When you’re choosing a dance studio, you probably start with the big questions: What classes do you offer? Who are the teachers? Does the schedule work for our family?
But once your family actually spends time at a studio, you realize it’s often the little things that shape your experience.
At Martin School of Dance, we think about those things a lot. Here are ten details we’ve intentionally built into the MSD experience.
1. Small classes really are small.
For dancers under age 8, our classes are capped at just 8 students. For ages 8 and older, the maximum is 12.
That gives our faculty the opportunity to actually know each dancer, provide individual feedback, and notice both where they’re progressing and where they might need some extra help. It also means less waiting around for turns and more time actually dancing.
2. You can watch class without being in class.
Our studios are equipped with live-stream viewing monitors so parents can see what’s happening without having to sit inside the classroom.
For younger dancers especially, that little bit of separation can help build independence while still allowing parents to peek in, see what they’re learning, and occasionally witness a pretty great dance move.
And because we know parents are often answering emails, working, or entertaining a sibling while they wait, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the studio.
3. Yes, we’re a little obsessive about keeping the studio clean.
This is one we hear from families all the time.
Our studios and common areas are meticulously maintained, our bathrooms sparkle, and medical-grade air purifiers help keep the air throughout our space clean.
Kids spend a lot of time on dance studio floors. We think those floors should be clean!
4. There’s always someone at the front desk.
During our operational hours, our front desk is staffed.
That means there’s someone available when you have a question, need help with your account, aren’t sure which studio your dancer is headed to, need a Band-Aid, or realize five minutes before class that your child has somehow misplaced a dance shoe.
Sometimes good customer service is simply having an actual person there when you need one.
5. Your child’s teacher is an experienced adult educator.
Our classes are taught by experienced, mature faculty members who bring both dance knowledge and teaching experience into the classroom.
We also have a Teaching Assistant program that gives some of our older dancers the opportunity to develop leadership skills alongside our faculty. They help demonstrate, encourage younger dancers, and learn what great teaching looks like, but our adult faculty remain responsible for leading the class.
We think both pieces matter: excellent teachers today and opportunities to develop the leaders of tomorrow.
6. The other families are nice.
We didn’t come up with this one. Our families did!
It may sound like a small thing, but when you’re spending a lot of afternoons and evenings somewhere, the community matters.
We want MSD to feel welcoming to the whole family. We love seeing friendships develop between dancers, parents getting to know one another in the lobby, siblings tagging along, and families showing up to support each other’s kids.
And while you’re here, help yourself to complimentary coffee or tea. Dance parents deserve a little something, too.
7. Forgot the tights? We’ve got you.
Dance apparel can be confusing, especially when you’re new to it. You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. We carry dancewear and shoes right at the studio and offer professional fittings to help dancers get what they actually need in the correct size.
It’s one less errand for parents and a lot less guessing.
8. We’re right in the heart of Bedford.
You’ll find us at 288 Route 101, right along one of Bedford’s most convenient stretches.
Whether you’re dropping off for class, running an errand nearby, grabbing a coffee, or juggling multiple children’s activities, we know location matters when you’re building something into your family’s weekly routine.
9. We want kids to learn how to be part of something bigger.
Dance education isn’t only about what happens at the barre.
Our Teaching Assistant program gives rising leaders opportunities to mentor younger dancers. Our families participate in service projects like holiday gift drives, and we look for ways to get dancers involved throughout the Bedford community through volunteering, performances, and local events.
We want our students to understand that being part of a studio community also means finding ways to contribute to the community around us.
10. We think about the experience for the whole family.
Your child may be the one taking dance class, but we know dance becomes part of the entire family’s schedule.
That’s why we think about things like comfortable waiting spaces, communication, progress reports, viewing monitors, Wi-Fi, front-desk support, social events, Parents’ Night Out, holiday celebrations, community activities, and opportunities for families to be involved.
None of those things will teach your child how to pirouette. But together, they help make spending time at the studio easier, more welcoming, and a lot more fun.
Come Experience MSD for Yourself
Of course, the best way to decide whether a dance studio feels right for your family is to actually spend some time there.
We welcome new families for tours and trial classes throughout the year. Come see the space, meet our team, watch a class, ask questions, and let your dancer experience MSD for themselves.
Martin School of Dance
288 Route 101, Bedford, NH
Call: 603-488-2371
Text: 978-662-0528
Email: martinschoolofdance@gmail.com
Web: martinschoolofdance.com