Dance centers across the land will attempt to dazzle you with marketing lingo, assuring you that their programs are ‘the best’ or that they offer ‘the most’ professional team of dance educators.  The reality is no one can honestly make these claims without having objectively compared themselves to every other dance studio in Orlando, Central Florida and the world, for that matter.  You and I both know this just doesn’t happen, and marketing language is used to accomplish one thing: to sell you on an idea that will get you to whip out your credit card.  Let’s face it, dance instruction is a business and we need you to ‘buy in’ so we can make a living doing what we do.  But when it comes to education in ANY discipline, what works for one student may not be ‘the best’ for another.  So, here are a few guidelines to help you choose a dance center that’s—and this is key—right for you.

As you investigate dance centers, think of yourself as a detective who must separate fact from fiction.  While browsing any dance center’s website, see if you can distinguish marketing hype (‘the best,’ ‘the most,’ ‘the leader,’ etc.) from what really matters:  Does the website clearly state the studio’s Standards of Education?  Do they publish tuition fees and current class information with descriptions?  Is there a teaching philosophy or an overview of what you or your child can expect as a student of the studio?  Do they have an understanding of the local dance industry and do they maintain affiliations with dance professionals?  Are the artistic leaders educated, experienced industry professionals who specialize in dance education? These are the questions that matter, because at the end of the day you’re not interested in how cool a website looks or how well a studio can pat itself on the back; rather, you’re trying to determine if a particular dance studio provides and educational culture that’s the best match for you.

Let’s go one step further.  Any good detective knows that details matter, so look for them.  Does the studio’s website content make use of proper grammar and spelling?  If these things aren’t in order, this might just indicate the level of education you’ll receive at that studio.  Think like a detective and gather multiple clues to draw conclusions.  Does the studio offer a complimentary trial class to allow you to get a feel for the place and teachers, without obligation?  Making decisions about where you or your child will be educated in any arena shouldn’t be taken lightly—any quality studio will recognize the need to support you in making this decision by offering a trial class.  It’s the responsible thing to do.

The primary focus of any great studio is dance education—period.  Be wary of studios that spend more time preparing for competitions and recitals than they do educating students in safe technique, career longevity, artistic development and dance history.  While competitions and recitals are not a bad thing (if done correctly, they can be another form of education), it’s no secret that studios uses these kinds of events to SHOWCASE AND SELL THEIR STUDIO to new students.  If competitions and recitals are a studio’s primary focus, you risk falling into the trap of becoming a marketing tool that benefits only the studio’s pocketbook.  So, be sure to ask if participation in competitions and recitals is required or optional.  Also ask how much time a studio focuses on competition in the context of class and how they handle non-participating students who happen to be taking those classes—are they pushed to the back and forced to learn competition choreography when that’s not the student’s goal?

Below you’ll find a list of questions to ask any studio owner when calling or visiting their dance center.  Better yet, Detective, make conversation with multiple people when visiting a studio (teachers, students, parents, etc.) and see if you get consistent answers to the following:

1. Are students taught the fundamental elements of choreography and, if so, could you please tell me what they are? Are students given the opportunity to express their own voice by developing their own choreography?
2. Do students and teachers have knowledge in dance history?  Tell me what you teach students about dance pioneers such as Martha Graham, José Límon, Alvin Ailey and Katherine Dunham?
3. Do students receive instruction in cultural and non-traditional dance forms that enhance technique and broaden artistic range?
4. How do you go about helping students reach their creative potential and how do you help students move beyond technical plateaus?
5. What systems and tools do you have in place for evaluating a student’s progress?
6. What are your Standards of Education and do you make use of lesson plans?  May I see them?
7. What is the average age of your faculty and what degrees or credentials do you require of them before hiring?
8. What are your primary goals as a studio?  What makes your studio different from others in the area?  (Watch out for marketing lingo in answers to these questions!)
9. Are students required to participate in competitions and recitals?  If so, why?  If not, how do you handle students who opt not to participate?
10. Do you offer a trial class?  If I decide to register, am I required to sign a contract that obligates me to pay a monthly tuition, regardless of whether or not I attend class? 

Any quality dance studio in Orlando, Central Florida and across the globe will be eagerly receptive to (and skilled at) answering any of the above questions.  If the primary goal of that studio is EDUCATION there should be no hesitation, aggression or stuttering when answering your questions.  If there is, Detective, walk away and find another dance center that’s more interested in giving you the education you deserve.  They do exist and they’ll be eager to help you find your way, even if it means recommending you to another dance center that’s better suited to your educational needs.  Good luck and happy dancing!

Need a question answered or a studio recommendation from one of our experts?  Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

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