What To Look For in a Dance Studio

Opinions on the characteristics of a good dance studio or school abound. In previous posts I have outlined what I feel are important qualities to consider when assessing where you are currently or potentially studying dance.

Deal-Makers

These are qualities that I feel are of upmost importance and can or should be expected of a quality dance institution. These range from the structure of a class to elements of a studio’s core philosophy. Click here to read about these deal-makers.

Deal-Breakers

These are red flags that warn customers that the dance education at a school may not be of high quality. The size and location of a dance studio have nothing to do with the standard of education one receives. Sometimes even positive word-of-mouth cannot be relied upon as there are many reasons that one may choose to attend a school that is not creating an appropriate atmosphere for learning. For instance, there are schools that produce incredible dancers that have used tactics that negitively impact the well-being of their students – something I consider a red flag. Click here to read about other deal-breakers.

Middle Ground

Under certain circumstances, some studio practices that would otherwise be deal-breakers, are acceptable or at least satisfactory. If one has options, this list presents additional considerations to weigh when choosing a school. When options are limited, this list highlights some issues that be important to discuss with studio owners or administrators. Click here to see this list.

What are your goals?

An important aspect of finding a dance school is finding a dance school that is right for you. This can only be assessed by first determining your goals in dance. Because dance requires years of training to master, early discussion about these goals is useful. One’s ambitions can change over time. For instance, a recreational student may decide that they want a professional career and decide to intensify their training. To determine your goals it is necessary to know what kinds of careers or alternatives are available. Even if you are not planning a career in dance, this post aims to help inform and assist in finding a path that is right for you.

Photo by Marjie

Related posts:

1. Finding Quality Dance Instruction – Deal-Makers
2. Finding Quality Dance Instruction – Deal-Breakers
3. Finding Quality Dance Instruction – Middle Ground

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Nichelle Strzepek is the writer/editor of Dance Advantage. Equipped with little more than passion for movement education, she embraced her inner computer nerd and began this blog in 2008. She holds a BA in dance and is an instructor with over 16 years experience. Nichelle continues to perform as a contemporary dance artist, covers dance in the Houston area as a freelance writer and critic, and balances daily life as a full-time mom.

Nichelle has written 246 articles for Dance Advantage.