WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DANCE STUDIO

You're looking for a dance studio for your child (or yourself). Unless you live in a very small town, you probably have some choices as to where to go.

Most people feel that cost/price is the first thing you should consider. Dance can be very expensive.

What is the reason that your child wants to dance? Are they just wanting to learn to move and have fun, perhaps like the girl on Tik Tok or the boy on stage in The Nutcracker? Are they interested in being the best and getting lots of trophies? Do they have their sights set on a Broadway or dance career?

Look at the studio's website, their social media presence, and make a visit. What message do you perceive? What vibe to you get? If they share all of their accolades, national titles, etc. then this might be the place to take an aspiring competitive dancer. Perhaps they have a long list of dancers or instructors who have gone on to professional careers in the dance/theater arena. Maybe they have a great Facebook page with fun activities and learning that the students are doing on a weekly basis.

• Does it look like a fun, inviting, and safe place for a child to be?

• Is it a clean environment?

• Are the instructors knowledgeable experts, with appropriate dance backgrounds?

• Are the classes structured and well-organized?

• Is the communication adequate between instructors and students/parents?

You might have to "shop around" or try more than one studio to find a perfect fit. And if it's a good studio, they will let you come visit or try a few classes out first. No matter where it is, you and your child should always feel welcome, accepted, and more JOYFUL after their class is finished.