GREAT!
So you want to dance... What now?
When you delve into learning a new dance form, continuing your studies, or finding classes for your children there are many things to think about. Some include:

• The style you'd like to study
• Studio and teacher reputation in the community
• Studio location, parking, and other logistics
• Class schedule, price, and offerings
• Performance and other enrichment opportunities

These are all very important, but here are some other questions to ask of yourself before you begin. The more clearly you can answer these types of questions, the more you will get out of your dance studies!

1. Why do you dance? What do you hope to achieve in your dance studies?
   Are you taking dance for personal enjoyment/enrichment/just for fun?
   Would you like to eventually be a professional or join a dance company?
   Any reason is great, from FUN to FITNESS to PRO, but it’s good to think about what you can afford and what type of a commitment you can make to your studies and plan accordingly. Becoming a good dancer takes a major investment in your time, energy, and money as you study and develop. It’s good to find a teacher and a class that appreciates why you’re there and for you to feel that the class is meeting your needs.
   
   
2. What is the monthly or yearly total you’re willing or able to spend?
   Before making decisions about which teachers or methods you’d like to learn with/about, you must decide what you can afford. This is good to do in advance, and should be in accordance with your reason/motivation/goals for dancing.
   
   
3. What’s the dance style/ teaching philosophy of the teacher?
   Does the teacher encourage students to study with other instructors or are they fearful of the community? Does the teacher provide enriching opportunities such as workshops, special activities, chances to perform, etc.? Does the teacher have a good local reputation? Is the instructor an active participant of the local, regional, or national dance community?
   
   
4. What level of training/qualification has the instructor attained?
   This is a critical question and one you have every right to ask! What types of dance training has the instructor had? How long has he/she been teaching? Does he/she have references? A resume? A website? Does the teacher have a good local reputation?
   Remember that a good dancer does not always make a good teacher. A good teacher can train and teach skills to others.
   
   
5. Do you like the atmosphere of classes and the teaching style?
   It’s a good idea to observe or drop in on a class before committing. Does the teacher encourage and create a positive environment for students? Does the studio space make you feel like dancing? Do you feel good there? Does the teacher make you feel comfortable and welcome? Are students treated equally…fairly? Is everyone, no matter what size, shape, age, or color treated equally? Check it out – it matters! Are class sizes what you’re looking for? Are other students happy with the instructor and the service they receive? Did they receive what was promised to them? Are they happy with how they’re treated? Do they believe they’re getting their money’s worth?
   
   
6. For Children's Classes:
   With classes for children, all of the above are important, but most critical is the safety and well-being of your child. Finding a good teacher that will encourage proper technique while providing a fun, nurturing, stable environment is critical. You have every right to ask for references about how the teacher works with children, and about their experience with children. Even though studio policy often limits parent observation to one class a month, you're always welcome to make sure your child is doing well and has developed a positive relationship with the teacher in which they are learning and feel comfortable.

Remember, the best way to make sure that you are happy with your choice of dance instructor is to do your homework, shop around, and ask questions so that you can find just the right fit for you. Never forget that dance instruction is a service, and you, the student, are the customer – you have the right to choose!