Four Things a Parent Should Know Before Choosing a Dance Studio

Coastal Dance and Music Academy

1012 E. Grand Avenue, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Phone: 805-489-5678

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 doesn’t 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.” At Coastal Dance and Music Academy all three of our studios are equipped with floating dance floors covered with a top-of-the-line vinyl surface that reduces the risk of dancer injury and fatigue. A floating floor is a dance floor that rests on a system of high-density foam, to absorb the shock of jumping. Our floors at Coastal Dance and Music Academy are superior to “sprung floors,” which usually consist of a wood structure built on regular floor. Our vinyl floor is accepted worldwide as the best surface layer for recreational to professional dance.

2. What is the size of the class?

If a 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. A smaller class size also allows our teachers to ensure that students are not developing bad habits or improper technique. At Coastal Dance and Music Academy, students receive top-notch instruction in a caring and supportive environment with limited class sizes. Our studio limits class sizes as follows: Studio A: 24 students, Studio B: 12 students, and Studio C: 10 students (Preschool Dance classes are limited to 10 and many have assistant teachers). Our small class sizes allow for a nurturing environment where students make life long friends and lasting relationships.

3. Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?

In many studios the teacher or the studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is teaching a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details like costumes or schedules, even if a teacher is occupied in a class. Our studio has friendly office staff on hand available to assist you during studio hours, so you can get immediate assistance.

4. Is the studio “parent friendly?”

At Coastal Dance and Music Academy we know how important it is for the parents to enjoy themselves and be satisfied with being involved with our dance program as well. Many studios are set up to meet the needs of the students, not taking into consideration the needs of the parents. At Coastal Dance and Music Academy we value parent involvement by offering the following: Coastal Dance and Music Academy has a very “homey” feel to it with a comfortable lobby, lounge, and patio area. Parents can watch classes in all three of our studios either through our large viewing windows and glass doors, from our comfortable lounge, which is equipped with large viewing windows and closed circuit TVs. Our on-staff seamstress is available to assist with costume fittings. Parents have the option to take music, dance, or fitness classes at the same time as their children’s class, all at one location, saving you time and money. There is a parent bulletin board and handouts to keep parents up to date. Our toy box in the lounge is great for parents with little one’s. Parents can check updates and register for classes through our website. Our website offers an automatic online payment plan to eliminate paperwork, late fees, and the responsibility to make timely payments.

Why else is Coastal Dance and Music Acadmey the right choice for you and your child?

•All our music, costuming, and dance movements are age-appropriate.
•We use a progressive curriculum method that teaches proper technique.
•Students receive top-notch instruction in a caring and supportive environment with limited class size.
•You also have the option to take music, voice or theater classes at one location, saving you time and money.
•Parents can watch kids classes from our comfortable lounge, which is equipped with large viewing windows and closed circuit TVs.
•Our friendly office staff is available to assist you during studio hours.
•Our studios are equipped with floating dancer floors covered with a top-of-the-line vinyl surface that reduces the risk of dancer injury and fatigue.
•Our mirrors start at floor level so dancers can see their feet from any place on the dance floor.
•Our end-of-the-year recital, at the Arroyo Grande Clark Center, gives our student the experience of performing at a professional venue.
•Additional performance opportunities in our own studio theater and performances with our music students are available.
•Our on-staff seamstress is available to assist with costume fittings.
•Coastal Dance and Music Academy is dedicated to being as environmentally responsible (“green”) as possible.

Are All Studios the Same? There are many dance and music studios to choose from. Does it really matter which studio you choose? ABSOLUTELY!!! There are four main reasons 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 the four main reasons why Coastal Dance and Music Academy is the right choice for you and your child.