Choosing a Dance Academy

You need to bear in mind that your child will hopefully be with that one Academy for a number of years and that you should not only observe what your child’s class level is doing but also see the Senior Students in action to put your mind at rest.

When deciding on an Academy do not be afraid to ask questions. Speak directly to the Principal of the Academy to ask your questions as she \ he should have all the appropriate information you need right at hand and you should be getting all answers from the person who is ultimately in charge of your child’s development.

Some questions to ask...

Who will be teaching my child?
'Will my child have a qualified teacher of the Academy?', 'Or a student teacher gaining experience?', 'Or does the Principal teach her?'. It is important that your child has constant teaching technique and that they are not getting confused with different teaching styles and teachers ways of expressing what they are doing.

What qualifications does the teacher have that is teaching my child?
Some teachers here now in New Zealand have B.A. qualifications in Dance Training and have had either been Professional Dancers themselves or have spent time in Tertiary Dance Education Facilities. Make sure your child's teacher has not just finished learning how to dance themselves but have had some type of formal Dance Teaching Experience.

What will be the size of my child’s classes?
If they are learning the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus they do recommend 12 - 14 students per class. Any larger than this you need to see for your self that your child is hearing their name in the class not only just for corrections but for doing things well and also can they be seen by the teacher when dancing in lines.

How do you pay for the Term?
'Do you have to pay up front at your child’s first lesson?', 'Do you have to pay in full before the commencement of the Term?', 'Does the Academy offer any part payment options?'. If you want to trial a couple of classes first to see if your child will like it be prepared to pay a per class fee for this - usually you will not get classes for free while you trial it out.

What does my child need for the classes?
Each Academy has their own leotard or jazz uniform colours so check this out before you go and purchase the wrong one as many Dance Shops will not exchange or refund. Some Academies will allow you to do your couple of trial classes in just a swimsuit type of leotard before you go and buy the complete required uniform. Some Academies supply your child’s skirt for class (Junior Students) if you choose an Academy that makes you buy your own make sure you ask the price!

What other Commitments are required of us through the Year?
Most Academies will have an Annual Dance show some do every two years. Make sure you ask the costs involved of your child being in the show (normally a Show Fee is charged for your child to be in the show and this can range from anything from $5.00 through to $100 plus) and if any extra lessons are necessary for learning the show work (do we pay for these extra lessons or are they free of charge since it is the Academies Show). Some Academies do all show work in normal class time but obviously prior to the show you will have to take part in a Rehearsal at the Theatre to get all children used to the stage and lighting. Do you have to purchase your child’s costumes - sometimes this also includes you making them or if you can not sew getting someone to make it for you - Grandma or paying a Professional to do it for you. Make sure you ask how much costumes normally cost as they can range in price again from the very minimal to the very expensive! Some Academies hire there costumes - to you and you only pay a hireage of each costume.

Can I watch each class my child attends?
Some Academies have very strict rules about this topic so ask prior to joining as they all have their own ways of dealing with this issue!

Does the Academy have off street car parking?
Make sure there is ample parking as classes normally run back to back and at times there can be up to 30 cars in a car park dropping off and picking up children. Make sure there are safe areas for your child to wait if you are late or to wait while you park and come in to collect them from the Studio’s Waiting Area.

Does my child do Exams?
Some Academies take part in Examinations and if they are reputable they should. Every child should be given the opportunity to do exams annually and selected students should not only be asked to take part in exams. This especially at Junior Levels - perhaps Major work is a slightly different story. Exams although it may sound scary are necessary to give children incentives to correct and perfect work and this produces a very productive and stimulating environment for your child to learn in. Are there extra costs involved for Exam Day? Most Academies will charge an Exam Day fee to help cover costs of the Pianist and Studio Hireage. This again can vary dramatically so do ask the estimated cost well before you commit your child to their Exam. Some Academies also charge for uniform hireage, skirt hireage, Examiners Lunches and a Hair Dresser for doing correct Ballet Buns. The RAD does have a fee schedule available for all Parents to see so check your Exam Fee against this chart that should be displayed in your Information Area.

You may find this list a little overwhelming to ask but your child can spend more years dancing at an Academy than they do going to school!!

It is important that they are introduced to dance in a very friendly and caring way and that they gain the trust and build a rapport with their teacher. If the Academy has only one teacher these children will become very dependent on her/him being very honest with them and also helping them through good times and bad. I hope this has been helpful to you and that you are now a little more wiser of some of the basic things to look for. Which ever Academy you choose I wish you all the joy that both parents and children can get out of Dance!!