How to choose a Studio and Instructor?

How do I choose a good Studio? How do I choose a good Instructor?

Where and with whom you dance can play a big part in your enjoyment of the activity. Some of choosing a Studio is plain old common sense, but we also have a few tips you might not have thought of.

Location

When you start dancing, you're likely to go once a week, but as you get more involved, you might find yourself at your studio two or three nights a week, so location is important. Most people try to look for something that's close to home, and with good reason. If you can't find something in your residential neighbourhood, look for something near where you work. If you're going to have to drive a bit, see if you can find a studio with nearby restaurants or other attractions. A bit of a drive is easier to manage if you make a night of it, rather than just your one-hour class.

Pricing

Most of the time, you get what you pay for. That being said, there are some things to be aware of. Places which advertise a "free" first lesson, or a very inexpensive starter package, usually "up" the price once they've got you hooked. It's worth finding out all your pricing options before making a choice. With private lessons, find out how long the lesson is. You might be quoted $50 a lesson, only to find out that a lesson is 25-minutes in length, and most people book them back to back. All of a sudden, $50 becomes $100.

Reputation and Experience

New doesn't always mean risky, but reputation can help you make an informed decision. If a studio has been around for a while, see if you can read their client's feedback, or talk to someone who's currently taking lessons there. Anyone can buy advertising, but sometimes the most accurate indication is word of mouth.

Whether a studio is new or established, the qualifications of the instructors will help you determine the quality of instruction you will be receiving. How long have the instructors been there? How long have they been dancing?

If you are looking to compete, either as an amateur couple, or with your instructor as a ProAm entry, then you should study with teachers with a competitive background, specifically with National Amateur/Professional dance associations. Have they competed as professionals? As amateurs?

Asking a few well-placed questions can help you to feel more comfortable with your choice of instructor, and studio.