Whether you're new to tap dancing and you've never had to choose a dance studio or you're looking to make a switch, choosing a dance studio can actually be pretty stressful!
That's because when you choose a dance studio, your choice will have a big impact on your training. Different dance studios prioritize different styles and have different instructors with different teaching philosophies. Some dance studios focus a lot more attention on their competitive classes than on their recreational dance students. Other studios don't compete at all. A lot of dance studios unfortunately do not offer adult tap classes or any other kinds of dance classes for adults. And then there are studios that fully embrace their adult students and include them in everything from the recital to special performance events.
These differences are a big reason why choosing a great dance studio is more than a matter of looking up the dance studios in your area and signing up for dance classes at the first one that pops up in the search results! Any reputable local dance studio will have experienced teachers and solid instruction, but choosing a dance studio is also about more than just finding someone to correct your technique.
Here are 7 things to look for when you're choosing a dance studio:
1. Great teachers
When you're researching dance studios in your area, look at who the tap teachers and other dance instructors are. Don't feel weird about googling them. If you find videos, websites, or social profiles, know that they put themselves out there to be found by students like you. Poke around to get an idea of how the instructors teach, how they dance, and what they're like as a person. Some students prefer a serious, disciplined, stern dance teacher, but you may be looking for someone fun and silly. You should enjoy spending time with your instructor!
2. The vibe you're looking for
Search on YouTube for the studio name and see what comes up. You may find recital videos, competition videos, or 'day in the life' type videos that will give you a sense of what the studio is like. Obviously, you want to find a studio where dance technique is prioritized, but what you want that to look like is up to you. Would you feel more comfortable in a fast-paced, ultra focused class or a dance class that's more relaxed?
3. A chance to drop in before signing up
A lot of dance studios will let new students drop into a class for free or at a discounted before signing up - but you may have to ask. It's never a bad idea to check out dance studios and dance classes in person before committing to the season.
4. Wood sprung floors or “floating floors”
When it comes to the best floors for tap dancing, sound quality is only one concern. You should also think about your knees! Wood sprung floors or “floating floors”are the safest floors to dance on (especially for adult tap students) because they absorb shocks and take some of the stress of dancing off your joints and bones.
5. Reasonable rates
The price of adult tap and other dance classes will be different depending on where you live, so I'm not going to try to tell you what reasonable means in this context. What you should do, however, is take a look at how a the local dance studios price their classes to confirm that they're all in the same range. That way, you have an idea of what's reasonable before you start dropping into your local dance studios.
6. Performance opportunities
As I mention in my post about adult dance recitals, a fair number of studios with adult classes don't include their adult students in the recital. If you do want to perform in your dance studio's recital, then make sure you ask the studios that you're looking at whether there are performance opportunities for grownups.
7. Comfort
Ideally, your dance studio should feel like your second home. You shouldn't feel stressed out there, even when you're learning something new or challenging. That's because at the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable expressing yourself and pushing yourself when you're there. That will always be more important than the age of the floors and the condition of the mirrors.
Remember that the best dance studios aren't necessarily the ones that have been recently renovated or have the most students. Some dancers feel most comfortable in smaller studios. Others in big ones. Some students in adult tap classes and in other classes like the vibe of a competitive studio and some don't. Don't feel like you have to choose the biggest dance studio or the winningest dance studio or the dance studio with the most adult dance classes or even the dance studio your kids go to.
When you find the dance studio that's right for YOU, you'll know it because you'll feel energized every time you walk through the doors!
Happy dancing!
Want to tap dance? Christa T. teaches kid, teen, and adult tap classes at Dance Enthusiasm in Salem, MA! More info on our upcoming summer schedule: http://www.danceenthusiasm.org/summer/
Whether you've never put on a pair of tap shoes or you want to get back into tap dancing, whether you're 8 or 80, tap instructor Christa knows you can do it!
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