Questions Every Parent Should Ask When Choosing a Dance Studio

As you go about finding a dance studio for your child, there are certain things that you should consider. Certainly most schools have friendly, knowledgeable instructors and your child will have fun learning to dance. However, there are several factors that will determine how well your child will learn and how much time and possible frustration your child's dance program will cost you.

WHAT KIND OF FACILITIES DOES YOUR STUDIO OFFER?
When it comes to your child's safety, we start from the ground up. Dance is very physical and can put stress on bones and joints. The best way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a studio with a professional "floating floor". A floating dance floor rests on a system of high-density foam to absorb the shock. Santa Teresa Academy's professional floating hardwood floor helps prevent injuries and provides comfort and safety to a dancer's body.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN THE CLASSES?
When young students are learning new dance skills, it's important to have a small student to teacher ratio. Students find it easier to understand basic ideas and concepts and are far less likely to develop bad habits. Small class sizes also allow students to learn more, receive more one-on-one attention from the instructor and have more fun. Santa Teresa Academy limits our Kinder dance classes (ages 3-5) to a maximum of just 8 students per class and our other classes (ages 6 and up) to a maximum of just 12 students per class.

CAN I GET ASSISTANCE AT THE FRONT OFFICE DURING MY CHILD’S CLASS?
Most of the time in smaller schools the teacher/owner does everything, from handling all administrative chores, like registration and payments, to teaching the students. When class is in session, everything else grinds to a halt. Parents can't do simple things like ask questions or register for future classes. If you need information from home, this type of one person operation ensures that the phone won't be answered when classes are being taught. Santa Teresa Academy has friendly and knowledgeable office staff available to help you during all of our teaching hours.

WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO FOR THE END OF YEAR RECITAL?
Students performing in the recital must have a costume for their routine. Some studios pass the responsibility of creating costumes to the parent. We understand how busy you are and how inconvenient it can be to try to find a seamstress to do the work for you. Santa Teresa Academy works with our own professional seamstress to sew and make any necessary alterations.

DO YOU OFFER CLASSES FOR ADULTS?
After finding out how much fun your kids are having, you may decide that you'd like to try dancing, too. Santa Teresa Academy offers recreational dance classes (as well as Zumba) that will have you dancing comfortably in no time.

Remember: the kids shouldn't have all the fun!
‍