About Houston
Houston is a relatively young city but is still one of the most quickly expanding and currently the 4th largest by population in the United States. The city is popular for its affordability, cultural diversity and amazing food scene. It has 19 buildings to visit in the Houston Museum District, as well as a Theater District where you can watch live performances and traveling shows.
Food lovers will enjoy experiencing food from all over the world served at the over 10,000 restaurants in the city, and shoppers will be excited to visit the biggest mall in all of Texas found right here in downtown Houston. This town is also one of the nation’s busiest port cities, bringing in more foreign cargo than any other port.
Here you can find several resident companies that are a focal point for the performing arts, which can contribute to the success of your Houston dance studio space.
Dance Studio Options in Houston
There is a lot of preparation required before opening a new dance studio. Before you can open, you will have to make sure that the space is safe and well equipped with everything that your dancers will need.
- Mirrors
Mirrors are an essential addition to a dance studio, as they will help your performers practice and see themselves dance. Providing mirrors in your Houston dance studio space will allow your dancers to improve and rehearse safely.
- Props
Props, which can either be equipment, decor or accessories, can really change the way that a dance studio looks and works. Create the right space for success by adding props available to your dancers.
- Flooring
Another important thing to consider for your dance studio space in Houston is proper flooring. Whatever place that you choose will need to have a large enough area to accommodate the jumping, turning and moving of your dancers, as well as safe and flat flooring that can withstand the sport and is not too rough on their feet.
Dance Studio Companies in Houston
With an already present performing arts community, Houston can provide you with the right equipment for your venue. Look to local companies to help you set up your dance studio.
- AM-PM Glass & Mirror
This local Houston company offers a team of experienced workers who can provide you with custom glass and mirror installation. Whether you want a small mirror for your dance studio or a whole wall, this company can help you set up your space anytime with their 24-hour service.
- Performing Arts Supply Company
The Performing Arts Supply Company is the perfect place to shop for costumes and props for your dance studio and your performers. With masks, wigs, hats, accessories and full costumes suited to an array of themes, this store can provide your dancers with all the props they need to practice and perform in.
- LL Flooring
Located in Houston, LL Flooring is a sustainable company that offers some of the best flooring in town. They have a variety of hardwood options that would work well for a Houston dance studio space, and their services include installation or DIY alternatives.
Pros and Cons of Dance Studios in Houston
Houston is a great city. Before you decide for sure, be certain that you are aware of the pros and cons associated with this locale.
Advantages
- Diversity
The city of Houston is extremely diverse, with people from all around the world calling it home. Over 145 different languages are spoken here and visitors can experience a variety of cultures in one place by dining at restaurants and attending festivals.
- A green city
Houston has begun to put more effort into making the city greener by adding parks and access to nature. With more green space and available biking and walking trails, you’ll have more to do in the city and some options for outdoor entertainment. An outdoor dance rehearsal is a nice change from being inside all of the time as well.
- Amazing food
Looking for a catering service to feed dancers and staff? You can find more than 10,000 restaurants within the city, and with so many cultures taking residence here the variety of food choices is impressive as well. Houston residents are said to eat out more often than most other cities, which is further proof of the quality and selection of cuisine available here.
Disadvantages
- Sales tax
Although the city has no state income tax, Houston has an elevated sales tax. It is higher than in most other places in the country, meaning that some things that you buy will cost more here than they will elsewhere. Have a budget as you outfit your studio.
- Humidity
You won’t have to endure the cold weather of the winter in Houston, but you’ll soon realize that the remainder of the year is very hot and humid. It can be hard to organize events outside during the daytime, as temperature averages between 25 degrees and 35 degrees in the hottest months.
- Getting around
Houston is a big city that isn’t easily accessible on foot. The public transportation systems are also said to be lacking, meaning you may need to rely on a car to get around some areas. With millions of people living in the city, there will be many cars on the road leading to an increase in traffic.
Famous Locations in Houston
- Space Center Houston
If you are interested in the NASA Johnson Space Center, you’ll have to take a look at Space Center Houston which is the official visiting site. Here you can find replicas of the Independence space shuttle and carrier which you can walk through, as well as Skylab, the first American space station. You can see real space rocks or take a tour around the area to see where the astronauts train, and maybe even meet one yourself.
- Galveston
Found less than an hour away from Houston is the area of Galveston, where you can enjoy miles of clear waters and sunshine. Here you can find the city’s best beaches and other nearby attractions like Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens and the Texas Seaport Museum.
- Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park is home to The Astros, Houston’s Major League Baseball team, and is a popular attraction among sports lovers. The newly renovated park allows games to take place no matter the weather, with a 242ft high roof that can retract making it open to the air. The stadium also has several options for food and beer.