Choosing Dance Classes

Many people long to be able to learn to dance. It may be a childhood dream, the desire to become professional, or it may be for a recreational activity which benefits health. No matter why you or your child wishes to dance, it is of the utmost importance that an appropriate dance studio is chosen to meet your individual specific needs.

There may well be several factors that limit your choice of dance studios – the distance travelled to get there and the cost being primary considerations. If you want to dance to lose weight or for other recreational purposes, a class with others with the same goals is obviously the best choice for you. Dance classes which cater for those who wish to become professional will of course have pupils whose aim is to excel at dance and even make a living from their talent in the future. A good way to gauge the reputation of a dance school is to talk to members of the community who dance, (or whose children dance) and have had experience with the studios. In most cases, they will be able to give an unbiased view of which schools are best.

If you have narrowed down your choices you may wish to research the individual studios further online, or by requesting further information, e.g. a brochure. You should be able to find out how qualified the tutors and instructors are, and read reviews by current and/or previous students. You may also be able to learn what sort of clothing is needed in detail. For example, if leotards are a main part of the studio’s kit, you should be able to find out which colours and cuts of leotards are required. There may even be recommendations of clothing brands or advice on where to purchase leotards locally or online. You may wish to call a certain studio to talk to someone in person. If so, be sure to explain your individual needs and abilities so they can decide whether they are able to provide the service you need. This is also a good way to find out how the staff react to new comers, and to make enquiries into class sizes. A class should be small enough for a tutor to know and support each individual. You should ask if there are any open classes you can go to so you can watch a lesson in progress and see how you feel about the teaching techniques and atmosphere. Tutors should encourage individuals and use positive reinforcement.

If your child wishes to attend dance classes, firstly consider the costs – they will need clothing (e.g. leotards and shoes), your time, transport and of course the lessons themselves. Is it reasonable to assume you will be able to keep them in lessons for a number of years if they decide they wish to be professional and show an aptitude? Also make sure you consider the style of dancing they wish to take. Some forms of modern dance may involve sexually suggestive movements which can be inappropriate for children, if in doubt ask a dance school or tutor. Dancing can be a great pass time or even a career for those willing to put in the hours of practice required.