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How To Choose the Right Dance School

When choosing the right dance school for you, the first thing you need to decide is what your current level is and what skill level you would like to achieve. Not all schools are designed for beginners, and not all have advanced classes.

The second thing you need to decide is what type of instruction is best for your schedule and needs. The usual types of dance instruction are:

• One-on-one with the instructor
  This is the most expensive, but also usually the fastest way to learn. Classes will be tailored exactly to your skill level and goals. Finding the right instructor may be difficult as you need to find someone you can work closely with. Private dance lessons may not provide the large group experience you need for dance auditions though.
• Small group regularly scheduled classes
  These classes are usually paid for in advance and require a commitment of several months. Since these classes are usually fairly small, you will develop a relationship with your instructor and receive individual help. These classes may also offer performance opportunities which can be valuable experiences for your dance resume.
• Large group drop-in classes
  This is the least expensive option and the most flexible for your schedule as you only pay when you have time to go. These classes are usually large in size and you won't get much individual instruction, but since each class is designed to stand on its own you will be exposed to many different routines, which is excellent audition preparation. The quality of drop-in classes can vary greatly, so do your homework.

Once you have decided on your goals and the type of instruction you are looking for, you can start building a list of potential schools. Look for schools that will offer the classes that you need. For example, if you are at a beginner level but are serious about improving quickly, look for a school that offers classes at a range of levels, and ask them if they will let you change classes within a term if you improve quickly enough. Gather as much information as possible about each one, getting some feedback from current or past students wherever possible. Based on this information, you can narrow down the list to those you are particularly interested in.

Before making a final decision, it is important to see these classes and instructors in action. Ask if you can watch all or part of a lesson at the level you wish to work at. This is an important step for a couple of reasons:

• Different schools take words like "beginner" and "intermediate" differently. I studied dance for many years but when I moved to a larger city and took a drop in class, I found the "intermediate" level to be completely beyond me. By watching the class first you can avoid stress and potential embarassment.
• Teaching and learning styles differ. You need to find a teacher that will teach in a way that you can easily learn from. Watching a class will help you determine if the two of you will be a good match.

Links to more Tips on Choosing A Dance Class

Dancer's Companion: The Indispensable Guide to Getting the Most of Dance Classes