Why Choose Us

How To Choose A Dance School

Nowadays parents and families have so many choices. Sometimes the simplest choice is not necessary the best. Many parents chose schools based on location or class time availability. Our suggestion is that you take the time to look into the following areas. There is no regulation of performing art teachers or studios in the United States. Anyone can open a school and call themselves a dance teacher! So how do you choose? What questions should you ask? And when you ask the right questions, what answers should you be looking for?

1. Check the background and qualifications of the Faculty.

It's always important to make sure that your child's instructors are qualified, especially where dance training is concerned. Ballet and dance instructors are not licensed in this country - anyone can claim to be able to teach your child to dance! Ask for information on the instructor's background - read their resumes (there's no replacing experience) - and most importantly observe them teaching a class. Remember also that just because an instructor has a great talent for dancing does not ensure that they possess the gifts necessary to teach and inspire. Be careful to notice who the school has chosen to teach the lower levels. Are the teachers experienced and qualified? These are the most important and formative years in a young dancer's life.

2. Visit the studio.

In addition to all of the things you would normally look for such as a clean, safe location with ease of drop off and pick up, ample parking, etc., check to make sure the studios have barres and mirrors. And most importantly, look at the floor! Dance should not be taught on surfaces such as concrete. Jumping on a floor that has no "give" to it can lead to shin splints, knee injuries, and other problems. Our floors are state of the art dance floors designed to give the proper amount of "cushion" that dancers need. Also notice the class size. In order to ensure that our students receive the best instruction possible, our studio limits all of our classes (ages 7 and up) to a maximum of 20 students per class. With our "preschool dance" classes (ages 3-6) we limit all of our classes to a maximum of 10 students per class. We love to have prospective students and their parents visit us. You are always welcome!

3. Ask about the Annual Performance.

An end-of-the year performance is important! It gives a young dancer valuable stage experience, as well as the opportunity to use what they've learned during the year. Our year-end performance is designed to compliment your child's classroom training - not replace it. That being said, the Showcase is completely optional. Unlike some studios that have a performance and/or costume fee included in their tuition, ours is paid separately. This gives each dancer the option of participating in our showcase without loosing any money. With most levels, our performance pieces are rehearsed separately from our classes, which means an added time commitment from our students and their families - but it's well worth it!

WHY CHOOSE US!

1. Our Facility - Our new state of the art building on Court Street just under 4000 sq. ft., and houses a 2000 square foot state of the art dance studio with a "floating" professional dance floor that reduces fatigue and prevents injuries. Our satellite location at the Rogue Valley Swim and Tennis club, is home to a very nice, clean dance studio where we offer classes to students in our Pre-School through beginning ballet levels only. Our Court Street location has large observation windows in the dance studio so that parents can watch their children dance from a sibling friendly viewing room (complete with G and PG rated movies for the siblings of our students). We also have quiet designated waiting areas for parents with comfortable seating at both our Court Street and RVSTC locations. Complimentary internet access is available at our Court Street studio.

2. Our Experienced & Professional Staff - Most of our teachers have between 20-40 years of performing, teaching and choreographic experience, and have trained numerous dancers who have gone on to highly successful professional careers. Our intent is to utilize our experience and instincts to make a positive difference in our students, without sacrificing our standards. With quality training a young dancer can develop and reach their potential faster, which encourages them to sustain and even deepen their inspiration and love of dance

3. Our Customer Service - Desk staff are available during class times to provide assistance. Customer service representative are available to answer or return calls throughout the day Monday thru Saturday. Instructors are happy to take time, if not immediately after class but within a reasonable time frame, to answer questions and give our parents and students the attention they deserve.

4. Our Optional Showcase (Performance) - In June we hold a performance for parents, friends, and family. This showcase is optional for all of our students. Because it is optional, participation and/or costume fees are not included in regular tuition. Participation fees vary depending on the performance. Information is provided to all students in or around February. Every participating family receives 2 free tickets.

How Can Dance & Movement Arts Benefit My Child?

Becoming an artist, involves more than talent, desire and discipline. These are the tools which one uses to build on their technique. They remain only that unless there is a structure, and that cannot be accomplished without a solid foundation - technique and training. If you are looking for a dance academy for your child where do you start? Even if neither the child nor the parents foresee dance or theatre arts as a profession but are simply looking for an extracurricular activity, their choices need to be informed ones.

Our philosophy is to demand from each student, whether or not a career in dance is desired, their very best effort and in return to provide them with the care and attention that each of them deserves. We strongly believe that everyone's life will be enriched by an education in dance. Dance is unique in its fusion of musicality, athleticism and performance expression. Our wish is that our family oriented, positive environment helps to build self-esteem and an enriched appreciation for dance and the arts.

We believe that every child has a "dancer" inside of them. Expression through movement is something that we all innately recognize and resonate with, whether we study dance or not. All children - both girls and boys - begin responding to music and rhythm, and expressing themselves through movement at a very young age. Some even before they can walk or talk! Dance is as natural as breathing, eating, speaking.