Choosing a Dance School

1. Check the instructor’s qualifications.

It is important to make sure your child’s instructors are qualified, especially where dance training is concerned.  Dance instructors are not licensed in this country.  Anyone can claim to be qualified to teach your child to dance!

First, ask for information on the instructor’s background.  Look for someone who danced with a professional company, holds a degree in dance from an accredited college or university, or is certified to teach the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD), Cecchetti or Vaganova teaching syllabi.  Any of these is a good indication that the instructor knows what to teach, when to teach it, and how it should be taught.

2. Ask if a graded syllabus is used.

   A syllabus is a study guide that covers what a student should learn and when, as well as the way the step is taught.  Good dance schools use a syllabus as a guideline for teaching.  A syllabus may be an international one, or one created by the teacher or school themselves.

3. Ask how old a child must be to begin studying ballet.

   Children younger than 7 or 8 are not physically or mentally ready for classical ballet.  Students younger than 7 should be participating in classes in “pre-ballet” covering such topics as gross motor skills, patterns in movement, rhythm and counting, and exercises in creativity.

4. Ask when the students go “on pointe.”

   There are two factors that determine when a young girl can begin studying pointe:  how much training she has had, and her age.  A child should never be put on pointe before her feet have the required strength and the bone structure is well developed.  While a very few students can start earlier, the average age is 11-12.  If the studio you are considering regularly puts children younger than 10 on pointe, you should look elsewhere.

5. Ask if combination classes are offered for older students.

   Some studios offer classes that combine training in ballet, jazz, tap, and / or acrobatics.  All in 60 minutes!  These combinations are effective only for young children.   Once in elementary school, with an increased attention span, children are capable of studying one subject for at least 45 minutes.  Students beyond the age of 10 should be studying each form for no less than 1 hour.  At age 12, multiple classes per week that are at least 75 to 90 minutes long is appropriate.

6. Ask about the recital.

   An end of the year performance is important.  It gives a young dancer valuable stage experience, as well as the opportunity to use what they’ve learned during the year.  Dance is, after all, a performing art!

   But the real question here is how the studio deals with the performance.  Some studios put too much emphasis on the “recital dance,” starting soon after classes begin.  A child who spends most of his or her time learning one dance doesn’t learn much about technique or the art of dance.

7. Visit the studio.

   In addition to all of the things you would normally look for (clean, well-appointed, good area, etc.), check to make sure the the studios have barred and mirrors.  And most importantly, look at the floor!

   Watch out for studios that have concrete or tile flooring, or wood laid directly on concrete.  Dance should not be taught on these surfaces.  Jumping on a floor that has no “give” to it can lead to shin splints, knee injuries, and other problems.

We hope the information presented here helps you find the right school for your young dancer – one that provides quality training in a healthy atmosphere. Even though your child may not want to make dance a career, you still want them to gain an understanding and appreciation of the art form. We believe every child has the right to learn the art form properly, taught by the best instructors available and have fun doing it!