Jane Baron's Academy of Dance -Limerick, Pottstown, Royersford

Limerick Studio
12 Kugler Rd.
Limerick, PA 19468
610-495-4700

Pottstown Studio
17 Moser Rd.
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-327-3600

Spring Valley YMCA
19 W Linfield Rd.
Royersford, PA 19468
484-984-2000

Pottstown YMCA
724 N. Adams Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-323-7300

It’s not too late to register….call today

Limerick: 610-495-4700
Pottstown:610-327-3600
Spring Valley and Pottstown YMCA: 610-831-0588

4 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? Yes. There are 4 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 and the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of being involved with a dance program. Here are 4 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 the knees and back of a dancer. The best 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 the 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 surface layer for recreational to professional dance. Facilities such as the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and Riverdance - The Touring Show, all use marley floors as their dance surface. 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 a regular floor tile for a studio floor.

In both of our studio locations, we have floating floors that have hundreds of high density foam blocks under the floor surface and a marley top surface. Our special floors help reduce the risk of injuries and allow students to dance longer without getting tired.

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 teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique.

With our tot, pre-school, and kindergarten dance classes (ages 2 - 6) our goal is to limit our classes to a 6 to 1 student to teacher ratio per class. Our studio goal is to limit our older classes (ages 6 and up) to 10 to 1 student to teacher ratio per class.

3. WHAT ARE THE “EXTRAS” REQUIRED TO DANCE AT THE STUDIO?

Most studios have a dress code for their dancers, but some go as far as to require parents to purchase a uniform or dance items from them in order to participate. Rules and regulations at some studios are so overwhelming that the “fun” is almost taken out before your child even starts. In addition, most studios put have a mandatory end of the year show in a professional theatre or school. Although most parents want to see their child on stage, do you really want to sit through a 3 or a 4 hour recital? Students that perform in the end of the year show must have a costume for their dance numbers. Some studios often ask parents to pay for these costumes in 1 payment and even go as far as to require parents to worry about their own alterations. This can be inconvenient and frustrating for new parents who are busy or can’t sew.

Our studio has a flexible dress code for each class, and our staff helps to direct parents to affordable and less expensive dance wear options and suppliers. Our end of the year concert has gotten rave reviews in past years, but we allow parents to opt their child out of it if they so choose. Our goal for the end of the year performance is “ less than 2 hours”…...great performance but in and out! Concert costumes and choreography choices are very age appropriate and conservative. Costume payment is very affordable and payment options are available.

4. WHAT TYPE OF DANCER DO I NEED TO BE AND ARE THERE ENOUGH CLASS CHOICES TO FIT OUR FAMILY’S BUSY SCHEDULE?

In addition to having excellent teachers and programs, parents looking for a new dance school are looking for convenient and flexible top quality instruction to its students. Are there enough class choices that would allow dance to fit into their family’s busy lives?

With 3 convenient locations, our dance academy offers many day, evening, and weekend times to accommodate more students in “first choice” times. The school prides itself on reaching all types of dancers. We have programs that provide specialized classes designed for the recreational, more serious, and competitive dancers. New and returning students have ages vary from 2 to 75 in many areas of dance. Between the pressures of homework, sports, and family time, parents can be overwhelmed trying to fit in all activities, and having many “dance class options” really helps the typical busy family’s schedule.

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