There are several factors to consider when choosing a dance school for your child. The more you search online for a dance school, the more questions will arise.
Questions such as:
Do they have a good reputation?
Are the dance teachers highly qualified?
How long has the school been in business?
Are there any reviews online from past students and parents?
In this article we have tried to cover some of the most basic questions in the hope of helping:
- Safety in education
It is of paramount importance. You want to make sure your child is in a safe and clean environment, with qualified teachers and appropriate equipment. The next thing to look for is a dance school with multiple levels of training, so your child can progress at its own pace and not be pushed to the point where their physical integrity is compromised. It is also a good idea to separate the levels according to age. An adult class is not good to be condensed with a corresponding children’s class because of course there are other anatomical possibilities for each age, especially when we are talking about a demanding art like ballet. You will easily understand this by looking on their website at the posted schedule which will read for example: ballet classes for adults and ballet for children.
- How many years has the school been operating?
If the dance school has a good reputation, it is likely to have been around for a long time and be respected in the dance community. Of course, this is not to condemn a new dance school just because it is new to the field. Even if it is new, a school can be made up of well-trained teachers and meet all the criteria. However, if a school has been around for several years, there is the possibility of research on your part such as students who have pursued professional dance studies or some good reviews on the internet for example.
- The dance school in action
A good dance school, apart from offering classes for people of all ages, will be open to the public, of course by appointment to avoid overcrowding. You can watch a class in progress so you can get a feel for whether it’s the right place for your child. The best way to judge a dance school is to watch the students in action. You can tell a lot by observing students of different ages, from toddlers to teenagers, and their level of experience. If you’re interested in enrolling your child in a particular school, ask about their policy on placement and student progression. You can also observe the teachers and how they interact with their students. A good dance teacher should know how to work with all levels of ability and experience.
- Respect for the child
Do teachers respect their students? Do they treat them with kindness and understanding? Are there rules imposed on students that seem unreasonable or unfair? You want to make sure that your child is happy when they go to ballet classes or dance classes in general and so you shouldn’t just dwell on the fact that they are being provided with technical training. Through classes of any kind of dance, your child will have the opportunity to grow emotionally as well. Talk to the teachers before you settle on enrolling and make sure that you are dealing with people who speak with courtesy and ethics.
- Dance School recognized by the state
Very important! Dance schools must be licensed by the Region. This certifies that they have made the required suitability checks in terms of infrastructure and various other requirements as defined by law and are thus entitled by the state to teach. Always ask the school for the District’s license to establish and operate.
- An audit by an official body on the quality of teaching
When looking for dance schools in your area, try to find one that is accredited by a national body, such as the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). These organizations have strict criteria for membership and require schools to adhere to their standards for dance training. They are also an excellent way for parents to check the quality of their child’s dance school. You can find out which schools are members of these organizations by contacting them directly or checking their websites. RAD is a globally recognized organization and its accreditation is an indication that the school has met rigorous quality standards.
- Certified dance teachers
The best dance schools will also have diplomas and certificates of their teachers, which show that they are qualified in their field. It is important to note that not all dance schools require their teachers to be certified, so it is up to you as a parent to make sure your child’s teacher is qualified to do so. Qualified teachers are a sign of quality because they have undergone rigorous training and can provide your child with a well-rounded experience.
