Here are some criteria to help you choose the studio that will meet your dancing needs:
1. What is the philosophy of the studio and its owners?
Find out the basic philosophy of the studio. Is their number one goal to just teach people to dance or to dance technically correct? Is it to teach people to enjoy dancing or to make the studio owners look good at a competition? Is it to support the competing professionals in the studio and ensure they are advancing? All you have to do is ask and then listen to their answer.
Then compare the philosophy that is stated with the way the business is operated, and with the answer you had in your mind. Ensure that somewhere in the philosophy of the studio you find the element that is important for you.
2. What services are available?
Enquire about the different lessons that are available — privates, groups, practice sessions, few weeks specialised courses, coaching lessons, floor time for individual practice etc. Do they provide services like information on shoes, dance dresses; dance organisations in town; outstation functions, social dances, etc? What special activities is the studio planning to participate in? Does the studio regularly attend competitions and events?
Again, see how the answers match up with your reasons for dancing and the goals you want to achieve.
3. What level of training/accomplishment do the owners and teachers have attained?
This is a critical question whether or not you would like to participate in dance competitions. Ensure that the individuals who are teaching have qualifications that will improve your competitive edge.
Ask for a training history of the instructors and their own personal accomplishments in dancing. You must know that the ability to teach another individual is not inherent in a good dancer. Winning competitions does not always make one a better dance trainer than someone who is skilled at training and teaching skills.
Ask for some information on the method of teaching that is used in the studio; policy for outside coaches and the charge for these lessons; if these charges are in addition to private lesson fees. If competing is a prime objective of your dancing, check out the ability of the studio to offer choreography.
4. What is the atmosphere/environment of the studio?
Is the physical setting of the studio pleasing to you? Does it make you feel like dancing? Sit back and enjoy the setting of the studio. Look around and observe the atmosphere of the studio. Ensure that you feel good when you’re there.
Do the owners/teachers make you feel comfortable and welcome on a consistent basis? Are students treated equally and fairly? Is everyone, no matter what size, or shape, or age, or colour treated equally by the management? Also check if the owners encourage a good attitude towards other studios? Do they support the dance community as a whole?
The choice of any individual to attend other classes or participate in other functions should not lead to that individual being treated differently
5. What is the student body’s opinion about the studio?
Are people happy with the service they’ve received from the studio? Did they receive what was promised to them? Is there any unnecessary pressure applied to students. Does everyone have to compete to be “special” in the school? Is there always a push for students to spend more money? These pressures can make it uncomfortable.
If you have a complaint, ensure that you give the owners a fair chance, before you discuss the problem with others. Let them know and see if they can address the issue for you. This will give you two successes: One is that you have taken the issue up with someone who can effect a change, and second, if any other student in the studio is having the same problem, perhaps the owners can help them too.
Most importantly, however, students should feel welcome in the studio. They should feel as if they are a part of it and can contribute positively to the experience of others who choose to participate in the studio.
6. Fees for Services:
The last question that must be answered is what are the fees. How much will it cost you to do the amount of dancing you’d like to do in a month or a year?
All you have to do is ask. Studio owners will give you this information. Ensure that the prices are same for everyone. Are there any special deals? If the pricing information varies from student to student, ask for the criteria that is used to determine the fees. Also ensure that you understand all lessons that you are charged for.
The above six questions are simple — but you need to get an answer for yourself. Don’t ever decide on which studio to attend based on someone else’s criteria — know what you want and then “go shopping.”