the Price of Jazz Dance Lessons

I enrolled my teenage daughter in jazz dance instruction for intermediate level dancers. The class was conducted in a small private dance studio, with a teacher and assistant. The class consisted of 12 students, all girls, who had some previous dance experience as a prerequisite. The class met twice a week for 2 hours at a time, for the period of one month with the option to continue the class throughout the summer. Students who attended got to participate in a recital for parents and the community at the conclusion of the class. Other expenses included dance costumes and dance gear (the proper shoes, leotards, etc.).

I was very pleased with the enthusiasm of the instructors, and their compassionate teaching methods, dealing with adolescent girls of all shapes and sizes. I liked the emphasis on self-esteem and dance as a healthy physical activity. I felt like the teachers encouraged the girls to enjoy dance without placing excessive emphasis on perfection. This made the class a good, fun summer activity.

I would advise anyone enrolling their child in a dance class to be sure to enroll them at the appropriate level. You may think your child dances well to your standards, thinking you could enroll them in an expert class and skip the beginner lessons. However, you won't be doing your child a favor. They need to learn the basics in a beginner class. Also, "interview" the instructor ahead of time to make sure they are not overly obsessed with perfection. Your budding dancer needs to feel good about themselves, not stressed out and turned into a "prima dona".