*** Develop skills for a future career
*** Performance opportunities
*** Physical benefits
Be aware of studio policies before committing to any classes. Tuitions can be charged in many different ways including:
a) all due at registration
b) a down-payment due at registration and the balance due shortly after
c) a down-payment due at registration and a payment plan for future installments
What are the cancellation conditions? For many programs, refunds are not available after programs start. Find out what is expected of you, the student, in terms of commitment.
5. Besides the cost of the class itself, what else will I need to purchase?
It is important to realize that the cost of the dance class is NOT the only cost involved. Specific clothing (usually a bodysuit and tights or other such appropriate dancewear) and specific shoes (ie tap shoes, ballet slippers, hip hop sneakers) will be required and are a cost beyond the tuition fee. Also, a costume will be required for a recital. Make sure you're aware of all these "other" costs before you commit to the class.
6. Do the tuition fees commensurate with teaching crudentials/experience?
This is an important point! CHEAPER ISN'T necessarily BETTER!
Make sure that the fees seem appropriate for the level of teaching you will receive. If your children are being taught by a teen dancer, your fees should NOT be the same as those students taking class with a more "qualified" instructor.
As a studio owner myself, my personal recommendation is NOT to sign children up for classes taught by teen dance students. Young children are much harder to teach properly than people realize, and most teens do not possess the teaching skills necessary to do this properly. They may be wonderful dancers but they must also know how to teach the young ones correctly.
ADVICE: When looking for the "right" dance class, call around, ask for information and know what to ask. A reputable studio WILL give you information regarding qualifications and fees.
If you have any questions or concerns about a studio, ask to speak with the director. The bottom line is this: not every studio will be right for you (or your child), so an informed decision is your best bet to picking the right class.
If you have any questions not covered in this article, email the author at:
jaxsobcon@norlink.net with the heading: question arising from Suite101 article.
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