If you've decided to enroll your child in dance classes, you may have a hard time narrowing down your choices, especially if your city features several studios. One of the first things you can do to narrow down your options is to ask friends and family members what studios their children attend. After obtaining the word-of-mouth recommendations, you can create a list of possible dance studios.

Next, you'll need to determine if the studios offer classes for students your child's age. For instance, they may only have classes for children ages six and up, and you need a "mommy and me" type class for a 3-year-old. Also, check the studios' operating hours to make sure they coincide with your work or daily schedule.

Here a few other tips for choosing the perfect dance studio for your son or daughter:

1.  Inquire about the Faculty 

If the amount of experience a dance teacher has is important to you, inquire about her training, performing and teaching track record. Experience levels may vary from someone who is just out of college to someone who has danced professionally in a dance company for several years. 

2. Ask If They Participate in Dance Competitions 

Some studios provide opportunities for their students to compete in local and national dance competitions, while others do not. If your child loves to compete, look for a studio that is competition-based. If your son or daughter is shy and doesn't want to perform in front of an audience yet, steer clear of this type of studio, and look for one that is simply technique-based.

3. Find Out if the Studio Has an End-of-Year Recital 

Again, if your young dancer has a strong desire to perform on stage, go with a studio that puts on an end-of-year recital for friends, family, and even community members. These types of studios will typically work on a performance piece for several months to perfect it for the showcase.

Keep in mind that there may also be an extra fee for your child to take part in the recital, and that a costume purchase may be necessary. While the fees may be nominal, they're something to consider if you're on a tight budget.

4. Consider the Tuition

Some dance studios charge a yearly registration fee, as well as monthly tuition. If your child plans to enroll for a full year, make sure the total cost works with your finances. If you're on a tighter budget, your city may offer free or low-cost dance classes through a local recreation center. 

For more information, talk to a company like Academy For The Performing Arts.