Can Dance Schools Open Yet? What You Need to Know in 2025

• dance-schools-and-public-health-guidelines
• how-different-regions-are-handling-reopening
• safety-measures-dance-schools-must-follow
• stories-from-the-dance-floor
• choosing-the-right-dance-school-in-the-new-normal
• what-to-expect-next-and-where-to-find-updates

1. Dance Schools and Public Health Guidelines

If you're wondering “can dance schools open yet,” you're not alone. The answer depends on your location and how current health conditions are evolving. Since the pandemic, local governments and health departments have been the primary decision-makers on reopening timelines for education and performance arts centers, including dance schools.

Most states follow a phased reopening plan, meaning dance studios may reopen under certain restrictions such as reduced class sizes, mandatory masks, and ventilation upgrades. Reopening doesn’t necessarily mean “business as usual”—it often requires a rethinking of how dance education is delivered.

2. How Different Regions Are Handling Reopening

In the United States, dance school reopening policies vary dramatically. In California, some counties allowed outdoor classes early, while others delayed indoor studio sessions due to higher population density and infection rates. Meanwhile, many schools in Texas and Florida resumed in-person sessions sooner with hybrid models that mix live and online instruction.

These differences are important if you’re considering enrolling or reopening a studio. Check with your local department of health for real-time guidance. Also, institutions like the National Dance Education Organization often share updated protocols to support dance educators and students during transitions.

3. Safety Measures Dance Schools Must Follow

Reopening doesn’t just mean unlocking the doors. Dance studios must implement thorough hygiene protocols, including:

• Daily temperature checks and symptom screenings
• Spaced-out floor markers to support social distancing
• Sanitization of barres, mirrors, and common touchpoints between sessions
• Use of HEPA air filtration or improved ventilation systems

Some schools, especially those affiliated with professional training programs, have even adopted pod-style cohort systems—groups of dancers who only interact with each other during classes to minimize risk.

4. Stories from the Dance Floor

Take the story of “Studio 24” in Michigan. They reopened under strict guidelines in mid-2022, implementing virtual check-ins, QR code health waivers, and open-air sessions in the parking lot. Despite the limitations, their student enrollment increased, proving that flexibility and creativity matter more than space.

Likewise, a young dancer in Brooklyn shared how finally returning to her tap class after a year away was “like breathing again”—a reminder that dance is not just physical training but emotional healing. Many families are now prioritizing dance as a structured and expressive outlet for kids emerging from isolation.

5. Choosing the Right Dance School in the New Normal

In the post-pandemic era, choosing a dance school goes beyond curriculum and style. You now need to consider safety transparency, virtual class offerings, staff vaccination policies, and refund flexibility. A good studio should openly communicate about what it’s doing to keep students safe.

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-standard dance studio near you, American Dance Academy offers a curated list of certified schools committed to health, safety, and artistic integrity. Whether you prefer ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary, their network ensures peace of mind along with passionate instruction.

6. What to Expect Next and Where to Find Updates

As we move deeper into 2025, most dance schools in the U.S. are open, but the need for caution remains. Future updates from the CDC and regional education boards will continue to guide policies. Stay informed through trusted channels, and maintain flexibility—closures can still happen if outbreaks occur.

Whether you’re a parent, student, or instructor asking “can dance schools open yet,” the answer is increasingly “yes—with care.” And with resources like American Dance Academy, you’ll know exactly where to find professional, safe, and inspiring spaces to continue your journey on the dance floor.