The optimum class size is approximately 20 students. Certified and qualified teaching staff and adequate facilities are needed to safely teach dance. Grouping Dance I students apart from more experienced dancers establishes a solid foundation for beginners, helping them succeed in more advanced classes. With teacher approval, advanced courses can sometimes be combined into one class. However, smaller classes may be necessary to individualize instruction and to ensure that all students learn the TEKS for each course level.
Most schools have a theatre or auditorium with a proscenium stage.
Locating the dance studio and dressing rooms adjacent to the stage is important for smooth, uninterrupted performances. The dance floor requires an air space, or cushion, between the building foundation and the wooden floor. A sprung, or floated, wood floor has the resiliency to cushion landings from elevated movements and prevent student injuries. The floor should be non-slippery, yet not too sticky. Ballet, modern, and jazz dance requires linoleum covering securely adhered to a sprung wooden floor.