How to choose a dance school?

Dance and dance school not only fill your free time but also positively (unfortunately sometimes negatively) affect a person's life. What should we do to make them influence us positively?

From our experience, we will recommend some points that you should stick to when choosing a dance school. Why go to a dance school in the first place? Isn't a disco, a ball or dancing at home in front of the mirror enough for me? From our point of view, definitely not! We think it's worth doing things properly.

What do we actually gain by attending a dance school in the ideal world?

• Professional guidance - an experienced teacher who will not only teach us the correct movement but also removes any health risks.

• Regularity - routine is an iron shirt and regularity in meeting dance or later work goals which is priceless

• Moral principles - the old saying "no work, no cake" suddenly appears in full power, not everyone can be a winner and so honour the losers, maybe even "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", let's not forget the satisfaction of a job well done

• Teamwork - we gain habits in respect to teamwork and in communication with other dancers and teachers. Maybe even some will find for the first time that it is sometimes necessary to adapt their behaviour and actions for the benefit of the group

• And of course peace of mind and body :)

What factors should we consider when choosing a dance school?

• Teaching: a style of dance, experience and qualifications of the instructors - here I would like to underline that the formal education of the teacher is important, but their personality could be more valuable

• Atmosphere: friendly and supportive team, instructor approach - we are one team and we stick together. What more can I ask for?

• Location and accessibility: distance from home, parking availability, an opportunity to travel by public transport - these are technicalities which are not the priorities for me personally

• Price: a measure of affordability in relation to the service offered. ATTENTION! True is "WHAT COST NOTHING IT'S FOR NOTHING", which is why I personally prefer the spirit of the school to its location.

• Timetable: flexibility of dance classes, possibility to make up for missed classes - this is certainly important, but it should not become a habit "I was not feeling well that month, so could you return my money" The school has its financial plan and we offer the option to make up for missed classes which should be sufficient

• Awards and reviews: the experience of others, awards and references of the school - here I often come across the opinion "dance is an art and cannot be measured" I respect this, but I disagree that competition and goals are the basis of a free society, basic moral principles and egality and so schools that have displays full of trophies win and inspire my respect

• Achievements: participation in competitions, workshops, performances and the level of performance quality - related to previous points

Feelings importance:

• First impression: How do you feel when you enter the school premises? The dance is about feelings and passion.

• Lesson observations: The style of teaching, and how the instructors treat the students. To find out more - use open classes to learn more about school

• Communication with staff: willingness to answer questions, politeness and professionalism - communication is the foundation of any organization, school includes

• Interaction with other students: how other students feel about the school - definitely important, but in the end you will have to make up your own mind

• Personality of teachers: we all love fairy tales, but is Cinderella the right role model for a teacher? - "Clothes can make the right first impression" so a well-dressed teacher is more trustworthy than person in a worn-out sweatpants. The teacher is a role model for the children. I would like to bring to your attention the Royal Ballet School, Vaganova Academy and their attention to dress code. I'm also talking about the personality of the teacher and here I would like to emphasise that the teacher should have long-term experience in dancing, to be able to pass on their knowledge. Please understand, I am talking about the ideal world :)

Final decision:

• Explore several options: visit multiple schools before you decide

• Listen to your feelings: the choice should be based not only on facts but also on how you feel about the school

• Think about your goals: choose the school that best suits your personal goals and needs

In conclusion: It's worth it!

Dancing, as I mentioned before, should be enriching the body and the soul. I hope that this will be true in your case. If it's not happening for you, change it. Change the school, change the teacher, change the dance style or maybe just think about yourself and what you want and need :)  It's easier to change yourself than everyone around you.