When it comes to choosing the right dance or theatre school for your child, it can often be confusing. In every town across the UK there is a wide selection of schools offering different classes. You may have been given a recommendation or even found some options on Google. However, the performing arts can be expensive so it’s important to do your research. We have pulled together our top 3 tips to help…
Any Qualifications?
Unlike other professions you don’t actually need a formal qualification to teach performing arts. So, understanding if a teacher has a qualification is an easy way to gauge the level of the school. It is important to caveat that some of the best dancers and performers in the UK don’t have any formal teaching qualifications as they have been working professionally. If they don’t have one, make sure you look at their credentials, they could be amazing!
The three major dance teaching associations are the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA). At the Megan Jones School of Performing Arts, school principal Megan Jones is an accredited teacher with the RAD and our senior teacher Kristie Pearce holds an ISTD DDE (Diploma in Dance Education), a qualification in Musical Theatre, Drama and Dance from the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and a PGCE in education from the University of Greenwich.
Have They Worked Professionally?
Ideally, find a school with some teachers who have worked professionally in the industry. Their experience and understanding of what is expected is invaluable for any budding performers looking for a career in the arts. Whether it’s on stage or screen, check out their professional CV. ‘West End teachers’ is a popular phrase used by schools but have a look at whether they have they performed professionally on the West End.
At MJSPA, we are fortunate that our principal, Megan, has been working professionally since the age of 10 and appeared as a leading lady on the West End at just 17. She has also worked for many years in TV including shows for the BBC and CBS. Your children may best know Megan for her role (Tia) in CBBC’s The Sparticle Mystery. Both of our senior teachers Kristie and Hannah have also worked professionally on land and sea, with Hannah appearing as Scaramouche in We Will Rock You.
Is It The Right Environment?
Speak to other parents, check out any reviews and book in for a trial class so your kids can try it before signing up. The most important thing is that your child learns in a safe, fun environment and can build new friendships in class. A lot of schools fees are termly or in blocks so try before you buy and book into a trial first.
MJSPA offers a free trial class that you can register for here.
School principal Megan Jones says…
“Our job is to not just develop performers, it’s to grow the mental, emotional and social wellbeing of young people & adults. In other words we nurture great performers, but even better people.”
