What makes an Ideal Studio?

Madison Dance Studio in Memphis, TN.

Want to move out of the living room but not quite ready to open a dance studio?  This is a list of what I look for when considering a new dance space.  The post "Occupation:  Belly Dance Instructor..."  explains some important details and things to consider before setting up shop.

Like I always say, Consider your Needs and Assets.  What is Essential and what is Extra?  What do you already have?

• Location:  Is it safe?  Is it accessible and convenient to both you and your students?  Are there neighboring businesses who cater to your demographic?
• Parking
• Plenty of Space:  
• One student will need 30 to 49 square feet, depending on how much space your dance requires.
• Deduct at least 3 feet in front of the mirror for instructor space. 



Like my crappy doodle?  lol

• Mirrors
• Safe Floors:
• Some studios try to save money by placing wood laminate over concrete.  These are not ideal floors to dance on (but sometimes we don't have a choice).  If your dance has a lot of leaps or stomping, please consider actual dance floors.  
• Dance floors that are cushioned or sprung are expensive, but will help absorb the shock from high impact dancing.  This means your knees, ankles, hips, lower back, etc will not suffer as much.
• Sound System 
• Acoustics
• Heat and Air Conditioning
• Sufficient Lighting
• Clean & Stocked Bathroom
• Privacy:  Are there huge windows that will put your students on display to the public?  If so, are there curtains?  
• Music Licenses if required to have any.
• Insurance:  Some studios provide coverage and some don't.  Be sure to ask who is the insurance agency that covers the studio and your students and confirm that it's up to date.  Some agencies will list their clients on their website database.  Some studios may ask you to have your insurance to cover them.
• Cleaning:  Some studios will clean daily, weekly, or as needed.  It is possible that you may need to arrive early to sweep the floors, wipe down mirrors, take out trash, clean the bathroom, etc.  
• Advertising and Exposure
• Availability for private lessons and events like haflas and workshops.  
• Registration Platform:
• How will you enroll your students?  How will they pay for classes?  
• Are you going to be integrated in the current system the studio uses? Or will you have to use your own?
• If you can, provide a way to accept credit and debit cards and online registration.  
• Be sure you know how the methods will effect your taxes.