5 Things Every Parent Should Know
Before Choosing a Dance School

If you are new to dance, you may wonder "aren't all dance schools pretty much the same?" Does it really matter where you enroll? The answer is a resounding "Yes!" There are five main reasons that can make a huge difference in the quality of instruction that your child receives and in the quality of the service that parents can expect.

1. What is the focus of the school?

The school should be one where everyone is welcome and not cater to an "elite" clientele. The school should value the education of all students, not just those who are on a pre-professional track nor should it focus too greatly on competitions or mandatory performances. Performance opportunities should be available to students, but not the main focus of the classes.

A school that offers classes for all ages and provides a nurturing environment is a school where students of varying levels all feel comfortable and have their needs met. Parents should look for a school which has certified instructors with educational experience. The stability of the school and its faculty is also an important indicator of quality. If a studio has frequent turnover in their directors or faculty, this may be an indication of additional problems behind the scenes. Continuity in the staff will carry over into the classroom.

Our school is recognized as providing a fun and nurturing environment for students of all ages while providing the highest quality of dance education. We recognize dance will not be a career choice for most students, but still an important element in development and self-esteem. Our alumni include a variety of careers including doctors, nurses, teachers, and parents as well as professional dancers and studio owners who all recognize the important role of dance in their well-rounded education. While qualified teachers are added to our faculty on a regular basis, the majority of our teachers have been a part of our faculty for ten years or more.

2. What qualifications should teachers have?

It is important that teachers have educational experience in addition to their own dance training. The field of dance education is constantly evolving, therefore, it is important that dance teachers participate regularly in continuing education. They should be well versed in their field and in teaching methods. Performance experience is important, but secondary to their ability to educate others.

Our faculty are all members of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM). Membership is accomplished only after showing proficiency through successful completion of written and demonstrative exams in ballet, tap, jazz and pedagogy. Members of our faculty have also received Graduate and Master Graduate Certification through CNADM following required hours of training and additional evaluations. All of our faculty members participate regularly in continuing education.

Our faculty is experienced in teaching all ages. We have taught at preschools, elementary and high schools, and colleges as well as national dance education organizations teaching other teachers. Our curriculum has been developed by certified dance educators to provide a progressive education. All of our faculty has performance experience and can guide each student as they progress from the classroom to the stage. In addition to our outstanding resident faculty, master teachers from across the country are made available to our students as guest artists.

3. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?

In many studios, the teacher or studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues. Likewise, the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in class. It is important to choose a studio that has a staff to assist you with details like costumes or schedules.

Our school has office staff on hand during afternoon and evening class times as well as daytime availability. Providing you with prompt assistance is important to us. If email is more convenient for you, you may reach the staff through our website, collierdance.com, or directly at collierdance@kconline.com.

As in any activity, certain attire is required. Often, parents spend much of their valuable time searching for needed items, only to find inexperienced clerks, poor quality items and high prices. Our school carries name brand, high quality dance attire at affordable prices with knowledgeable staff who are happy to help you.

4. I don't know anything about dance, how will I know how my child is doing?

Providing information to parents is an important factor in having a positive dance experience. Parents should be provided with information that will help them to understand the educational experience of their child if the parent has no personal dance experience. Parental involvement should be welcomed and convenient.

Our school provides progress reports to parents bi-annually. Students receive supplemental information to reinforce their learning experience. Parents have the opportunity to meet teachers at the initial class and experience the learning process during observation days. Teachers gladly discuss any questions or concerns and can be contacted through the office or via email. Written information is provided to parents through periodic newsletters and notices about opportunities available to our students. Our website is also a convenient source of information.

5. Is the staff willing to take those "extra little steps" to make your experience the best it can be?

Beyond the knowledge of the elements, you want your child to find the enjoyment in dance. Part of that enjoyment comes from having those elements taught in a way that excites and inspires a student. A school should have a curriculum that provides a progressive education while motivating the students with opportunities to express their creativity and imagination.

The curriculum for our preschool and early elementary age classes utilizes various themes to provide children with a fun-filled way to explore the world of dance. As they continue to progress through the season, you will see them dance in our circus, transform into princesses and knights as they enjoy our fairy tale theme and explore the movements of animals in our own little jungle. Each theme reinforces the elements they are learning while including activities to expand their imagination and build their self-confidence.

For parents, we focus these "extra little steps" on practicality and value. Our frequent buyer card program, boutique packages, student scholarship opportunities and complimentary costume alterations are just a few examples of the steps we take to make your experience at our school the best it can be.