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| | 1.2) Criteria for a good dance school
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| | | A suitable school for your child will depend on various factors. Each school is different and your child’s experience can vary greatly between one school and another. Consider the following criteria for evaluating the suitability of schools. |
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| | | a) Experience
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| | | | Teachers with professional training, a performance history, and most importantly, extensive teaching experience will be able to provide better instruction. Note that there are some outstanding young teachers that relate really well with children. Classes dealing with a specific age group should be taught by teachers who have experience with children of that age. |
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| | | b) Social setting
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| | | | Dance classes for young children should be fun and enriching. The atmosphere of the class will depend on the school’s teaching method and philosophy, your child’s interaction with the teachers, and your child’s interaction with the other students. Some schools and classes have a strict and rigid class structure while others are geared more toward having fun. |
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| | | c) Balanced philosophy
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| | | | Teachers can have a great influence on your child. They should promote a balanced lifestyle which includes a focus on academics and good health. |
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| | | d) Class size
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| | | | The more individual attention a child receives the more he/she will benefit from the dance class. Large classes may not provide as much personal attention. Compare schools’ teacher-to-student ratio for the classes you are interested in. Some classes may have multiple instructors or assistants to improve that ratio. |
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| | | e) Class variety
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| | | | Many schools offer classes in a variety of dance styles. Learning different dances will keep your child engaged and active, leaving the door open for them to discover their favourite dance. Variety also exposes your child to different music, different instructors, and learning different skills and techniques. |
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| | | f) Class levels
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| | | | Schools should place children in a class and level that is most appropriate for their skill and age. If the level is too high for your child, it will be difficult to adapt and the class will no longer be fun and enjoyable. If your child is a very quick learner and the level is too low, your child will not be challenged and may lose interest.
For those children that want to take dance to a higher level, it is important that schools offer advanced level classes. Some schools also offer dance camps, summer camps and workshops to always challenge and engage their students throughout the year. If your child enjoys performing make sure the school offers competition and or performing opportunities.
Observe your child and try to cater to his/her age and interest so that they can best enjoy and benefit from their classes. |
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| | | g) Measuring progress
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| | | | Find out how the school measures progress. The school should provide periodic updates and feedback to the parent on the child’s progress. This could be either in the form of parent-teacher meetings, report cards, exams or end-of-year performances. Exams, for schools that offer them, may give the child a goal to strive for, or be too much pressure for your child to handle. |
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| | | h) Venue
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| | | | The venue should be safe, clean, hygienic, and have proper heating, cooling and ventilation. They should have mirrors, barres (for certain dances), and an adequate sound system.
A proper dance studio floor is extremely important. They should be made of either hardwood or Marley (a rubber like surface), never concrete. Concrete, is not at all shock absorbent and can therefore, be very damaging to children’s bones and joints. |
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| | | i) Location
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| | | | You will need to take into consideration driving and transportation time and make sure it fits into your schedule. Children usually need to arrive a little early to get ready for their classes. The school should be in a convenient location that is easily accessible by public transportation and or by car. If you drive, you will probably require parking and or a safe and well lit pick-up and drop off area. |
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| | | j) Costs
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| | | | Consider the following list of potential expenses associated with children’s dance classes. Some of these expenses are additional costs that you might only realize after enrolment.
 | Registration |
| Dance attire |
| Dance shoes |
| Performance/Competition costs – travel, costumes |
| Workshops, camps, special classes probably won’t be included in regular registration costs |
The school should be able to provide you with an estimate of any additional costs associated with the programs you are interested in as well as a list of locations and vendors where you can purchase the necessary items. |
