FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 17, 2017 • DANCE • THE QUEENS COURIER 53
dance
What to look for in a dance class
BY THE QUEENS COURIER STAFF
editorial@qns.com
When searching for the right dance
class, parents have a number of opportunities
at their disposal. First, ask around
and get some word-of-mouth recommendations.
Th en, search online; fi nd reviews
of dance studios and check out their web
sites to see which classes they off er and
how qualifi ed the instructors are. Finally,
take a tour of the studio and ask lots of
questions.
“Look to see if the school is clean and
well managed. Is there an opportunity for
the students to perform? If other students
or parents are around ask them about
their dance experience at that studio. Visit
the school’s web site and read about the
instructors. Make sure they have experience
in teaching, studying dance, performing,
understanding the developmental
stages of children,” suggested Regina
L. Hill, artistic director of Th e Dance Hut
in Jamaica.
Terri Cassiglia, owner of Gotta Dance
Studio in Middle Village, encouraged
parents to take a tour of the studios
before enrolling. Look for a dance studio
professional fl oor that is well-absorbed
to absorb the shock of jumping.
Are the fl oors clear, no wires out? Is the
ballet barre sturdy against the wall? Also
be sure the studio is clean and well-maintained.
Th ere should be some way for parents
to be able to monitor their children’s
dance. While many studios prefer parents
not be in the studio while children
dance, there should still be view windows
or a camera that allows the dancers to be
monitored.
Alexandra Pikoulas of Flushing is mom
to fi ve-year-old Teresa, and danced formally
herself for 25 years and as a Rockette
for the 1994-1999 seasons. When she
was searching for a dance school for her
daughter, she was sure to do research on
the studio and instructors ahead of time.
“I scouted out at least three potential
schools and requested Teresa attends at
least two trial classes at each school. I then
let Teresa decide which one she had the
most fun at. It was important to me that
the instructors have both formal training
(at a college/university) as well as ‘dancing
school’ training,” she said.
Pikoulas believes that no matter what
level a prospective student is at, she/he
should request taking at least two trial
classes to get a feel of the energy of the
class, the level(s) of the other students, as
well as the level of the instructor, and the
way the instructor guides the class and
teaches the craft .
Niall O’Leary of the Niall O’Leary
School of Irish Dance said to look for a
teacher who’s certifi ed but also deals well
with kids. A good instructor has a way
about them to get kids interested so they
want to learn. Th e teachers should off er
individualized attention, have an understanding
of anatomy and its application
to dance and off er positive reinforcements
to students.
“As a parent, you should feel your child
is the most important thing. You should
get the feeling that the studio and instructors
are there to serve you, not the other
way around,” said Cassiglia.