Four things every parent should know...
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 matter
which place you decide to enroll at? Yes! There are four main things that can make a huge
difference in the quality of instruction your child receives, the amount of extra work and
hassles the parents must deal with an overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved
with a dance program. Here are four things that every parent should consider before deciding
on a dance studio for their child.
1. What type of 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 the
knees and back of a dancer. The beset way to prevent against potential injury is by choosing a
studio with a professional "floating floor." A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a
system of high density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. A high-density foam base is
superior to a "sprung floor," which usually consists of a wood structure built on a regular
floor. The top layer of the dance floor is also an important factor. A vinyl composite "Marley"
floor is accepted worldwide as the best dance surface layer for recreational to professional
dance. A Marley floor allows dancers to slide with a degree of controlled slip, but is not
slippery so there is less risk of slips and falls. Very few studios use professional Marley
floors because of the expense involved and usually opt for regular floor tiling.
Both of
our studios at S Be Dance contain a 3/4 inch sprung floor made of birch wood as well as a
"Marley" overlay. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to
dance longer without getting tired.