How to Know You're Training with the Right Instructors?
“Start to Finish Training”
In today’s dance studio realm, an emerging issue is that a growing percentage of dancers are no longer committing to long-term training at a single studio. Traditionally, dancers would begin their training at a young age and continue to develop under the same studio until they graduated and entered the professional field. However, this booming percentage of dancers are being labeled as “studio hoppers,” moving from one studio to another in search of better opportunities or training. This trend raises an important question for parents: How do you know if your child is receiving the best training?
The Preschool/Elementary Age
At the preschool and elementary age, dance instruction should focus on developing a love for movement while laying the groundwork for more advanced training in the future. Children between the ages of two and ten are at a stage where their brains and bodies are rapidly developing, making it easy and essential for educators to be well-versed in primary education techniques, and sustain budding dancers.
Instructors working with this age group should exhibit patience and a positive attitude, as young students are highly malleable to the classroom environment. It’s not enough for these students to simply have fun during class—dance classes should provide them with a foundation of movement concepts that will prepare them for more complex training. Concepts such as bending, stretching, rising, jumping, turning, gliding, and darting, as outlined in Laban Movement Analysis, should be introduced gradually.
Classes must be structured, and instructors should be able to hold the students’ attention in a healthy and engaging way. As the parent you want to see your child’s dance instructor be repetitive with subtle changes each week, to increase advancement within a particular skill. An unstructured class or a teacher who struggles to maintain the focus of their students can hinder the growth of all dancers in the classroom. The goal is to see a gradual progression in the students’ abilities over time, allowing them to develop a solid foundation in dance technique.
Moreover, it’s important for parents to observe whether their child’s instructor is helping them develop physically and mentally. Instructors should emphasize movement over tricks to prevent burnout and injury in young dancers. Beginning movement can be quite fun for young dancers, and the journey to efficiency can be challenging enough. As stated in the blog article Foundational Dance: Prioritizing Long-Term Well-Being in Dance Education, prioritizing foundational movement rather than focusing on flashy tricks allows young dancers to build awareness of the challenges dance brings and pace themselves appropriately. Instructors who understand and support this philosophy are invaluable in the early stages of a dancer’s training.
The Middle School Age
Middle school can be one of the most challenging times for dancers, as it often coincides with the emotional and physical changes of puberty. Dancers between the ages of eleven and fourteen are also facing higher demands in their academic education, and also trying to couple this with their social lives, which can contribute to insecurities and a drop in confidence. Dancers who were once at the forefront of their classes may begin to retreat to the back of the studio, exhibit less energy going across the floor, and overall interest may decline.
Instructors who work with this age group need to be sensitive to these changes and provide guidance that supports both the dancer’s technical growth and their emotional well-being. Dance becomes a place where students can learn to accept themselves and build resilience in the face of challenges. While technical improvement is important, having a teacher who understands the dancer’s mental and emotional state can be far more impactful at this stage of development.
An instructor who can help students navigate their insecurities and build self-confidence is essential. Teachers should create a classroom environment where dancers feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks, both technically and artistically. Dance, at this stage, becomes a tool for personal growth, teaching students acceptance within oneself, and valuable life skills that extend beyond the studio walls.
As pointed out in Dance Psychology Today, the mental well-being of a dancer during these formative years is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in their long-term success. Instructors who take the time to understand their students’ psychological needs are better equipped to help them flourish not only as dancers but also as individuals.
The High School Age
By the time dancers reach high school, many of them begin to “fall out of love” with dance. This is a critical time, as students are often juggling academic pressures, social expectations, home chores, and extracurricular activities. If their passion for dance is not nurtured during this stage, they may gravitate towards other interests and disengage from the dance classroom.
Instructors working with high school-aged dancers should focus on fostering a deep, personal connection to dance. This includes encouraging students to set their own goals, whether they are
related to pursuing dance professionally or simply continuing for the love of the art. Many values of dance can be encouraged without a dedication to a professional dance career. Teachers should inspire students to believe in themselves and their abilities, helping them see the value of persistence and hard work.
Additionally, instructors should be passionate about dance and dancing themselves. Students are more likely to stay engaged when they are taught by someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about the art form. Passion is contagious, and when teachers demonstrate their love for dance, it can rekindle that same love in their students.
High school students also benefit from being introduced to different aspects of dance beyond just technique. Exploring choreography, improvisation, and dance history can provide students with a well-rounded education and help them see dance as a multifaceted art form that they can truly excel in. This broader perspective can keep students engaged and excited about their training.
In the article Keeping Teens Engaged in Dance, it is emphasized that teachers who foster a sense of community and belonging within the studio are more successful in retaining high school-aged dancers. This sense of belonging, combined with the opportunity to explore dance in new and creative ways, can help students stay committed to their training during these pivotal years.
Evaluating Your Studio
Now that we've explored the specific needs of dancers at different stages of their development, how can you evaluate whether your studio has the right instructors for your child?
- Consistency: Are the teachers providing steady, progressive training that builds on previous knowledge? Do they focus on long-term growth rather than quick results? 2. Instructor Credentials: Do the instructors have formal training and experience in both dance technique and pedagogy? Are they well-versed in working with students of different ages and abilities?
- Class Structure: Are the classes organized and purposeful, with a clear structure that allows students to build on their skills? Does the teacher maintain control of the classroom in a positive and effective manner?
- Emotional Support: Does the instructor foster a supportive and inclusive environment? Are they sensitive to the emotional needs of their students, particularly during transitional phases like middle school and high school?
- Passion and Inspiration: Is the teacher passionate about dance? Do they inspire their students to stay engaged and motivated?
By asking these questions, parents can make informed decisions about their child’s dance education. The right studio will provide more than just technical training—it will offer a
supportive environment where students can grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. To your child their dance studio will feel like a second home and the creation of a second family.