You may think that all dance studios are pretty much the same. After all, most seem to have qualified instructors, experience teaching children, and a big recital at the end of each year. So, does it really matter where you decide to enroll? At Infuzion, we believe it does matter. Below are five things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio for their child. Each can make a substantial difference in the quality of the education a dancer receives.
Dance classes with fewer students allow each student to receive more personalized attention. With younger students, smaller class sizes also make it easier for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student understands the concepts and instructions. Infuzion’s smaller class sizes make sure that no fundamental concepts are being overlooked. Smaller class sizes also allow our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.
Infuzion limits all children’s dance classes, except for our Creative Movement classes, to a maximum of just 12 students per class. Our Creative Movement classes (ages 3 – 5) are limited to a maximum of just 8 students per class.
Because dance is a very physical activity, often requiring a lot of jumping, it places much stress on bones and joints. Unfortunately, most dance footwear does not provide much cushioning or support, so the knees and back of a dancer absorb most of the shock caused by dance movement. The best approach to prevent any potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional dance floor. Two of the most common types of professional dance floors include sprung floors and “floating” floors. A sprung floor is a sub floor that is built above an air cushioning suspension system. Infuzion’s Dance Studio 1 uses a sprung floor that is unique because each board in the floor reacts independently of every other. The boards are held together with clips, with allows the boards to individually flex upon impact. This system assures that each individual on the floor will receive proper shock absorption, regardless of their weight class or level of impact. A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam. This foam is used to absorb the shock of jumping. The dance floor in Infuzion’s Dance Studio 2 has this system that contains over 1500 high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a professional “Marley” floor covering that allows dancers to slide, with a degree of “controlled slip”, yet is not slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. It is important to know that very few studios use Marley floors due to the expense involved.
Infuzion’s special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.
Many studios have classes in which students spend most of the year learning two dances. Not only does this practice consume most of the child’s class time, but parents are required to purchase multiple costumes. At the end of the year, students often end up with several expensive recital costumes and a lack of knowledge about dance skills. Students often oin our program from these schools and must to be taught basic terminology and core foundational skills.
Although we take great pride in our dance recitals, we do not put a great deal of emphasis on learning dance steps for the sole purpose of a recital, nor do we make it mandatory that any child participate in them. Our well-balanced program combines learning choreography and recital dances while developing technique and improving coordination and locomotive skills.
At many dance studios, it is common to find the instructor or the owner conducting classes and the administration. 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 a class. To make your experience great, 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 studios have office staff on hand during all regular class times, so you can get immediate assistance.
Dance is a physically demanding activity and if taught incorrectly, can have detrimental effects on a dancer’s body and growth as a dancer. Some studios find it too expensive and time consuming to employ qualified instructors. These business practices can lead to dancers that have injuries and poor technique.
Infuzion only employs instructors that have both an extensive professional background and teaching experience. You will never find a student teacher or high school student as the primary teacher of one of our dance classes.
