How To Pick A Dance Studio Pt 2

Yesterday we began discussing some of the key questions you should ask when you’re selecting a dance school. Once you’ve decided that you want to be a professional dancer, it’s very important (whether you’re new to dance, or you’ve already been dancing for awhile) that you pick a school that will help you prepare for your career and reach your personal goals.

Here are a few more questions you should be prepared to ask before deciding on a dance school:

What types of classes are offered, and how frequently?

You’ll want to be sure that your school offers more than one type of class, if that’s where your interest lies, and that the school offers enough classes in timeslots that will coincide with your schedule.

Does the studio have a suspended or floating floor?

In order to prevent injury, it’s important that the school has invested in a state-of-the-art, suspending or floating floor that will absorb much of the shock that comes along with jumping and other high-energy movement. A floor that does not absorb the shock may contribute to back and knee injuries. Under no circumstance should there be concrete floors in the dance studios, even if covered by wood or vinyl.

Can you sit in on a class?

It’s important that you get a feeling for the type of environment that the staff creates at the studio, how they interact with students, and what their style of teaching is. Often, you can only gather this information by viewing a class. If they are willing to let you participate, that’s even better!

Is this an environment that you can thrive in?

Are the studios spacious? Is there adequate lighting? Do the mirrors and the rest of the studios appear to be kept clean? You want to attend a dance school with an environment conducive to learning and that helps you feel motivated, and inspired to dance your heart out.

If you enroll in a school and it’s not living up to your expectations, don’t be afraid to keep looking for a studio that’s more in line with your goals and your personal needs. In the meantime, are you up for gauging just how great of a dancer you already are? Be sure to check the casting notices at http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com and submit yourself for some of the dance auditions we have posted on the website. Good luck!

How To Pick A Dance Studio Pt 1

Once you’ve decided you want to pursue a career as a professional dancer, one of the most important things you can invest in is your training. Whether it’s your dream to join a prominent dance company, or choreograph for feature films, it’s important that you make sure that your technique and skills are top-notch and that you’ve mastered a number of different styles.

Deciding which dance studio would best suit your needs and personal goals can be a challenge. There are a lot of criteria to consider. I’ve put together a two-part blog to help you come up with a comprehensive list of factors to weigh when you’re ready to pick the dance school that’s perfect for you.

When selecting a dance studio, it’s important that you ask:

What is the mission of the dance studio?

If your studio was created to provide community classes and teach dance in a fun environment for students of all ages, this may not be the school for you. If you want to become a professional dancer, you should find a school designed to produce professional dancers and where the students and the teachers are committed to excellence in professional dance.

How experienced are the instructors?

It’s important that you review the credentials of the instructors that you will be learning from. If you want to be the best dancer you can be, it’s important that you learn from the best. It’s also ideal if your teacher still currently dances, or also takes classes so that they remain in top form, and are aware of new dance styles and teaching techniques.

How large are the classes?

You want to make sure that you are able to fully take advantage of class time and the knowledge and talent of your instructor. In smaller classes, you will have an opportunity to ask questions, and your teacher will have ample time to review your form and technique to ensure that you’re progressing.

Be sure to check in tomorrow when we will review some other important questions that you should ask before selecting a dance studio. In the meantime, check out some of the great dance auditions we have posted at www.StarSearchCasting.com.