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Welcome to the Dance Academy of Severna Park!
Whether you're looking for a great studio
to get your child started in, or looking for a different studio for them
to attend, we hope this page can answer most of your important questions
before you have to ask them. Feel free to contact the staff if you need
to know anything not covered here!
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FIVE THINGS EVERY PARENT SHOULD KNOW
BEFORE CHOOSING A DANCE STUDIO
If most dance studios seem to have qualified, friendly teachers, experience teaching
children and a big show at the end of the year, aren't they all pretty much
the same? Does it really matter which place you decide to enroll at? The
answer is a resounding "Yes". There are five main reasons that
can greatly affect the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount
of extra work and hassles the parents must deal with, and the overall enjoyment
and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are the five
things that every parent should consider before deciding on a dance studio
for their child.
1. WHAT TYPE OF DANCE FLOOR IS USED?
Dance is a very physical activity that requires a lot of jumping, which can put
stress on bones and joints. Most dance footwear does not provide any cushioning
or support, so the shock of dance movement can place a lot of pressure on
a dancer's knees and back. The best way to prevent against potential injury
is by choosing a studio with a professional grade floor. Our studio's floor
is built with a wood framing and subfloor for increased shock absorption.
While composite floor tiles are used in Studio 1 and 2 for better sound
quality, professional "marley" flooring is used as the top layer in our
ballet studio (Studio 3). All professional ballet companies use marley floors
as their dance surface. A marley floor allows dancers a "controlled slip."
It is not slippery, so there is less risk of slips and falls.
2. WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE CLASS?
If the dance class has fewer students in it, each child will receive more personalized
attention, learn more and have more fun. With younger students, it is easier
for a teacher to maintain control over the class and make sure each student
understands the concepts and instructions. Our smaller class sizes make
sure that no fundamental concepts are being missed. A smaller class size
also allows our teacher to ensure that students are not developing bad habits
or improper technique. Our studio limits all of our classes (ages 6 and
up) to a maximum of 12 students per class, while the actual average per
class is about 8 students. With our younger classes (ages 3-5) we limit
all of our classes to a maximum of 8 students, with the average size being
6. Our classes with larger enrollment often have the benefit of a teaching
assistant as well.
3. WILL I BE ABLE TO VIEW MY CHILD'S CLASSES?
Most studios do not allow regular viewing of classes. Special days are set up when
parents may watch their child's class. The ability to view all classes is important
for two reasons:
1) Younger students feel secure when they can see their parent has
not left them
2) Parents can ensure that their child is participating in class
and that nothing is being hidden.
4. WHAT PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MY CHILD?
Most studios put on a year-end show in a professional theatre. Students in our
studio also have the opportunity to perform in our annual holiday production,
community events, and attend regional competitions. Of course, many parents
want only to participate in our spring performance. In addition to these
options, we also offer auditions into our Star Troupes, with more intensive
training than regular classes. Whatever the desired level of participation-we
have opportunities!
5. CAN I GET IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
In many studios, the teacher or the 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, or the studio
may have no customer service available during class. To avoid this potential
trouble, it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details
like costumes or schedules even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our
studio ensures that staff members are available during all regular class
times so you can get immediate assistance.
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How do I contact the staff?
If you need additional information, you may call the studio or send our
customer service staff an email. See the "Contact us" tab on the
left. |
Is your staff well qualified?Our permanent staff consists of highly trained professionals, each of whom have completed several years of study in Dance and all of whom are very qualified instructors. For more information about each of them, check out the "Facuty" tab. |
How do I get to the studio?
The studio is located in the business center at 479 Jumpers Hole Road.
Check out the "Directions" tab for detailed driving instructions! |
Is your studio competitive?Yes and no; we do not force students to compete, but do offer them the opportunity. Students who wish to enter competitive dance should look into joining the Star Troupe program. |
When are classes held?Our class schedules are based around our students, with proper respect given to schooling. For the current season's schedue, check out the "Class Schedule" tab at the top. |
What about performances?
Performances occur at the culmination of the season, as a show of the
skills learned by all of our students each year. Our largest performances
are in June, but our students also participate in varied shows and events
as they come up. Check out the "Calendar" tab to see upcoming performance
details. |
How can I find out the latest news?
We post the most important news on our homepage regularly. In addition
to that, we also maintain a public blog for all the little details. You
can view it
here! |
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes. All students are welcome to arrange for private, 1 on 1 lessons.
For more information, please contact the staff directly. |
Are adults also welcome to take classes?
Adults and more experienced dancers do not partake in regular classes
with younger students, but may still attend the academy. Several of our
teachers, in addition to the studio directors, are available for private
lessons with any who wish to learn. |
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