Dance Lessons - Are Small Classes Better?
Another factor to consider when you are trying to find a good dance school for your child is the size of the classes. The average class for most schools is around 15 to 20 students. This is quite a few students for a teacher to look after and even more for a small child to cope with.
Students and especially young children work at different paces. Large classes like this are difficult for them, as they can often have enormous pressure to try to keep up with the rest of the class. Pressure on children at this age can set them up for life long problems.
Large classes tend to make many children feel as though they don’t exist. This can often lead to them competing for attention. Dance is about creativity and self expression and if a child can’t feel comfortable and understood by their teacher and peers their dancing will suffer. It is always a shame when a young person’s creativity suffers because of a poor choice in school. This can lead to other difficulties and a loss of confidence.
These days, the quality dance schools have smaller classes, which are a much better suited to the needs of young children. In fact, this mantra is being repeated across all learning institutions who desire quality outcomes. This is where the science of teaching shows out in an organization. You can bet a dance school that still employs large class sizes is one that is run by non-professionals. Small classes are:
More secure and full of atmosphere. A child needs to feel at home to perform at their best, small classes do exactly that.
More conducive to diverse learning challenges. Your child will not have to be trying to catch up all of the time and can easily have any questions answered. Smaller classes cater for students with different learning needs and the teacher is able to get to know your child.
More likely to create a friendly atmosphere so your child will make friends easier. Bonds are built between teacher and students because they are working so closely together. They become like a family and support each other.
Better concentration: It is easier to concentrate on what the teacher is trying to put across. Smaller classes mean fewer distractions.
Better screening of students: because the classes are smaller, class enrolment is limited. This means there is better screening of students and more children will be dedicated to success and really want to learn to dance. There will be less distraction for your child and they will learn faster.
Good dance schools are hard to find because of the sheer quantity of unprofessional organizations out there. If your child is serious about dance lessons, placing them into a large class with children who aren’t serious about staying there long is the worst option you can take. Small classes with the intimacy to produce a secure and comfortable environment will allow your child to get the most out of their dance experience.
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