Five things you should know before choosing a dance studio

If most dance studios seem to have qualified friendly teachers, experience teaching social and competitive dancers, aren’t they pretty much all the same?  Does it really matter which studio you enroll at?  YES.  There are five main things that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction you receive and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved in a dance program.  Here are five things you should consider before deciding on a dance studio.

1. What type of dance floor is used?  

Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of “pounding” the floor, which can put stress on bones and joints.  Most dress shoes and heels do 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 studio with a professional floating floor.  A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density layers that absorb the shock of dance.  A floating base is superior to a sprung floor which usually consists of a wood structure built on a regular floor. 

Ballroom, Etc. Dance Studio has 3200 square feet of floating Canadian Maple dance floor.  This multi-layered floor cushions the step, helps prevent the risk of injuries and allows student to dance longer without getting tired.

2. Teaching staff + studio service.  

To ensure that you are really receiving top quality instruction, you need to take a look at the instructors’ qualifications.  Are there diplomas on the wall from legitimate organizations?  And are these diplomas for teaching dance, not only for ability to dance.

The staff at Ballroom, Etc. is not only encouraged to constantly pursue dancing but in fact is required to do so.  We hold mandatory training for our staff to make sure that our skills are up to par.

3. Will the studio cater to your specific dance needs?  

Everyone has an idea of what they would like to get out of their dance lessons.  Our staff allows people to pick and choose the dances you would like to pursue and plans your curriculum accordingly, one on one – different each time.

4. Dance socials and Events.  

One of the most wonderful aspect of dancing is obviously getting out on that floor and putting your practice into action.  Since there are fewer and fewer places that offer dancing, your studio should offer a means to practice your lessons and relax and socialize with others pursuing the same thing.

We offer weekly Friday Night Socials at Ballroom, Etc. for people to participate in.  We hold 2 showcases a year and several special events.  We believe it is imperative for dancers to have a venue to practice where they feel comfortable, welcome and encouraged.  Our socials are not mandatory events, but we do provide the vehicle that allows students to come and practice their steps in an upbeat and fun environment.  As a matter of fact, we encourage students to come inn and practice any time, as often as you like.

5. Prices and policies. 

Are the prices for the dance lessons clearly posted?  Or is it some secret that can only be divulged by the owner or manager?  Are the studio policies clear and reasonable?

Our pricing charts are on our ballroom tables for people to look at any time.  Our staff will gladly discuss prices in person or on the phone to go over your options. The only policy we have at Ballroom, Etc. is that we need 24hrs cancellation notice – for everything else, we know you are reasonable adults.