Questions to ask a dance studio

Basics

• What ages do you serve?
• What styles do you teach?
• What's the difference between your recreational and competitive programs?
• What's your studio philosophy / approach?
• How long have you been in business?
• How long has your current faculty been here?

Cost transparency

• What's the typical year-end cost for a [your child's level] dancer?
• What are the costume / recital fees?
• If we go competitive, what's the typical season budget? (Comp fees, costumes, conventions, travel)
• When does tuition typically increase?
• What if we need to drop a class mid-year?
• Are there sibling discounts? Scholarship options?

Faculty

• What credentials do your instructors have?
• What's your instructor turnover like?
• Do instructors continue training and professional development?
• Can I see instructor bios / backgrounds before enrolling?

Trial and observation

• Can I observe a class before enrolling?
• Do you offer a trial class? (Most studios do)
• What's your policy on parents watching class?
• When are your open studio observation days?

Operations and policies

• What's your policy on missed classes?
• What's your policy on injury or extended absence?
• How do you handle behavior issues?
• How do you communicate with parents (email, app, text)?
• What's the structure of your year? (Recital? Competitions? Performances?)

Safety

• Do you have sprung floors?
• Is there an AED on-site? Trained CPR staff?
• Do you have a written emergency action plan?
• How do you handle injuries during class?
• What's your concussion protocol if applicable?

Philosophy and culture

• What's your philosophy on body image, nutrition, and training intensity?
• How do you talk to dancers about challenging skills?
• (For ballet) What age do you start pointe and how do you assess readiness?
• Do you support multi-discipline dancers or expect dance-first commitment?
• How do you handle students who decide to stop competing?
• What happens if my dancer isn't enjoying it?

Competition / convention specifics (if applicable)

• How do you choose which competitions to attend?
• How do you choose which conventions?
• Is competition team participation required for any classes?
• How do you select solo / duo / small group opportunities?
• What's your audition process?
• How do you balance competition vs. recital vs. classes?