Most dance studios offer fun classes with a big show at the end of the year ... so aren’t they all about the same? Not always – here are a few questions every parent should ask.

DO THEY HAVE QUALITY TRAINING?
Dance instructors are not required to be licensed in this country; anyone can claim to be able to teach your child to dance. Look for someone who has professional dance training, is a former professional dancer, holds a degree in dance education or a related field from an accredited college or university, or is a certified member of a national organization. More importantly, a reputable dance school will have many alumni who have been accepted into college dance programs and those who have enjoyed successful careers in the performing arts industry. Having a roster of alumni shows that the school's faculty are collectively able to guide both the serious and non-serious dancer well beyond the basics. Any of these are good indications that the instructor knows what to teach, when to teach it, and how it should be taught. A qualified dance school will follow a carefully designed syllabus of dance instruction and will provide a healthy learning atmosphere that will put the well-being of its students first.

DO THEY HAVE A SAFE DANCE FACILITY?
A quality facility will provide a clean, neat, and safe environment and offer amenities such as a comfortable waiting area, observation windows (for easy viewing of classes) full-length mirrors, sturdy ballet barres, adequate restrooms, and changing rooms. Of most importance, is the type of floor that is used. A school with free-floating sprung floors, which are designed to reduce fatigue and prevent injuries should always be considered. The surface of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl-composite “Marley” floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer because of its non-slip feature.

DO THEY HAVE A SUPPORTIVE STAFF?
A studio that offers good customer service and assistance should have regular office hours and office staff available for you. Every studio will have different hours: some are open in the mornings and some are open only in the afternoon and evenings. But seeing consistent office hours is important.

DO THEY HAVE PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES?
Performances are very important. It gives dancers valuable stage experience, as well as the opportunity to use what they’ve learned and then present it on the stage. Dance is, after all, a performance art! A year-end performance or recital should be designed to complement your child’s classroom training, though not replace it. Music, costuming, and choreography should all be reflective of a student’s age and ability level. Performances should be long enough to showcase the students without exhausting both the audience and performers.

CELEBRATING OVER 26 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1996, Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater (SNHDT) is known for its outstanding Pre-professional Dance Program and has quickly become the most well respected dance school in the New England area. The school’s diverse faculty is committed to providing students with exceptional dance training in a caring and nurturing environment. Our professionally trained and educated faculty are affiliated with some of the industry’s most notable colleges, universities, and professional
companies.

Stop by, call or visit us online to learn more.

Southern NH Dance Theater
19 Harvey Road, Units 19, 20 & 21
Bedford, NH 03110
603-625-9272
www.snhdt.org
info@snhdt.org