dance experience, ability of the dancer to learn, retain and perform skills at a particular level and on age.
While age can sometimes be used as guide in placing and advancing students, it is not always the best predictor for success. Advancement at our studio is not automatic. Dancers, regardless of age, must be able to demonstrate proficiency at a given level and have the strength and stamina required at the next level before advancement takes place.
For example, some people mistakenly believe that dancers are ready for their pointe shoes at the age of 12 regardless of their years of ballet training or strength of their feet, ankles and legs. This belief could lead to serious injury of the dancer. Advancement is based on each individual dancer at our studio. While one student may in fact get their pointe shoes at age 12, others may not get them until age 16 or in some cases, not at all.
5. What are the qualifications of the teachers?
Unfortunately, there are no state-mandated requirements for private dance teachers in Nevada. As such, it is important for parents to know that success or failure in dance is highly dependent upon finding the right teachers. At Perpetual Motion, teaching is a serious endeavor. All our teachers have either studied dance at the university level, danced professionally, or have related degrees such as early childhood education. All our teachers and are committed to providing the highest quality dance and arts education in Elko. Continuing education is a requirement for our teachers. They regularly seek additional training outside the studio and are all members of professional dance organizations such as the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and the National Dance Association (NDA).
6. Does the studio offer time saving options to enroll multiple family members in different programs at the same time?
If you’re tired of running between activities, we can help. Join the hundreds of Elko County families that are saving valuable hours each month by scheduling dance, fitness, music, or performing arts classes for different family members at the same time.