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Choosing a Dance Studio

Young girl in costume

Five Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Dance Studio

If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching children and a big show at the end of the year, aren’t they all pretty much the same?  Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at?  Yes. There are five main things, that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and hassles the parent must deal with, and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program.  Here are five things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child.

1. What type of Floor is used?

Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot jumping, which can put stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does 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’, such as Premiere Studio of Dance. A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density padding to absorb the shock of jumping. In addition our studio’s are equipped with wall length mirrors and ballet barres to assist in the teaching of proper technique in all our classes. For parents there is a large waiting area, viewing window and closed circuit T.V. to observe classes in session.

2. How do the Programs we offer differ from other studios?

All of our instructors are certified through the B.A.T.D. (British Association of Teachers of Dancing), and are constantly updating their qualifications. Having teaching professionals who continue to learn new and exciting dance styles and techniques allows our students to benefit from the latest teaching tools and choreography.  We use the B.A.T.D. curriculum, which has been proven to create strong and knowledgeable dancers.  Additionally we have a proven record of success! Our dancers have gone on to teach and choreograph dance, attend exclusive arts programs such as Sheridan Musical Theatre, George Brown, Ryerson, York University, and Alvin Ailey in NYC for dance.  Finally our competitive team is the strongest in Eastern Ontario having won many Overall Awards, not to mention winning the Highest Mark of the entire competition many times!  We are well known for having a high standard of quality within the Competitive Dance scene.  From beginner to advanced, our variety of teachers will cater to your child’s needs in each and every class.

3. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?  How are dance fees collected?

In many studios the teacher or studio owner conducts the classes and does all the administration. Or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studio has office staff in person Tuesday to Friday 4-8pm and Saturday’s 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Monday and Sunday we are available via phone and email. (Please call 705-741-6545 for Summer hours, we are closed on the weekends during the summer).  Additionally your phone messages will be returned, and emails are responded to within 2 business days.

At Premiere we are proud to offer a wide range of payment options to make your lesson experience ‘hassle free.’ We accept cash, cheque, and interact/visa, but also offer the convenient option of monthly automatic monthly billing to a credit card.  Additionally we have discounts for siblings and even parents who choose to join in the fun of dance!

4. What are the ‘extras’ required for the year-end show?

Most studios put on a year-end show in a professional theatre.  Students that perform in the show must have a costume for their dance numbers.  Some studios may require parents to sew their child’s costumes or pay extra to have it adjusted.  This can be inconvenient and frustrating for parents who are busy and do not sew. Premiere Studio of Dance purchases high quality costumes and uses our own professional seamstresses to alter the costumes so parents do not have to worry about any hassles.  Some studios also require you to wait in long lines for recital tickets!  Our studio has our tickets available for purchase online so you do not have to stand in lines to purchase tickets.  Finally, we are known for putting on the best, most professionally run recitals in town! Students and parents’ alike look forward to the year-end spectacular and are thrilled to be a part of it each year.

5. What perks are included by being a part of Premiere Studio of Dance?

Every dancer receives a COMPLEMENTARY COPY of our year end recital for parents to share their child’s hard work with their friends and family. Also each year the week after our annual recital is a celebration! We host ‘Bring a Friend Week’ where dancers are encouraged to bring a friend (or two or three) to class absolutely free!  This allows current students to let their friends join in the fun!  Finally we have a ‘Student Appreciation Day’ which is a great event for the entire family!  Everyone is welcome to come to the studio for a FREE celebratory BBQ, bouncy castles, face painting, manicures, jewelry making, dance and more! It is always a fun filled day with lots of laughter – a terrific way to end your dance season at Premiere, and an opportunity to discuss options for classes next year!