If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a
big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which
place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are 5 main things that can make a huge difference in the
quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal
with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 5
things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.
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 any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance
movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent
against 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. A high-
density foam base is superior to a "sprung" floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on
the regular floor. The dance floors in both of our classrooms have this system with a professional
“Marley” floor covering
Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting
tired.
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 easier for a teacher to maintain control over the
class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class
sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size also allows
our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.
Our studio limits all of our classes. Ages 7 to 12 are limited to a maximum of just 12 students per
class. Our Teen classes are limited to a maximum of just 15 students per class. And with our
younger classes (ages 3-6) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 8 students per class.
3. What are the "extras" required for the year-end show?
Most studios put on a year-end show in a professional theatre. Students that perform in the show
must have a costume for their dance number. Our staff will take each individual dancer's
measurements and will order your child's costume(s). Any major alterations will be handled by the
school (smaller alterations, like the hemming of pants will be up to the parents). Our studio also
gives each parent 2 free tickets for our year-end show. This way you as a parent will not be faced
with any overwhelming work or over the top expenses for the year-end show. We do not charge any
kind of "Recital Fees" as many dance studios do.
4. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does 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 like
costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studios have office staff on
hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.
5. Who is teaching my child?
In most other studios, you will find the studio owners teaching the advanced level classes and the
advanced level students teaching the beginner levels and younger ages. We pride ourselves on
bringing some of the best dance teachers together in Central Ohio. Our staff has a combined history
of professional dance training on the university level, show credits in New York and Chicago, theme
park and cruise line credits (as performers and choreographers), a long history of dance
conventions and master classes with some of the industry's leading teachers and celebrities
(Debbie Allen, Ben Vereen) and professional ballet credits, both in the United States (company
members) and with the Vaganova Academy of Russia (master classes). Our backgrounds have
taken us many years of study with true dedication to develop our level of dancing to the high
standards that we have come to expect from ourselves. All of the teachers at Dance Works are
contracted, professional adults. You will not find a student teacher, or high school student that is
growing up in our studio, as the primary teacher for your child.
big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which
place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are 5 main things that can make a huge difference in the
quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parents must deal
with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 5
things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.
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 any cushioning or support, so the shock of dance
movement can place a lot of pressure on the knees and back of a dancer. The best way to prevent
against 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. A high-
density foam base is superior to a "sprung" floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on
the regular floor. The dance floors in both of our classrooms have this system with a professional
“Marley” floor covering
Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting
tired.
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 easier for a teacher to maintain control over the
class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class
sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size also allows
our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.
Our studio limits all of our classes. Ages 7 to 12 are limited to a maximum of just 12 students per
class. Our Teen classes are limited to a maximum of just 15 students per class. And with our
younger classes (ages 3-6) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of just 8 students per class.
3. What are the "extras" required for the year-end show?
Most studios put on a year-end show in a professional theatre. Students that perform in the show
must have a costume for their dance number. Our staff will take each individual dancer's
measurements and will order your child's costume(s). Any major alterations will be handled by the
school (smaller alterations, like the hemming of pants will be up to the parents). Our studio also
gives each parent 2 free tickets for our year-end show. This way you as a parent will not be faced
with any overwhelming work or over the top expenses for the year-end show. We do not charge any
kind of "Recital Fees" as many dance studios do.
4. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does 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 like
costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studios have office staff on
hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.
5. Who is teaching my child?
In most other studios, you will find the studio owners teaching the advanced level classes and the
advanced level students teaching the beginner levels and younger ages. We pride ourselves on
bringing some of the best dance teachers together in Central Ohio. Our staff has a combined history
of professional dance training on the university level, show credits in New York and Chicago, theme
park and cruise line credits (as performers and choreographers), a long history of dance
conventions and master classes with some of the industry's leading teachers and celebrities
(Debbie Allen, Ben Vereen) and professional ballet credits, both in the United States (company
members) and with the Vaganova Academy of Russia (master classes). Our backgrounds have
taken us many years of study with true dedication to develop our level of dancing to the high
standards that we have come to expect from ourselves. All of the teachers at Dance Works are
contracted, professional adults. You will not find a student teacher, or high school student that is
growing up in our studio, as the primary teacher for your child.
FIVE THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW BEFORE
CHOOSING A DANCE STUDIO
CHOOSING A DANCE STUDIO
| Dance Works School of Dance was established to bring exceptional dance education to Canal Winchester, Pickerington, Lancaster, and the Surrounding Area. In cooperation with our excellent Music Program we offer a wide range of options for children to adults. |
| Dance Parent Report |
Dance Classes
- Dance Descriptions
- Schedule and Fees
- Required Dance Wear
- Parent Report
Music Lessons
- Music Descriptions
- Private Lessons
- Schedule and Fees
- Common Q & A
- Parent Report
School Store
Class Memos
Newsletters
Recital & Show Information
Event Pictures and Info
Calendar
Contact Us
- Dance Descriptions
- Schedule and Fees
- Required Dance Wear
- Parent Report
Music Lessons
- Music Descriptions
- Private Lessons
- Schedule and Fees
- Common Q & A
- Parent Report
School Store
Class Memos
Newsletters
Recital & Show Information
Event Pictures and Info
Calendar
Contact Us
| Copyright © 2009, Academy of Dance and Music. All Rights Reserved |