It's a question we are asked every year: Aren't all dance studios pretty much the same? Each seems to have friendly teachers and a big show at the end of the year, so does it really matter where you enrol?
The answer, in short, is: Yes. It does matter.
There are a number of factors which can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives and can have a profound impact on their - and your - overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved in a dance program.
Here are five things all parents should consider before deciding on a dance school for their children.
1. HOW QUALIFIED ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?
Dance is a physically demanding activity and if taught incorrectly if can have harmful effects the way a dancers body moves and grows. Some studios find it too expensive and time consuming to employ qualified instructors, and in some cases graduate unqualified students up to instructor positions. These practices can be lead to injuries resulting from poor technique that sometimes do not appear until years later.
The Stouffville Academy of Music & Dance employs only instructors with university training in dance or equally recognized professional experience, such as the National Ballet School or Toronto Dance Theatre (Modern). Our instructors are graduates from York University, Ryerson University, Toronto Dance Theatre and the NBS Teacher Training Program. Our teachers have extensively studied the correct way to safely teach all aspects of dance. This ensures our students receive superb instruction while keeping their bodies healthy. And yes - they are very caring and friendly too!
2. 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.
The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite "marley" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Facilities such as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance - The Touring Show, all use marley floors as their dance surface. A marley floor allows dancers to slide, with a degree of "controlled slip", but is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios use professional marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for a regular floor tile for a studio floor.
Our studios have floating floors that have over 700 high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a Rosco brand marley top surface. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.
Mirrors and Barres are another important part of any dance studio. Professional Barres allow students to learn proper placement in ballet. Every studio should also have full length mirrors lining the entire front of the facility. Without mirrors, students cannot check for proper placement and positioning of the body. Each of our studios has mirrors lining the entire front wall.
3. 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.
4. WHAT ARE THE "EXTRAS" REQUIRED FOR THE YEAR END SHOW?
Most studios put on a year end show in a professional theatre. This is an important time for students to showcase their talents on stage for all to enjoy. Students that perform in the show must have a costume for their dance number. Some studios may require parents to sew their child's costumes, or pay extra and the parents must find their own seamstress to do the sewing. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for parents who are busy or can't sew.
Our studio uses our own professional seamstress to create and sew costumes, so parents do not have to worry about any costume hassles. We never require our parents to fundraise and dancers get to keep their costumes after the show.
The recital is an exciting time for our young stars, and an opportunity for them to present the year's accomplishments to the families, extended families, and friends. In order to provide the equal opportunity for those who require two tickets and those who require twenty, reserved seating to the performances are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no requirement to purchase a minimum number of tickets, or for parents and dancers to do any selling.
The Stouffville Academy of Music & Dance offers a unique recital experience in that it is a themed, emceed performance. Our recitals tell a story that links all the dances together; making it easy for the audience to stay interested, even when their own child is not on stage.
5. HOW MUCH VARIETY IS THERE IN DANCE STYLES & CLASS TIMES?
Offering a wide variety of dance styles benefits both dancers and parents. As students progress they may become interested in trying different styles of dance or auditioning for a competitive program. Also, different children in the same family may have different interests. Our school offers more than ten different styles of dance, divided by both age group and level of training. We offer both a strong recreational dance program and an award-winning competitive dance program.
A wide variety of classes and class-times allows busy parents to schedule multiple children at the same time and to more easily fit dance classes into their busy lives. At The Stouffville Academy of Music & Dance we offer evening and weekend classes in both dance and music.
