The Dancer's Dilemma: Is Attending Two Studios the Path to Improvement?

As a parent or dancer, you might find yourself wondering: "Is it a good idea to take classes at two or three different studios if I want to improve?" Maybe your current studio doesn’t offer the level or variety of classes your dancer needs to grow. Naturally, the idea of attending another studio comes up. But is it the best use of your dancer’s time, energy, and resources?

The Value of Multiple Teachers

As a dance educator, I wholeheartedly believe that learning from multiple teachers can benefit a dancer—especially once they have a solid foundation. Different teachers bring different perspectives, techniques, and styles, which can help broaden a dancer’s skill set. However, it’s important to note that building a strong foundation in dance takes years, not just weeks or months.

If your dancer has been training for several years and is starting to excel or ask for more, it may be time to evaluate the pros and cons of splitting their time between studios.

When to Consider More Than One Studio

There’s a sweet spot when considering multiple studios. If your dancer is starting out, exploring several studios in your area is perfectly fine to find the right fit. But when a dancer starts to get serious, typically between the ages of 8 and 16, it’s usually best to focus on one studio. This allows them to fully immerse in a single studio's training and opportunities rather than splitting their attention and loyalty.

Things to Consider Before Attending Multiple Studios

If you feel like your dancer needs more classes or a different level of training than what’s offered at their current studio, it may seem like a no-brainer to try a second studio. However, there are a few important factors to consider first:

1. Curriculum and Quality of Training

Not all dance classes or teachers are created equal. Just because another studio offers additional classes doesn’t mean the instruction is at the same level. For example, if your dancer focuses on ballet, it’s essential to ensure that any supplemental classes align with the quality and rigor of their current training.  Look at the training, certifications, and performance resumes of the staff.  Look at their reviews and reputation as well.  Do your homework if you're going to invest. Just because they offer ballet doesn't mean they teach ballet.  More classes don't always equate to better training.  Attending another studio that offers inferior training will hinder their progress rather than enhance it and could lead to poor habits, which can lead to injuries.  And no dancer wants an injury. 

2. Studio Culture and Policies

It’s important also to consider the culture of the new studio. Some studios may not be open to students splitting time between programs, even though you’re paying for their services. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can cause conflicts with community events or performances. If your dancer isn’t able to fully participate, they might end up being placed in less prominent positions in choreography or showcases, which could affect their confidence and sense of belonging.

3. Community and Connection

Dance is a vulnerable art form. Students are often in tight-fitting clothing and working on movements that challenge both their physical and emotional comfort zones. Over time, dance classes build trust and connection among students as they work together and move in sync. While you might think that attending multiple studios could expand these connections, it’s important to remember that every dancer is different, and their social comfortability is unique. Splitting time between studios could dilute those bonds, making it harder for your dancer to feel fully integrated into either community.

What Should You Do if You Decide to Invent in Two Different Studios?

Communication is Key

If you’re seriously considering enrolling your dancer at a second studio, please be upfront with your current studio. Ask about private lessons or small group classes if your dancer is seeking more individual growth.  Many studios prefer that dancers commit fully to one place where they can build deeper connections, participate fully in events, and benefit from personalized attention.   

But there are also studios that will encourage a student to try another studio at the same time, as long as you can honor your commitments to your first studio.  After all, as the student grows they will be taking classes from many different choreographers and teachers if they continue to pursue the art.  They will learn to be flexible (pun totally intended) so that they can act quickly and change course on moments notice because of their ability to adapt to different teaching styles, settings and personalities. 

Avoiding Competition

Finally, if you’re exploring additional studios, try to choose one that’s not in direct competition with your current studio. As much as competition is good - creating better dancers and studios - the dance studio industry is passionate, and attending a competitor’s studio could create unnecessary tension between teachers, students, and parents.  Although the dance industry has gotten much better about being supportive of each other, there are still a few bad apples that may make sharing a student difficult.  The last issue you want to be caught in the middle of any drama.  

In the end, every dancer’s journey is unique. While there are benefits to learning from multiple sources, it’s important to weigh the potential drawbacks of splitting time, attention, and resources between studios. For most dancers, finding one studio that feels like home and offers opportunities to grow is best. But if you do explore a second studio, do so thoughtfully and with open communication to all parties.  Ultimately, it's your choice as a dance student/parent to do what you think is best for your dance student.  My hope is that the teacher will also be encouraging of your efforts to provide the best education for your student so they can "Shine Their Light the Brightest!"