What all Parents should know before choosing a Dance Studio.
1. What type of dance floor 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 the proper cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back.
The best way to prevent potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional "floating floor". A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping.
What is on top of the "floating floor" is also important. A vinyl composite "marley" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. A marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of control, but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls.Very few studios use professional marley floors because of the expense.
At Broadway Dance Studio we use the "floating floor" system and have two different types of surfaces on top. Two studios have maple wood on top and the other two studios have marley. The maple wood surface is better for the classical tap technique taught here, and the marley is used for the other techniques we teach.
2. What is the size of the class?
If the dance class has fewer students in it, each child will receive more personalized attention, learn more, and have more fun. With younger students it is much easier for the teacher to maintain control of the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. A smaller class size also allows our instructors to make sure the students are not developing any bad habits.
Our studio limits the size of our Broadway Babies I and II classes to a maximum of 12 students per class. From Children's Division I and up the maximum number of students per class is 15.
3. What are the "extras" required for the year end show?
Most studios put on a year end show in a professional theatre. Students who perform in the show must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child's costumes, or find a seamstress to sew the costume and pay extra. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for the parents who are busy or can't sew.
At our studio, we do not hold a year end "recital."
We offer an end of the year Production for our students. We also do not use valuable class time for which you paid tuition, to work on the production numbers. All the costumes are provided by the studio and sewn by our seamstresses. This way you as a parent will not be faced with any extra work or expense.
4. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes as well as handles the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class.
To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details such as rehearsal schedules or classes, even if a teacher is occupied in the studio. Our studio has an office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance at all times.
5. What condition is the studio in and is it child friendly?
It is important to visit the studio before you make a commitment.
From the moment you walk into the facility, do you and your child feel welcome?
Is the staff kind and do they patiently take as much time with you answering all of your questions and concerns?
Do they show you around and explain where your child will be attending her classes, where he or she will be expected to go as soon as she arrives for class, where to put their dance bags, where the restrooms are?
And most importantly, is the facility clean? Are the restrooms clean, the trashcans emptied, the dance floors mopped with no dust bunnies collecting in the corners, and the reception area vacuumed and neat?
Would you feel comfortable having your child sit on any of the floors and use the bathroom facilities?
This is a very important issue when looking for the right school for your child.
We invite you to come and experience the Broadway Dance Studio difference. Please call today to schedule your visit! We can't wait to meet you!
Broadway Dance Studio
4460 Steubenville Pike
412 920 1841
Robinson Township, PA 15205
Macaroni Kid { PERSONALLY}
Recommended for over a THREE YEARS.
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