5 Things to Know Before Choosing a Studio

If most dance studios seem to have qualified friendly teachers, who are experienced 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 5 main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program.

1. WHAT TYPE OF FLOORING IS USED?   
   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 any 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 “floating floor”. 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. Facilities such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance - The Touring Show, all use marley floors as their dance 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. Very few studios use professional marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular floor tile for a studio floor.
   
   

   Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and
   allow students to dance longer without getting tired.
    

2. WHAT WILL MY CHILD BE LEARNING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR?
   Academy of Dance has its very own dance curriculum that is a progressive method to teaching proper dance technique to all ages.  We ensure that all music and moves are always age appropriate!  We want your child to not only enjoy the time they spend in dance class, but be able to come home and show you, the parent, what they are learning.  Dance lessons are fun and educational at Academy of Dance!
    
3. WHO IS TEACHING YOUR CHILD?
   Many dance studios use dancers who have moved up the ranks of the studio to teach entry level classes. Sometimes these teachers are teenagers and even though they may be wonderful dancers and great kids they are too inexperienced to be in charge of children. At Academy of Dance all of the teachers are adults. Even our entry level classes are taught by teachers with experience.  You can be sure your child will be taught by qualified and experienced teachers.
    
4. WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN “EXTRAS” INVOLVED AT THE ANNUAL RECITAL?
   Aside purchasing costumes, parents are often blind sided with the additional expenses of tickets, DVD’s of the performance as well as flowers, balloons and gifts. Although they have purchased a ticket to actually watch the show, they find themselves backstage changing costumes, re-applying makeup and babysitting. Our studio charges ONE FEE, which includes your child’s costume, UNLIMITED TICKETS, a DVD of the production and a PROGRAM BOOK. We fully staff the auditorium as well as backstage. You arrive at our show, drop your child backstage and return to the auditorium where you can relax and enjoy our show.
    
   
5. HOW DO I PAY FOR LESSONS?
   We require all tuition to be paid by electronic funds transfer of your checking or savings account. We also accept Visa and MasterCard. You may also choose to pay for the session in full and receive a discount. In many studios the management staff and often the owners spend hours on collections of past due accounts. Paying by direct withdrawal is a win-win situation. You will never have to worry about late fees or being called for collection of a past due bill for your dance lessons. Instead of spending hours of energy on collections, the staff at the Academy of Dance devotes its time and energy ensuring students are getting 100% attention.