Dance Classes - Parent Report

Four Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Dance Studio

Four main factors make a huge difference in the quality of dance instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and headaches for the parent, and the overall enjoyment, of being of being involved in a high quality dance program.

1. Type of Flooring is Critical

   Dance is highly physical. It involves a great deal of jumping, putting stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide for the shock dance places on the ankles, knees and back of a dancer. It’s important to prevent injuries by choosing a studio with a professional "floating" floor. This type of floor rests on a grid work of high density foam, which absorbs the shock of jumping.

    

   The surface of the dance floor is another important factor. A vinyl composite "Marley" floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance. A Marley floor has the desired degree of surface tension, but it is not slippery.

    

   The Allegro School of Dance Studios have hand crafted floating floors with over 10,000 - 2" by 2" foam block supports and Marley surfaces to help reduce the risk of injuries and allow the students to dance longer, without the same physical fatigue.

    

2. Look for a Studio with Qualified Teachers

   The person with the most direct contact with your child is his or her teacher. Two factors come into play for qualifications:

    

   1. A college degree
   2. Experience.

    

   A teacher should be able to positively direct the class in a sequential progression while also involving the important qualities of personal enjoyment and peer learning.

    

   Allegro has 12 highly qualified teachers with over 200 years of combined experience, all hold college degrees in dance. Only adults are on faculty at Allegro. All Allegro staff are CPR and First Aid certified. Student teachers are used only as substitutes. Experience with children, both professionally and personally, coupled with a dance education background combine for the most desirable traits in a teacher.

    

   Allegro School of Dance and Music follows a curriculum, and a progressive syllabus in each dance style. Regular faculty meetings and curriculum sessions are in place at Allegro to keep teachers unified and provide continuity in your child's dance education.

    

3. What are the "extras" required of me for the spring recital?

   Most studios put on a year-end show in the theatre, with students in costume and admission fees, so what can be different? At Allegro, we believe performance should be enjoyable, not stressful for students and parents alike.

    

   • At Allegro we measure, size, fit and if needed, alter, the costumes for all students.
   • Picture Days and Dress Rehearsals are organized efficiently and run in a timely fashion. We acknowledge that your time is important.
   • Allegro also gives two free Spring Dance Concert tickets to each family.

    

4. If I have questions or concerns will I get assistance and customer service?

   In many studios, teaching and administration duties overlap. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in class. In order to have a good dance studio experience, it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with the details and answers to your registration, scheduling, recital and costuming questions.

    

   *At Allegro we have staff in the office before and during regular class times so our faculty can teach and you can get immediate assistance. We also answer our telephone, and if, for some reason we can’t, we respond promptly to your messages.