Whether you’re looking to meet new people and make new friends, get some exercise, take up a new hobby, or simply let your hair down and allow yourself to feel free and liberated, dancing is one of the best pastimes you could ever wish for.

Whilst human beings have been dancing for centuries, if not thousands of years, it’s only over the last century or so, that dancing has really taken off on a mainstream level. The great thing about dancing is that there’s a dance for everybody. Whether it’s ballet, hip hop, ballroom, tap, or anything else, there’s a dance out there for each and every one of you.

Because dance is so popular, you’ll be spoiled for choice when searching for an instructor and dance studio. The problem, however, is that some studios are unfortunately less reputable than others.

To help you find your ideal dance studio, here are a few questions to ask before joining.

How Much Do Classes Cost?

To begin with, starting with perhaps the most obvious question, especially considering how the economy has been for the last several years, you may wish to ask how much classes cost.

By asking how much classes cost, you will then have an idea about how often you can visit. Can you afford multiple classes each week, or will your budget only allow you to dance once per week, or even once per month?

Is There a Discount on Bulk Bookings?

Some people feel a little cheeky when asking this next question, when in reality, there’s nothing to feel embarrassed about.

We all know how expensive life is at the moment, and we all know how important it is to keep our spending under control. Because of this, there’s really nothing wrong with asking a potential dance studio whether or not they offer discounts.

Some dance studios offer discounts on bulk bookings, which means if you pay for several classes up front, it’ll work out cheaper than paying individually. If you need to join on a monthly basis, paying for the entire year may work out cheaper as you may get a month or two included for free.

Again, don’t feel embarrassed by asking, because, as the saying goes ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’.

Are Your Instructors Qualified?

This next question is very important because as you’ll be being taught how to dance, it’s always best to be taught by a fully qualified and fully experienced dance instructor.

Each dance studio will be different to the last, and this is no different when it comes to instructors. Regardless of teaching styles, and preferred dance form however, qualifications are very important as it ensures you’re in the safest possible hands.

The most reputable dance studios will employ instructors who are qualified with internationally recognized credentials. Ask them if they are qualified, ask them which qualifications they possess, and then check whether the qualifications they do possess are indeed recognized and credible.

Which Types of Dance Do You Teach and Specialize In?

It’s all well and good saying you want to learn how to dance, but considering the fact that there are countless types of dance out there, it’s important to find out which types of dance the studio teaches, and what they specialize in.

If for example, you’ve been desperate to learn how to perform Latin-inspired ballroom dances, you’ll want a studio that specializes in dances such as Samba, the Rumba, Cha Cha, and so on. A street dance studio that focuses on hip hop or breakdancing is probably not going to be much use to you.

When you enquire about joining, if you have a specific type of dance that you’d like to learn, be sure to let them know, and then ask them if this is something they can provide on a professional level.

Which Safety Measures are In Place?

Despite being a whole lot of fun, and a great form of exercise, dancing is still a physical activity, and as a result there will always be health and safety risks to be aware of.

If you’re thinking of joining a new dance studio, it’s always important to find out which safety measures they have in place. Ask them what material the flooring surface in the studio is made from, ask about fire escapes and emergency exits, as well as the instructors themselves.

Do the instructors possess the necessary medical training and qualifications should you, or another participant in the dance class become injured, or experience a medical emergency? If they don’t, the best advice here would be to look into a different dance studio, as you can’t afford to take any chances when it comes to your health and wellbeing, as well as that of others.

What Sort of Clothing and Equipment Will I Need?

Although most forms of dance are very relaxed and laid back, you will still likely need to wear the appropriate footwear and maybe bring a few accessories to get the most out of each class. Exactly what you need to wear and bring will depend, which is why it’s always best to ask the dance studio in advance.

Ask them what you need to wear, what sort of footwear you should wear, and whether or not you’ll need equipment or accessories such as water bottles, towels, or gym bags. Some of the more unique forms of dance also require specialist equipment and accessories such as tapdancing shoes, leotards, and things of that nature. Asking in advance means you know exactly what you’ll need, so you can prepare for your class in advance.

How Large are Classes?

Another question that a lot of people ask dance studios before they sign up is how large the classes are.

Each dancer is unique and will be looking to dance for different reasons. If one of the main reasons why you’re looking to join a dance studio is to socialize more and meet new people, you’ll likely be more comfortable with larger sized classes. The larger the class size, the more people you will meet, and the more you’ll be able to socialize.

On the other side of the coin, if you want a quieter, more relaxed and laid-back dance class, smaller classes with fewer members will likely be more appealing.

It’s also worth asking about the size of the studio itself. If the studio is fairly small, yet classes have a large number of participants, it could become cramped and crowded, and you won’t have as much room to move around. When dancing, this could become a big issue.

Do I Need any Previous Dancing Experience?

Finally, before signing up to a new dance class, when speaking to the studio it’s a good idea to ask them whether or not you need any previous dancing experience.

Whilst most dance classes are perfect for beginners who possess no previous dance experience, some of the more advanced classes may require prior experience. Ask the studio and they’ll be able to provide a clear answer so that you know well in advance.