11 THINGS PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER
BEFORE SELECTING A DANCE STUDIO
FOR THEIR CHILD
1. HOW WILL MY CHILD'S LEVEL PLACEMENT BE DETERMINED?
Level placement at most dance studios is determined by the student’s age and not by his or her ability. Each child is unique and learns at a different pace. The key is to be able to enjoy the journey of learning how to dance. Students learn much more quickly when they are happy and comfortable with the level of dance technique being taught. Without a full understanding of dance vocabulary, basic coordination and aesthetic awareness, students will fall behind and become increasingly frustrated. It is in the best interest of the student to be grouped with dancers of similar skill. Our studio goes to great lengths to ensure all students are challenged and secure in their classes. We understand young people are accustomed to learning with their peers, however, we have students of varying ages in the same level who progress quickly and with confidence. We assure each student is placed in the proper level by an evaluation class or a private lesson that may be scheduled with a member of our teaching staff. A syllabus for all levels in each discipline (Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz) has been created to establish a unified set of expectations for our school.
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 dance 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. A high-density foam base is superior to a “sprung” floor, which usually consists of a wood structure built on the regular floor. The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite also known as “marley” is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Facilities such as American Ballet Theatre, The Juilliard School in New York, 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 dance studios use professional marley floors because of the expense involved, and usually opt for regular floor tile or finished wood for a studio floor. Each of our studios has floating floors and a marley top surface. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer with less fatigue.
3. WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO THE INSTRUCTORS HAVE?
Parents are very impressed with the education and professionalism of our staff. The dance School bosts an award winning faculty who have all danced professionally with companies such as: American Ballet Theatre, the Broadway musical Chicago, the NYC Rockettes, N.C. Dance Theatre and Ballet Pacifica or have received their degrees in dance from reputable universities. The dance School’s incomparable faculty specializes in teaching ages three and up. In addition to the school’s full time faculty, multiple master classes are offered throughout the year. Instructors from Juilliard, major metropolitan theaters and even The Phantom of the Opera fill the ranks of guest teachers.
4. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE DANCE CLASS?
Our dance classes have fewer students and each child receives more personalized attention, learns more and has 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. Smaller class sizes assure no fundamental concepts are being missed and that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.
5. WHY ARE CLASSES AT PSM&D LONGER THAN OTHER DANCE STUDIOS?
Levels Beginning and higher have class times which can span from 45 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes per discipline (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop and Pointe.) Longer class times allow our teachers to focus on technique and not "just a dance for the year end recital." Studios who only focus on the year end recital are allowing their students to miss valuable technical and artistic instruction.
6. WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION?
Yes. Individualized attention is critical to the development and progress of dance students. Instructors at Piedmont School of Music & Dance offer one on one attention to every student in each level. Individual corrections provide students with a clear understanding of their specific areas of needed improvement and enable them to reach their full potential. Our teaching staff is able to offer this unique style without taking time away from the entire class.
7. HOW WILL I BE INFORMED ABOUT MY CHILD'S PROGRESS?
Following the Spring Performance in June, each student will receive a written evaluation by their teacher(s). The evaluations will outline their accomplishments as well as areas of needed improvement. Several categories are addressed such as: adherence to PSM&D's policies, behavior, work ethic, attention and assimilation of corrections given, performance etiquette and so on. Dance Class and level recommendations for the summer program and following season will also be noted.
8. WHAT ARE THE “EXTRAS” REQUIRED FOR THE YEAR END SHOW?
Most dance studios stage a year end recital in a professional theatre, and students who 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. Most dance studios also require parents to purchase tickets for the recital performance night. Our studio has a large inventory of costumes for the students to use for the Spring Performance, so parents do not have to worry about any costume purchases or hassles. Our dance studio gives each family two free tickets, per child registered, for our year-end show. This way you as a parent will not be faced with any extra work or expenses.
9. HOW MUCH CLASS TIME IS SPENT ON RECITAL DANCES RATHER THAN INSTRUCTION?
The majority of dance studios use all of class to practice for the year end recital. In doing so a great deal of instruction is missed such as: vocabulary (proper terminology for dance steps), placement, musicality, aesthetic awareness and the ability to learn choreography quickly. At PSM&D we take great pride in offering strong technical training in each discipline (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop and Pointe). Once a sound foundation of technique is established the instructor will draw upon the vocabulary (steps) learned throughout the year to choreograph the year end recital piece. Technique and proper placement is extremely important to avoid injuries. Many studios only practice steps to one side. Practicing steps only to one side causes dancers to over develop muscles on one side of their body which can lead to scoliosis and a general imbalance in growing young bodies.
10. WILL COSTUMES AND MUSIC BE AGE APPROPRIATE?
Yes. Piedmont School of Music & Dance does not allow their students to dance to inappropriate music in the studio or on stage. In addition, choreography is neither allowed to be suggestive nor are the costumes. Many studios hide behind expensive flashy costumes rather than focusing on the choreography and training of their students. Our costumes are simple and designed to maintain focus on the dancers and what they have learned throughout the year.
11. CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studios have office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.