How To Choose a Dance Studio
If most dance studios seems to have qualified, friendly teachers and a performance at the end of the year, are they the same? Does it really matter where you choose to study? Yes. There are 5 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction you or your child receives and that will affect the overall enjoyment, benefits, and satisfaction of being involved with a quality dance program. Here are 5 questions that you, as a parent or potential student, should consider before deciding on a dance studio.
1. What type of flooring is used?
The first thing to ask yourself when choosing a dance studio is on what type of dance floor will you and/or your child be learning to dance.
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 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 “air space” under its floor. Other studios may use a “floating floor” or “sprung floor”—both of which try to replicate the advantage of an “air space floor”—but don’t have the same qualities and benefits of the real air space under the flooring.
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. Professional companies such as the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre use Marley floors as their surface. A Marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of “controlled slip”, but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. It also provides the optimum surface for ballet dancers to do their “pointe work” (dance on their toes).
Our special “air space” surfaced by the “Marley” floor, in combination with our teachers’ excellent instruction in proper ballet/dance techniques and methods help reduce the risk of injuries and allow our students to dance longer with less stress on their bodies.
2. My child wants to dance “just for fun” right now, so what is the importance of learning real ballet?
For more than 35 years our school has been known for its quality training for all students. All of our students receive the same excellent training, which is presented as a fun, challenging, and creative experience! We stress a caring, joyous, and nurturing environment for all of our students. Our students are living proof that ballet can provide a lifetime of healthy mind and body benefits.
It is known that the benefits derived from classical ballet training exceed learning how to dance. Not only is ballet the foundation for all forms of dance – jazz, modern dance, ballroom, and its technique and lines fundamental to gymnastics and ice skating, but the total fitness habits that correct ballet training bring can last a lifetime!
Our ballet classes, correctly and carefully taught, teach focus, concentration,
mind and body coordination, beautiful posture, grace, and appreciation for all arts.
The foundation for all of these benefits is laid in the beginning levels for all students
and continues with each level of progression. Once a student has mastered a solid
ballet technique, learning other dance forms can be accomplished with ease.
Most of our students take dance “just for fun” and because they love to dance.
Our teachers share this passion and love with all of the students, and all students
are provided the skills for mastery and health benefits that last a lifetime whether or
not a career in dance or other performing arts is desired.
For students who choose to pursue a career in college or professional dance, the curriculum of our school provides the opportunity of increasing the number of classes
per week that the student attends, along with taking more classes that have higher
technical demands. For students in their teens who desire to continue their ballet studies and
yet pursue other interests, our “Open” class provides that outlet.
3. What is the size and length of the class?
If the dance class has fewer students in it you or your 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 concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size also allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique. This is very important for every dance student but absolutely vital to child students who are learning as they are growing. This individual attention, the key to careful and unhurried training, is crucial not only for the development of the student into a dancer, but for the health and safety of the student’s body.
The length of the class is another vital issue. For young children 6 and under, a solid 45 minutes is the limit recommended. Ages 7 through 11 – a one hour class provides a good time frame. However, for older children and more advanced adults, a proper dance class will be conducted in one and a half hours.
Our school limits all of our classes to a maximum of just 12 students per class. With our pre-school classes (ages 3-4), we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 8 students per class.
4. What performance opportunities are offered to the Students?
Part of learning a Performing Art is the opportunity to be on stage. Our thorough dance training insures that our students can participate in stage productions without jeopardizing the learning process in the classroom.
We believe that the end of the year Spring recital should be as child friendly and stress free as possible for all of our students and their parents. The younger dancers are allowed to sit in the audience with their parents and watch the other dancers perform. This relieves the stress of being overcrowded backstage and worrying about when it’s “their turn” to perform. Our moms appreciate this too!
Our younger students dance and act out “story ballets”; allowing them to learn valuable stage skills such as pantomime as well as having the fun and excitement of being part of a story with children from other classes in the school. The upper level students dance as part of a choreographed ballet; working with other classes to get the experience of being in a professionally choreographed ballet piece. The young dancers love dancing in ballets with the “big girls”.
Encouragement, Fun, and Low-Stress are all emphasized to allow each student to be relaxed and able to perform onstage well and have a successful and confident experience. Our “family friendly” performance lasts under two hours and a celebratory Cast Party is held after the performance for dancers and their families.
Once our students become 7 years old, they are encouraged to audition for children’s roles and other dancing roles in Norman Ballet Company productions, such as “The Oklahoma Nutcracker” and other company productions. This gives them a great performing outlet in a professional setting and recognition in our community! Our older dancers are Norman Ballet Company members and perform major roles in Norman Ballet Company productions, as well as performing with local opera companies, and in libraries and schools throughout the area.
5. What are pointe shoes, and when will my daughter get them?
Getting that first pair of pointe shoes (toe shoes) is what most little girls dream of when they start taking ballet classes.
At our school, the teacher decides when a child is ready to “go on pointe”. This decision is based on age, level of technical proficiency, muscular and skeletal development, and mental attitude and commitment of the student. Children must not be put into pointe shoes before they are ready or damage to the lower back, hips, knees, and feet can become a problem later in life.
Some children decide not to go on pointe—they may love their ballet class, but choose not to make the extra physical and time commitment that pointe technique requires. We respect and support that decision—No child is pushed into going on pointe.
Our school has a unique tradition for students going on pointe for the first time. We have a “field trip” to the local dance store, where the students are met by their teacher and are personally fitted by her for that first pair of shoes! There are many brands and styles of pointe shoes. Having the shoes fit the feet perfectly is invaluable to the development and health of the student. Our teachers have the expert knowledge to know which pair of shoes is just right for each girl.