SELECTING A DANCE SCHOOL - PART ONE

AYBT Dancers preparing for a performance. 2023.

Are you a parent looking for a dance school for your child? We’ve put together a four part series on what you need to consider as you begin your search.

Part One: What type of dance school are you looking to join?

Most commonly, there are two types of dance schools: Competitive or Pre-professional.

Competitive dance schools emphasize training dancers for high-stakes competitions rather than long-term training. The typical competitive dance group attends weekly or monthly dance competitions on the weekends (much like sports). These schools tend to focus on perfecting routines for quick gratification training and value competition over technique. This training can lead to an incomplete knowledge of dance and, in some instances, long term injuries.

Pre-professional programs focus on long term dance training for potential careers in the industry, as well as performances. These institutions provide rigorous, comprehensive instruction in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and other foundational styles, emphasizing technical proficiency, artistic expression, and performance quality. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for college programs and/or opportunities with professional dance companies, and often including opportunities for stage performances (like The Nutcracker or 12 Dancing Princesses), workshops with industry professionals, and personalized coaching. These schools nurture discipline, dedication, and a deep understanding of dance as an art form, aiming to develop well-rounded, highly skilled dancers ready for professional success.

AYBT Academy is a pre-professional dance school whose program centers around the latter description. We build a complete artist who can pursue a collegiate training or a professional dance career. Much attention is given to the study of dance technique, acting, and artistry to create a complete dancer.

Dance class registration for the 2024-2025 season is ongoing through July 26, 2024. Join us and explore where dance can take you or your child.