How to choose the right dance studio

There are several things to consider when choosing the facility where you want to take dance classes:

1. Location
There are several reasons to choose one location over another.

• In some larger cities, a convenient location can be a major factor in your choice. But in a smaller city, unless you are taking six dance classes a week, I wouldn't think this would be one of your main criteria. If if is, you may be surprised to know that many community rec centers offer group classes at a cheap rate.
• Some people choose a location because a friend or social peer goes there and they use it as an excuse to "hang out."
• Some people recognize dance class as a great economic equalizer so they take the opportunity to find the swankiest dance studio (where the people with lots of money take lessons.) Not necessarily to snag a rich romantic partner - studies have shown that your income will be an average of the combined income of your three closest friends. So in a way, it's a fun way to ask for a raise.
• Some people want to take classes in a location that is far away from where they live in order to increase their circle of friends and as a way to network.

All of these are valid choices.

2. Dance studio or "Other"
You have other options than taking at an actual dance studio.

• As mentioned earlier, you can sometimes take classes at a local community rec center for a substantially lower cost.
• Some universities offer "extended education" classes. These might be a good option for you (depending on your age) as they will often hire instructors from local dance studios to teach them. These classes are almost exclusively group classes however and to take advantage of the social aspects of group classes, it would be best to also take classes with others in your same age range.
• Some social dance clubs (or bars) offer dance classes at the start of the evening. Many times the classes are free or incorporated into the cover charge. The focus of these classes is almost exclusively social however. Even if you socialize at these clubs, I would advise taking dance from a certified instructor and then going to these clubs to dance socially.
• A facility that has been designed as a dance studio will have many advantages over other options. They will offer a proper size dance floor, mirrors on the walls (which is hugely effective in learning any type of dance), and basically anything that will come up in your dance class has probably come up before and been dealt with.

3. Franchise studio (part of a chain) vs. Independent studio
Both types of studios will offer group and private classes.

• At a franchise studio, you are more likely to be offered free or low-cost entry packages. Why? Because they are generally more trained in up-selling. Getting you in the door and then selling you bigger and more expensive packages after they develop a relationship with you. Scarily, some of the franchise teachers are more trained in sales than they are in dance. Franchise studios often have to hire dance instructors with little actual experience because they are usually only paid a fraction of the price that the studio charges the student. Often these teachers become independent dance instructors or try to renegotiate their contract after gaining a little experience.
• An independent studio contracts with independent dance instructors. They usually offer more latitude in how you can purchase your dance lessons: in a package or individual lessons. And it often seems like their interest is more in dance than in sales.

Obviously, there are exceptions to this. There are some excellent teachers which, for one reason or another, choose to teach at a franchise. And some independent studios that seem more focused on sales. But consider these as general guidelines for things to watch out for.

4. Safety
As a woman I can tell you that finding a location in a public facility, with a well-lit parking lot in a nice area of town goes a long way with me. And the same holds true for many of my female friends. For that reason, many men end up choosing a safe location by accident (because they want to be where the women are and many women tend to choose locations that feel safer to them.)

5. Reputation
Always consider the professional reputation of the dance studio and instructors. Is there a level of professionalism that gives you confidence in the level of instruction you'll be receiving? Studios with a good reputation must continue to offer a high-quality facility and level of dance instruction to maintain their reputation. Also, it's a good sign if the instructors are continuing their own education in teaching and dancing. If they strive for excellence in their own lives, you can be more comfortable that they will want to provide you with that as well.

When it comes to choosing a studio, there are no right choices. Ask as many questions as you need to. Visit as many studios as you need to. Try to narrow it down and then, at the end, just go with your gut. You are the only one that will know what is right for you.