The Complete Guide to Choosing a Dance School for Your Child
It started as an activity to do with your kid while they were home with you during the scare. Soon, it became a family activity you loved more than anything else. Your kid adores dance, and you even dream of them becoming a ballerina or a famous dancer.
But where do you go from here? We’ve created this quick and easy guide to help you in choosing a dance school for your kid. Continue reading to learn more!
Examine Your Child’s Interests and Abilities
Examining your child’s interests and abilities is a vital part of the decision-making process when choosing a dance school for them. Consider what type of movement your child is drawn to, as well as their strength and flexibility. You may even want to watch them as they do what they like best to assess their natural talent.
Also, discuss with your child their goals and reasons for wanting to learn dance. Knowing this can help you determine what style and level of dance would best suit them. Once you already know what style is best for them, might as well book kids dance lessons now!
Understand the Different Types of Dance Education
Choosing a dance school for your child can be a daunting task. It is vital to understand the different types of dance education available to find the right school.
This will also ensure that your child is getting the most out of their dance experience. Below are some of the common types of dance for kids. Let’s check them out!
Creative Movement
When choosing a dance school for your child, it’s important to consider the type of dance they’re interested in. If they’re intrigued by Creative Movement, it’s essential to look for a dance school that specializes in this style. Creative Movement combines elements of ballet, jazz, contemporary, and yoga.
It encourages students to explore their movement and to make their own artistic decisions. Teachers of Creative Movement need to be creative and artistic to help children of all ages in expressing themselves through creative movement.
Ballet
When selecting a dance school for your child, there are a few key factors to consider when it comes to ballet. First, ensure your child is ready for the difficulty level that ballet entails. Ballet is demanding, and it is important to make sure your child is not overwhelmed by the physical requirements.
Also, consider the type of instruction your child will be receiving. Some different levels and techniques need to be taught to excel in ballet. An experienced teacher can provide your child with the comprehensive training they need.
Hip Hop
If your child is interested in Hip Hop Dance, there are some considerations to make when selecting a dance school. Look for a school with experienced instructors who are well-versed in the dance style, as proper technique is essential in Hip Hop. Also, find one focused on the safety of its students.
A good school will have proper stretching periods, provide water breaks, offer proper flooring, and make sure the moves within the choreography take into account the age, size, and experience level of the dancers. Look for a school that understands the importance of proper nutrition for growing dancers and can provide appropriate guidance.
Jazz
When choosing a dance school for your child, jazz is an excellent option. It offers classes from beginning to advanced levels for toddlers, teens, and adults. The teachers are experts, striving to ensure safety in all the classes.
The atmosphere is welcoming, not only to dancers but to parents as well. Jazz dance is a fun, energetic, and creative form for your child to explore. It is an original American dance form, combining rhythm and style with theatrical expression.
These boost your child’s understanding of the music they are dancing to while exploring the power of rhythm and music. Your child will learn coordination, control, physical strength, and fundamentals of jazz dance, including turns, leaps, floorwork, and isolations. Jazz emphasizes proper technique and posture as well as teamwork and self-expression.
Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom dancing for your child is an incredible opportunity for them to express themselves with music and movement. It provides them with a unique experience that no other activity can. They can learn many steps and techniques, such as foxtrot, swing, or salsa.
Also, it encourages them to gain social skills, self-discipline, and confidence. Not only that, but ballroom dancing is also a fun way for children to stay active and make new friends. Furthermore, it teaches essential values such as teamwork, respect, courtesy, concentration, and commitment.
As your child progresses, they will receive recognition, awards, and trophies, which will benefit them in the long run, not only in their dancing skills but also in life.
Evaluate the Experience of Dance Instructors
An evaluation of the experience of a dance instructor is an integral part of choosing a dance school for your child. You should select dance instructors who have been teaching for a while, have a proven track record of success, and can provide references to their work. Also, you should evaluate their teaching methods, certifications, and dance experience.
You should ask questions such as what are their methods of instruction, what years they’ve been teaching, and what styles they specialize in. Finding a dance instructor with a history of successful choreography and performance experience can be a great asset to your child’s education.
Understand the Curriculum and Class Structure
Another vital concern when choosing a dance school for your child is understanding the curriculum and class structure. Do their classes focus on building techniques? Are their types mainly for recreational purposes?
It is vital to ask how the classes are structured, how often students will be tested, and whether the studio runs exams and competitions. Understanding the curriculum and class structure can help ensure the studio’s style and teaching methods are well-suited for your child.
Lastly, make sure the classes cater to your child’s appropriate age range and skill level. This will help ensure that they are placed in appropriate courses where they can maximize their learning opportunities.
Weigh the Cost of the Dance School
Choosing a dance school for your child can be challenging, especially the cost. That’s why comparing dance class costs is very important.
Before enrolling your child in a dance school, you should research the tuition and any extra fees associated with the school. It would be best to inquire about the school’s benefits or discounts for multiple children, family members, or siblings. Many dance schools offer scholarships or financial aid for those with financial needs.
Ultimately, you want the cost of your child’s dance school to align with your family’s budget and make sure it fits into your plans. Consider what kind of commitment your family is willing to make and how the role of dance in your child’s life will fit into that commitment.
When weighing the cost of the dance school, it’s essential also to consider the time and energy you’ll invest in your child’s growth in dance.
Weigh the Location of the Dance School
When considering which dance school is right for your child, you should weigh the location of each school. A school located farther away but with higher quality instruction is worth considering. Looking for a school close to home would be best.
In that way, your child can get there easily. If they have to travel too long distances, they may become tired and not get the best instruction. Look for a school in an area that is easy to get to, has good instruction, and is appropriate for your child’s age and skill level.
Also, ensuring that the school has a welcoming atmosphere and that all staff members are respectful and professional is vital. Choosing the right dance school for your child comes down to researching, understanding their needs, and using your best judgment.
Evaluate Dance Faculty and Classroom Resources
When evaluating a dance school for your child, assessing the dance faculty and classroom resources is crucial. Each dance school should offer experienced instructors with credentials such as an advanced degree in dance or years of professional dance experience. Also, look for schools that allow for individualized attention for each dancer.
During visits to potential schools, discuss resources like access to a fully-stocked studio with a safe, sprung dance floor. Consider also if they have costumes, props, equipment, and other resources used for stage performances. And, of course, a safe and secure environment.
Ask questions about the student-to-teacher and student-to-student ratios in classes. In this way, your child can benefit from classroom resources and the best instruction available. Also, find out about the makeup of the faculty, such as male/female instructors and instructors who hail from various dance styles.
Use These Tips When Choosing a Dance School for Your Child
It’s important to consider all factors when choosing a dance school for your child. With proper research, you can find the perfect school that radiates excellence and helps your child achieve his/her dance dreams. Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start your research and find your child’s ideal dance school!
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