Choosing the right dance school is a crucial step for anyone looking to learn or advance their skills in dance. With so many schools offering different styles and levels of expertise, it can be challenging to find the best fit. Several factors, such as the quality of instructors, studio facilities, and even class structure, play a role in shaping your experience. We’ve highlighted some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a dance school to ensure your child receives the best possible training and support.
Fresh choreography, every time!
A quality school teaches new routines regularly, avoiding repetitive or recycled choreography. This keeps classes exciting and ensures dancers are always challenged and engaged with fresh material. New routines every week ensures development and growth are consistently happening.
Fair competition practice
Schools with the correct perspective on competitions push their teams to enter higher, more challenging categories rather than opting for easier wins to boast on social media. This commitment to authentic growth sets dancers up for success beyond trophies, and sets the right mindset for competing.
Inspiring teachers
Look for schools with teachers who are positive role models. Successful schools hire instructors who are hard-workers, entrepreneurs and freelancers, offering real-world insights into the dance industry. One clear giveaway that you are being taught by the right role model is that their social media accounts reflect both professionalism and a family-oriented mindset, rather than poor behaviour.
Flexible dress code
The right school prioritises comfort over rigid uniform rules. While some schools may have set uniforms, great dance institutions allow students to wear what makes them feel confident and comfortable in class. Especially when starting brand new, nobody wants to pay extortionate uniform fees when they are just trialling whether they like dance classes or not.
Fair payment policies
Avoid schools that lock you into paying for classes regardless of if you are there or not. The best studios are flexible and fair when it comes to payments, ensuring that students only pay for the training they actually receive. Payment options should be clear, have no hidden fees, and not be tied to a contract.
Commitment to safety
Safety should always come first. Choose a school that takes safety seriously, with secure door entry systems, emergency procedures, and requires children to be picked up by a parent or guardian from the door. Staff should be first-aid trained, fully insured, DBS checked, and experienced in handling all aspects of student safety.
Leadership development
A standout dance school invests in its dancers, offering them opportunities to train as future instructors. They encourage their dancers to grow, and learn skills that go beyond the studio walls, that can be used in everyday life and into adulthood.
Ethical reputation
A reputable school builds its success through hard work, not by poaching students from other schools or relying on wealth. Their focus is on building the foundations of the school and fostering talent from the ground up, with a commitment to ethical practices.
Reinvestment into the school
Fundraising efforts should go directly back to the students and the school itself. Ensuring that all resources are used to improve training, opportunities, and facilities.
Part of the local community
A good dance school actively involves its students in community events, often receiving repeated invitations due to the school’s positive reputation.
Personalised coaching
The most impactful schools have teachers who know all of their dancers by name and offer personalised guidance. Teachers engage with students on a deeper level, making sure each one feels seen and supported, regardless of skill level.
Diversity and inclusion
Schools that provide extra support to individuals with additional needs ensure that everyone, regardless of physical cognitive ability, can fully participate and thrive. Promoting dancers from diverse backgrounds encourages cultural understanding, and focusing on body positivity helps counter harmful stereotypes, while fostering self-confidence. In an inclusive dance school, every student feels seen, respected and supported on their unique journey.
By considering these factors, you can choose a dance school that not only teaches technique but also prioritises the right things. Personal growth, community involvement, and ethical practices, creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for every dancer are a must.