“How do I tell if a studio is legit vs a money grab?”
A legitimate studio is transparent about fees, has qualified teachers with real training or certifications, clear policies in writing and a structured curriculum. Read reviews, watch a class, note how teachers interact with kids and check that decisions prioritize student growth over constant upselling.
“What are red flags in a kids’ dance studio?”
Red flags include unsafe or overly mature choreography, pressure to sign expensive contracts immediately, unclear fees, high staff turnover and teachers yelling, shaming or ignoring kids’ needs. Trust your gut if the environment feels chaotic, unkind or more focused on trophies and photos than actual learning.
“Recital fees seem insane—normal or scam?”
Recital fees can be high because they cover theater rental, staff, lighting, costumes and other production costs, so a larger fee is not automatically a scam. It becomes a concern if fees are not clearly itemized, keep increasing without explanation or you feel pressured to buy extras like photos or multiple costumes you did not agree to. For many studios, it is very challenging to cover rent and ongoing expenses with regular tuition alone, so recital season often helps make up the deficit from the rest of the year.
“My kid is shy / sensitive / ADHD—what should I look for in a teacher?”
Look for a teacher who speaks calmly, gives clear structure, uses positive reinforcement and is willing to adapt instructions or placement for your child. Ask directly how they support shy or neurodivergent kids, what their behavior policy is and whether you can observe a full class to see how they manage different personalities.
“Recreational vs competition team—what’s the real difference?”
Recreational classes focus on fun, basic technique and low-commitment participation, usually one to two classes a week and one recital. Competition teams require more time, money and intensity with multiple weekly classes, mandatory rehearsals, travel to competitions and a stronger emphasis on performance and precision.
“Is it normal they push competitions/pointe/extra classes?”
It is normal for studios to offer these options, but it is a red flag if you feel guilted, rushed or told your child will be “left behind” if you say no. Pointe and advanced commitments should only be suggested when a teacher can explain clear readiness criteria, age and strength requirements and is open to your family’s budget and schedule.
“How many classes per week is appropriate at age 4/6/8/10?”
- Age 4: usually one short class per week focused on creative movement and basic skills.
- Age 6: one to two classes per week is typical, often a combo class plus one style they love.
- Ages 8–10: two to three focused classes per week can be appropriate if your child enjoys it and still has time for rest, school and other interests.
“What questions should I ask during a trial class?”
Ask about the teacher’s background, class size caps, how they handle behavior and what the yearlong progression looks like. Also ask about total annual costs including registration, costumes, recital and competition options, and whether you can watch or get feedback after class on how your child did and what they recommend next.
“We’re new—should we choose ballet first or ‘combo’ classes?”
Ballet is the best technical foundation if your child is ready for structure and you think they may stick with dance long term. Combo classes (like ballet/tap/jazz) are great for beginners who want to sample styles, build confidence and figure out what they love before committing more seriously.
“Studio A is strict, Studio B is ‘fun’—which is better?”
The best studio balances clear expectations with joy, kindness and age-appropriate discipline. If your child is very serious or ambitious, a more structured studio can be great as long as it remains nurturing, while a fun-focused studio can be ideal for building confidence and love of movement in beginners or sensitive kids.
