3.11.13

Some Help And Advice For People Seeking Out A Dance Studio In Long Island

By Rachael Gutierrez


If you have suddenly experienced an urge to learn to dance, or you have a child who has been swept away by dreams of the stage, then you might need some advice. Finding a dance studio in Long Island, or anywhere else for that matter, usually comes down to the same factors. This article will outline some of the ways in which you can make your search much more straightforward.

The first step in finding a suitable venue is to establish the kind of dance that you, or your child, want to learn. There is a real plethora of different styles of performance out there, from hip hop and jazz dancing, to ballet and tap. Obviously, if you want to learn jazz styles, then it might not be such a good idea to sign up for ballet classes; many centers cater for a range of styles, but it is always best to check properly.

Any studios which struggle to explain which styles of dancing are taught at their venue should be avoided. While checking the styles and types of dancing on offer, it is also a good idea to check on the teachers' qualifications. While impressive dance qualifications are often a good indicator of quality, it is wise to remember that often average practitioners make better teachers than the highly skilled.

If you want to check out the abilities of the teachers at the venue, then asking to if you can sit in on some classes to spectate might be a good idea. Some teachers do prefer no distractions for their students, though, so it is not always possible to do this. Many venues do run open classes, however, which can provide good insights into what to expect.

It is also a good idea to think about your or your child's reasons for learning to become a better dancer. Some people dance for fitness, others for the cultural aspects or the challenge of it, or simply to socialize. All of these are valid reasons for wanting to attend classes, but they will shape your choice of venue.

Many venues will offer sessions which cater to specific types of dancer, whether they are participating for fitness, serious study, or social reasons. This will shape the ethos and ambiance of a venue, and you might well feel very uncomfortable if you end up in the wrong environment. Spectating on an open class is a good way of checking this out.

Speaking to other local dancers is also useful in assessing the potential suitability of a venue, especially if they like similar dancing styles to you. The length of the commute to class is also worth considering, particularly if you have to take your child with you, or use public transport. Traveling in the evening time is often trickier than traveling during the day too.

If you are prepared to put some time in, finding a dance studio in Long Island is not too tricky. Talking to local people and looking at online adverts is a good way of finding some leads. Try and take in an open class before you commit, though.




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