CHOOSING A DANCE SCHOOL.
Five Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing a Dance School
If you are new to dance you may wonder “aren’t all dance schools pretty much the same?”
Does it really matter where you enroll? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” There are five main reasons that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction that your child receives and in the quality of the service that parents can expect.
1. What is the focus of the school?
The school should be one where “everyone is welcome” and not cater to an “elite” clientele. The school should value the education of all students, not just those who are on a preprofessional track nor should it focus too greatly on competitions or mandatory performances. Performance opportunities should be available to students, but not the main focus of the classes.
A school that offers classes for all ages and one that provides a nurturing environment is a school where students of varying levels all feel comfortable and have their needs met. Parents should look for a school which has certified or degreed instructors with educational experience. Other important factors include a variety of educational and performance opportunities that are available but not required for students. The stability of the school and it’s faculty is also an important indicator of quality. If a studio has had many turnovers of directors or faculty, this may be an indication of internal problems.
Our school is recognized as providing a fun and nurturing environment for students of all ages while providing the highest quality in dance education. We recognize that for most students, dance will not be a career choice but an important element in
development and self esteem. Our alumni include a variety of careers including doctors, nurses, teachers and parents as well as professional dancers who all recognize the important role of dance in their well rounded education.
Also very important is the master certified educator who established the school is still at the helm?
2. What qualifications should teachers have?
It is important that teachers have educational experience in addition to their own dance training. Just as in any other profession, it is important that dance teachers participate regularly in continuing dance education. They should be well versed in their specialization (dance) and in teaching methods. Performance experience is important, but secondary to their ability to educate others.
Miss Lauri is a member and Master Graduate of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. She participates regularly in continuing dance education. Our curriculum has been developed by Laurel who is a master certified dance educator that has national recognition in dance education. She has a vast performance and teaching experience.
3. What type of dance floor is used?
Dance is a very physical activity. A floor designed for the needs of dancers helps to reduce fatigue and improves performance. The best type of dance floor is a professional “floating” floor. A floating floor is one that is cushioned on wood “stringers” with air space and sub floor layers of wood covered with a vinyl surface designed for dance. Dancing on concrete, even one topped with a vinyl surface causes fatigue and, when used for extended periods, contributes to the chance of injury. At the Laurel School of Dance we have a floating floor that are used in the major dance schools across the country, along with a marley dance floor. Both classrooms are also equipped with full length mirrors, barres and sound equipment.
4. What are the benefits of dance?
Dance benefits your physical state as well as your mental state. It helps young children with self esteem and social skills that are helpful in pre-school and kindergarten. Dance also helps kids of all ages with confidence, critical thinking, coordination, rhythm, creativeness, and academically. Not only are numerous muscles finely tuned, but they are stretched and strengthened. The brain develops the ability to concentrate and absorb information at a faster rate when a child learns dance. Children of all ages perform well in the structured environment of dance. When you dance you not only meet new people most of the time you end up with life long friends as well.
If you are new to dance you may wonder “aren’t all dance schools pretty much the same?”
Does it really matter where you enroll? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” There are five main reasons that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction that your child receives and in the quality of the service that parents can expect.
1. What is the focus of the school?
The school should be one where “everyone is welcome” and not cater to an “elite” clientele. The school should value the education of all students, not just those who are on a preprofessional track nor should it focus too greatly on competitions or mandatory performances. Performance opportunities should be available to students, but not the main focus of the classes.
A school that offers classes for all ages and one that provides a nurturing environment is a school where students of varying levels all feel comfortable and have their needs met. Parents should look for a school which has certified or degreed instructors with educational experience. Other important factors include a variety of educational and performance opportunities that are available but not required for students. The stability of the school and it’s faculty is also an important indicator of quality. If a studio has had many turnovers of directors or faculty, this may be an indication of internal problems.
Our school is recognized as providing a fun and nurturing environment for students of all ages while providing the highest quality in dance education. We recognize that for most students, dance will not be a career choice but an important element in
development and self esteem. Our alumni include a variety of careers including doctors, nurses, teachers and parents as well as professional dancers who all recognize the important role of dance in their well rounded education.
Also very important is the master certified educator who established the school is still at the helm?
2. What qualifications should teachers have?
It is important that teachers have educational experience in addition to their own dance training. Just as in any other profession, it is important that dance teachers participate regularly in continuing dance education. They should be well versed in their specialization (dance) and in teaching methods. Performance experience is important, but secondary to their ability to educate others.
Miss Lauri is a member and Master Graduate of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. She participates regularly in continuing dance education. Our curriculum has been developed by Laurel who is a master certified dance educator that has national recognition in dance education. She has a vast performance and teaching experience.
3. What type of dance floor is used?
Dance is a very physical activity. A floor designed for the needs of dancers helps to reduce fatigue and improves performance. The best type of dance floor is a professional “floating” floor. A floating floor is one that is cushioned on wood “stringers” with air space and sub floor layers of wood covered with a vinyl surface designed for dance. Dancing on concrete, even one topped with a vinyl surface causes fatigue and, when used for extended periods, contributes to the chance of injury. At the Laurel School of Dance we have a floating floor that are used in the major dance schools across the country, along with a marley dance floor. Both classrooms are also equipped with full length mirrors, barres and sound equipment.
4. What are the benefits of dance?
Dance benefits your physical state as well as your mental state. It helps young children with self esteem and social skills that are helpful in pre-school and kindergarten. Dance also helps kids of all ages with confidence, critical thinking, coordination, rhythm, creativeness, and academically. Not only are numerous muscles finely tuned, but they are stretched and strengthened. The brain develops the ability to concentrate and absorb information at a faster rate when a child learns dance. Children of all ages perform well in the structured environment of dance. When you dance you not only meet new people most of the time you end up with life long friends as well.
