New to dance classes? You will find very helpful information in this article. If your questions are not fully answered, then please call our office or visit our FAQ page. You have our promise we will answer all of your questions!
5 Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Dance School
If most dance studios and schools have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? Yes. There are four very important things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassels that must be dealt with and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are fou things that every parent should consider before deciding on a studio for their child.
1. The type of dance floor used. Dance is a very physical activity that requires alot of jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide enough cushioning or support, so the shock of dance movement can place alot of pressure on the knees and back of the dancer.The best wayto prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional "floating floor". A floating floor rests on a system of high density foam to absorb the shock of jumping. The top layer of the floor is also important. A specialized vinyl composite "marley type" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. 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 offer a marley floor due to the expense and opt for tiled floors instead. At our facility, the dance floors are of the highest quality and rest on closed cell foam that allows the floors to actually move with the student. Thus lessening the possibility of injuries to growing dancers.
2.Size of Class If a dance class has fewer students in it, then 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 instruction. This also allows teachers to spot incorrect technique faster so that it can be corrected before bad habits, that can cause injury, are developed. Our school offers classes that are limited in size for better instruction of your children. Classes for ages 6 years and up are limited to only 12 to a class. For our very young students of ages 2 to 5 years, the class is limited to 6 per class.
3.Organized And Well Planned Events We understand how busy families are these days. That is why we offer well organized recitals, open house, students appreciation days and bring a friend weeks. Paretns receive newsletters via their email address so that they alwayd know what is going on. The website offers a student page with a calendar and other special notices so that parents can plan well in advanced. We attempt to meet all of a families information needs through our website, courteous office staff and student mail boxes in the school.
4. A Well Designed Curriculum In Place Movement instruction is technical from the very beginning. A well designed curriculum should be challenging and inspire the student to move further through the training. The balance between a challenging and insiring program must contain proper technique, sequence and terminology at all levels. The mixture of fun, creativity, energy and the proper music are also factors when determining if a program has been designed for optimal learning and enjoyment. Our school offers a class schedule with a broad range of movement instruction for ages 2 years and up and at all levels. We offer a specific curriculum designed to create and capture a students attention and enthusiasm while emphasizing proper technique, sequence and terminology.
5. The Ability To Get Immediate Assistance In many studios, the teacher conducts classes and does the administrative work as well. Sometimes at the same time the classes are being conducted. By trying to do two jobs at one, the quality of the classes may suffer while the teacher is conducting customer service. To have a good experience, it is wise to choose a facility that can offer customer assistance when you need it. We offer a variety of ways that busy parents can contact us for information. Office staff is available to assist with questions and needs on a daily basis. Our office opens at 10:00 am Monday through Friday and not just when classes start. Information about classes and events are always being updated on the website, and e-postcards and newsletters are sent directly to our parents email addresses. E-notices are filtered to the classes so that when a parent receives information it is for their child's classes purposes.
TUMBLE DANCE & CHEER PRODUCTIONS offers facility tours on Fridays. We invite you to take a look at our facility and visit with our staff in person. To make arrangements for a tour, please call our office at 580-256-3262. We offer a staff that trains on a regular basis and holds certifications in their specialty areas, a clean and well maintained facility and a passion for teaching movements in the correct kinetic order. TDC Productions is a member of USA Independant Gym Clubs, ODMA, PASS Ambassadors, Gym Certified and are AACCA Safety Trained.