Hackworth School of Performing Arts

In loving memory

Hackworth School of Performing Arts
396 Main Street; Easthampton, MA 01027
Phone: (413) 527-0892

Choosing a Dance Studio

Researching Studios

Program 1

Program 2

Program 3

Questions to Research

Big Reputation/Big Intimidation?

The Benefits of Competition

Why Some Studios Choose Not to Compete

Researching Studios:

When researching for just the right studio, first think about what qualities are important to meet your child's needs both short term and long term. Some schools offer recreational only, while others focus just on competition. This can limit you either way. We at HSPA are proud to offer 3 program levels that provide options and choices for our families. (See our program list) Yes, we are a big school that stays involved and active but don't allow the "Big name" reputation to intimidate you or the negative competition label keep you from doing your research. We provide that same very important recreational program but also care enough and are willing to work hard enough to offer the next step for those who want it. Every parent when starting out is looking for dance simply as a recreational activity to help their child develop coordination, socialization, the ability to follow directions, etc., but what happens 6 years down the road when your child decides they want to become more serious? Does the studio have the ability to take them to the next level? It is one of the biggest oversights that parents make when first enrolling their child as a tiny tot. It can be a difficult transition both technically and emotionally for a child to switch schools mid stream. On an average we get 20-30 transfer students each season all regretting they didn't come sooner. Our advice is to think ahead! Be careful also not to just choose a school out of location convenience or to save a few dollars each month. The $20.00-$30.00 saved may not be worth it in the end. Keep in mind, there are obvious and valid reasons why some schools have more students than others. It is no different why one restaurant or business brings in more customers than another. Quality, Consistence and Care at affordable prices!!! The best thing to do is attend the different recitals, visit the studios, find out what types and how many programs they have to offer, and don't be afraid to ask questions. (See Questions to Research)

Program 1:

Program 1 is our recreational program specifically geared for the student interested in exploring the art of dance in a low key, non-competitive atmosphere. Classes are offered in all types of dance, theater and acrobatics from tiny tot through adult with absolutely no commitments. These classes are taught by adult certified instructors with many years of experience sharing their love for dance. The average teacher-student ratio is 1 to 8. Any class with more than 8 has an assistant teacher or head staff member. Each student is invited to participate in our very professional annual "Broadway" like recital. The recital provides the students the chance to display all their hard work and show off the many skills learned throughout the season. This also provides them with the opportunity to experience the excitement and joy of performing before a live audience, complete with costumes, scenery and special theatrical lighting. All recreational students are also welcome to take advantage of the many open technique classes, workshops, performances, trips to NYC and conventions offered regardless of level, whether beginner or advanced. This can also be a great introductory program for many students before deciding on joining Program 2.

Program 2:

Program 2 is one step up from program 1 now providing more performance opportunities and learning experience throughout the season with very little commitment. Rather than just the 1 annual recital performance, the students are now placed on teams competing at 2 local competitions alongside other students from the area with their recital routines. These teams are open to any and all students, age 6 & over, Beg-Inter. with some previous dance training required. The minimum requirement to join a team is only 2 classes a week which are conveniently placed back to back on specific days. This allows students to still be involved in school and sports activities, which we fully support, without having to make sacrifices. It provides the best of both worlds. Tuition fees are exactly the same as program 1. The only extra costs are competition entry fees, which run approximately $60.00 per competition if only in the 2 minimum classes. Joining this program allows the students to not only gain more performance experience but to be exposed and motivated by the many talented dancers in the area. These competitions are specifically chosen for their fun, relaxed and supportive family atmosphere. With an adjucated judging system, all students are competing for a score and not necessarily against someone else. Everyone comes away a winner. (See Benefits of Competition) This is a great preparation for those students desiring to advance to the next level. After many years of experience we have discovered that those students who participate in program 2 & 3 tend to advance more quickly, ultimately reaching a higher level. As in program 1 all students are of course welcome to attend any and all of the workshops available with the added bonus of being a part of our very exciting opening number at the recital with all team members combined. They also have the option of taking private lessons and competing in solo/duo/trio categories.

Program 3:

Program 3 is our elite company teams designed for the serious student who has decided to make the commitment to reach the highest level. Students are accepted by audition only and spend more time focusing on developing a strong technical foundation, with ballet being a priority along with working on performance ability. The minimum requirement is only 4-6 hours weekly, still enabling students to be involved in school and sports activities. We are one of the only dance studios competing at an international level that does not require even our most advanced team members to sign "commitment contracts". We strongly feel and believe it is important to our students to be well-rounded individuals first and foremost, not just talented dancers and performers. For those hoping to pursue a career in the art of dance, this program offers every possible opportunity. From monthly workshops, conventions, trips into NYC for classes, renowned guest teachers, attending professional performances, local, regional, national and international competitions to chose from; students can take advantage of a vast assortment of learning experiences both as an individual and as part of an elite group of students. These students spend many hours together learning valuable life lessons, developing strong friendships, gaining respect for fellow dancers who share the same passion, being inspired by those a t a higher level and creating a supportive team spirit. Each student can choose his or her own level of participation. Some students chose to compete in as little as 3 competitions per season with their groups while others chose to add private lessons to their schedule and also compete as a soloist or in a duo/trio category attending as many competitions as they want. It is solely up to each student as to the level of participation and commitment. The cost obviously varies depending on the amount of opportunities you take advantage of. We take pride in knowing that our requirements are extremely minimal compared to every other competitive school, never demanding our students to sacrifice their other interests. (90% of our program 2 & 3 members all play at least one sport.). And yet we still manage to compete alongside the very best in the nation holding our own and even coming out on top each year. Although program 3 is more intensive than program 2, it still maintains a very relaxed and fun competitive atmosphere. Every student that participates in program 3 can leave as a graduating senior with the confidence in knowing they are ready and prepared to dance in the real world whether it be in college or as a professional dancer.

Questions to Research:

What type of Dance degrees or certification do they have?

How much experience does the staff have working with children?

What is the student/teacher ratio per class?

What is their focus and philosophy?

How many years have they been in business and what is their reputation?

What is their price comparison?

Do the teachers themselves regularly attend workshops to keep up on styles and techniques?

Are those workshops also available for their students?

Do they offer field trips to professional area performances, NYC for classes or Broadway shows?

Do they have a qualified Ballet mistress on staff teaching proper Ballet technique?

Do they offer various programs for students to reach and excel at advanced levels if so desired?

Do they have an open door policy where students can also attend open classes at area studios?

Do they encourage, support and cooperate with those students who do outside athletic activities?

Have any of their students ever made it professionally in the dance world? How many?

Do they have monthly newsletters or web-sites to keep parents informed at all times?

How interactive are they with the parents?

Do they have a secretary available to answer questions?

Do they offer yearly scholarships?

Do they participate in fundraising events for charities?

How do the recitals compare?

Do they have a summer program?

Some of these questions may be of importance to you, while others many not. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Over 7 decades we have grown and learned a great deal. We started at the very bottom and worked our way up to the very top, thanks to our first 2 generations; our mother and grandfather. We would not be where we are without their guidance, support and the strong foundation of family values they have passed down. After 70 years we feel we have found that perfect balance for a successful dancing family studio. Our focus is and always will be on individuality and enabling each and every student to discover their own unique qualities that make them special. We are so proud of the fact that we have the highest average & of graduating seniors per year than anyone in Western Mass., possibly New England. Having students spend their entire childhood as a part of our dancing family and forming special bonds with each one means the world to us. Our greatest accomplishments and rewards have come not from the many medals, trophies, and titles, but the opportunity and privilege to share amazing memories and be a part of our student's lives, both in and out of the studio. A special gift that makes up for all the extra work, THAT'S WHY WE DO IT!!!!

Big Reputation/Big Intimidation?

This does not necessarily go hand in hand like some want you to believe. A reputable business takes years and years of hard work and dedication. It is something to be respected and admired for, not intimidated by. Many schools advertise and warn you to stay away from the larger big name schools for lack of personal one on one attention and getting lost in the crowd. With 11 adult certified staff, 10 assistants and a full time secretary, we have no problem with one on one and personalized attention. As one of the largest and most established dance facilities in the country, complete with 7 studios, 2 large waiting areas, a snack bar, homework areas, locker rooms, shower facilities, 7 bathrooms and plenty of parking, we feel confident about our reputation. Many advertise and boast about their smaller class sizes and shorter recitals. From a common sense business stand point, that may not necessarily be a good thing to advertise? Just think about it! Do you honestly belive they WANT their classes to be small and actually close a class at 4-5 students not allowing more to register? As mentioned previously, OUR average student/teacher ratio is 1-8. Anything higher we bring in an assistant or an additional head teacher. No student ever goes un-noticed. So rather than being concerned about the studio that has larger class sizes, be more weary of a studio that only has a few students in each class. There may be a reason for it! In regards to a shorter recital, well that's easy, less students, less time!! It's simple math! Our recitals, set on the beautiful grounds of Mt. Holyoke College are 3 1/2 hours of pure entertainment, undoubtedly the most professional and of the highest caliber, guaranteed or your money back! Yes, 3 1/2 hours may seem long at your average recital, but when you see the extra lengths WE go to, to put on a "Broadway" like production, unlike any other you've seen, you'll understand why people come back year after year, even after their children have graduated. We stand by our reputation 100%! While other Easthampton studios have come and gone, you can count on us to be here another 70 years looking towards the next generation.

The Benefits of Competition:

Let�s face it; most people dread the word competition. After all, when looked up in the dictionary it defines it as �An act of competing for a prize, honor or advantage�. That adds up to pressure and stress!!! Although competition is a part of our daily lives, most of us, if given the option would rather omit it from the agenda. But no matter how or what we think about competition, we have to face the fact and admit that it�s unavoidable. Besides the obvious forms, kids of all ages face a range of competition everyday with regards to fashion, hair styles, body image, academics, number of friends etc. There is no getting away from it. What�s the solution? Prepare and teach your children. So let�s now look at the more positive side and the many amazing advantages that healthy competition can offer. From this perspective it is difficult to dispute its benefits. Competition when presented in a positive, healthy, relaxed and supportive environment can be one of the best learning experiences for every child. In the case of children participating in competitive sports and activities such as dance, competition can be the best step in preparing our children for life. Of course as a parent, our goal is to protect our child from ever feeling inadequate or undeserving. We want them to grow into confident, self assured and uniquely special individuals. But sometimes in our efforts to protect them we are not exposing them enough, we are actually hindering them from ever becoming those things. We prevent them from developing a realistic self image. What a rude awakening for a child who has been confined and secluded throughout early training to suddenly be thrust into the real world without the proper preparation needed to succeed. We see this happen all the time year after year in regards to dance. A student will train at a local non-progressive studio for their entire dance career possibly being the star student, most likely progressing to teaching by the age of 13-14. Keep in mind, in some cases the parent has specifically chosen a school of a lesser caliber just so their child has a better shot at being that star student. What lesson does that teach?? The student then decides they want to pursue a career in dance feeling confident as the top dancer in their small town studio. But unfortunately having never been exposed to any outside training they sadly find out very abruptly and with much regret that they have wasted many years believing in a false reality. Does this mean that they can�t ever achieve success or reach their goals? Absolutely not! But it does mean they will have to work twice as hard to make up for valuable lost time. This of course is not to mention the best part of participating in competition activities. The opportunity to travel, meet people, make new friends and gain the most important learning tool, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE!!!!! The chance to grow and be inspired from those that are better is the greatest lesson of all. It is our responsibility as parents to give our children every possible advantage to learn early in life how to deal with and succeed when faced with adversity. If taught early they will have an easier time developing self esteem, self respect and an accurate sense of who they are, while learning valuable lessons in dedication, discipline and team work. This will allow them to have a more realistic self image and the knowledge that they are truly prepared for anything; technically, artistically, mentally and emotionally.

Why Some Studios Choose Not to Compete:

Many schools have their reasons for not choosing to offer competitions as a part of their curriculum. The main obvious reason would be because they don�t want to develop a competitive atmosphere at their studio. We can certainly understand and respect that view point, because obviously no one wants that type of atmosphere. Fortunately with proper guidelines and positive reinforcement, that can be controlled. It�s all about teaching kids and parents to compete WITH each other and not AGAINST. There is a distinct difference. But is that the only reason? Here are some facts to think about.

ONE

WHO

TOO MUCH WORK