Dance 101

Choosing a dance school for your child

By Irene Booth | September 08, 2011

Whether you are first time parent or an experienced dance parent, determining what studio you send your child to can affect your child’s future as a dancer. If your child has shown an interest in exploring dance classes, spend some time researching the local schools in your area and ask neighbors, colleagues and friends for references. If it's an hour your child spends at the dance studio or ten, you will want to be certain that it is the most comfortable place for your child to attend and that he or she is receiving quality instruction. All dance schools are different and offer many choices in terms of disciplines and styles of dance so the more information you have on hand, the better experience your child will have.

Here are some simple guidelines that will help you make your choices.

Studio Setting

The dance studio should be in an area with easy access for public transportation, parking and a drop off area close to the main entrance. Once inside, most facilities will contain a waiting room, a reception and/or office area, and an open space for parents to sit while the child is dancing.

If you are new to the school, take a tour of the facilities so you know what your child will have available to them such as change rooms, bathrooms, a waiting area, etc. You’ll also want to take a look at the studio space. The dance studio should be clean and well maintained.

The dance studio itself should be spacious with windows, proper heating elements, mirrors and barres on the wall. Most studios will have sprung floors with either a hardwood floor or a marley floor. These floors are great for all types of dance, but there are a few pros and cons for each. While hardwood floors can be slippery for pointe work, it makes for some great tap sounds. Meanwhile, marley floors are harder to hear tap sounds but works better for ballet and jazz because of its non-slippery texture.

Tuition and Fees, Registration forms

When you inquire about a specific school, a parent handbook or information package of said school should be provided listing, for example, class schedules, tuition costs and fees that you are responsible for throughout the year. Become familiar with the schools philosophies, rules and guidelines and check to see if this information is easily available on the school’s website. If you are asked to sign an agreement policy, be sure to know what the policies are to avoid disappointments later on. When you sign up for dance classes, you are signing up for the season (September to June) so expect a registration fee. Most importantly, ask about the withdrawal penalties.

Qualifications of Instructors

All dance teachers are different. You will find that each posses their own unique styles and methods of teaching. A quality dance teacher will have strict guidelines and expectations that they have set for their classrooms. As not all teachers are alike, it is important for a parent to research not only the school and its philosophies but the qualifications of the teacher. This will have an impact on what your child learns in class and the overall experience over time. Be sure the instructor has the proper training and experience as a teacher -you want to be certain that your child learns proper technique and receives quality instruction. Choose a studio that offers qualified dance instructors. This includes certification to teach dance, a professional background with a company or a degree in dance studies.


Irene Booth has been teaching for over 29 years. From an early age, Irene devoted her time in learning all aspects of the dance world. A mentor and registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, she operates an established dance school on Vancouver Island, British Columbia and enjoys adjudicating competitions and festivals all across Canada.


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