The Importance of a Significant Adult in Your Teen’s Life: Choosing the Right Dance or Cheer Gym

Teen years can be tough. Between school stress, changing friendships, and the pressures of growing up, teenagers need guidance. Studies have shown that one of the most protective factors in a teen’s life is having a trusted adult they can seek advice from—who isn’t their parent. That’s where dance and cheer coaches play an invaluable role.

Unlike seasonal sports, dance and cheerleading are year-round commitments. Many dancers and cheerleaders stay in the same dance studio or cheer gym for over a decade, meaning their coaches often know them better than any school teacher ever could. These coaches see the best and worst of their students, and their influence can shape a child’s confidence, work ethic, and personal growth. That’s why choosing the right dance school or cheerleading gym is so important—because the wrong choice can have long-term consequences.

The Right Coach Can Change a Child’s Life

At NRG Studios Allstars, we believe that the role of a coach isn’t just to teach skills—it’s to help shape responsible, well-adjusted, and resilient young adults. The best coaches build character first, not just champions. They create an environment where students feel safe, respected, and inspired.

Unfortunately, in some gyms and studios, winning is prioritised over well-being, and that’s where things can go wrong. If you choose a gym or dance school where results matter more than character, you could be placing your child in a toxic environment that may harm their mental health and expose them to abusive coaching methods.

So, how do you know if you’re choosing the right dance school or cheerleading gym? Here’s what to look for.

Green Flags: Signs of a Healthy Dance or Cheer Program

✅ Coaches Prioritise Character Over Medals – Winning is great, but a good studio values growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship just as much as competition results.

✅ Positive Motivation, Not Fear – Does the coaching staff encourage your child in a way that builds internal motivation? Great coaches help kids fall in love with their sport—not fear failing at it.

✅ Long-Term Student Retention – If students stay at a gym for years, it’s a sign they feel valued and supported. At NRG Studios Allstars, we have many students who have been with us for over a decade because they feel safe, challenged, and inspired.

✅ Clear Communication & Parent Involvement – A great studio or gym doesn’t shut parents out—they invite them in. Look for a place that values transparency and welcomes parent input.

✅ Safe & Qualified Coaching – Your coaches should be certified, trained in safe techniques, and uphold the highest standards of child development and athlete well-being.

Red Flags: When to Think Twice About a Gym or Studio

🚩 Yelling, Belittling, or Using Fear as a Motivator – If coaches scream at kids, make them feel guilty for mistakes, or threaten them with punishment, it’s a huge red flag. No child should feel scared to go to practice.

🚩 High Athlete Turnover – Do kids constantly quit or transfer studios? This could be a sign of poor coaching methods, favouritism, or an unhealthy environment.

🚩 Coaches Who Prioritise Winning Over Well-Being – If medals matter more than mental health, walk away. Your child’s happiness, confidence, and safety should come first.

🚩 No Oversight or Transparency – If a studio discourages parent involvement, avoids feedback, or lacks clear policies, that’s a red flag. A good program should have open communication and clear standards.

🚩 Unequal Treatment of Athletes – Do some kids always get favoured for performances, regardless of effort? Does your child feel like they are constantly fighting for a fair chance? A healthy gym values all students, not just their "star" athletes.

Why NRG Studios Allstars is an Industry Leader in Positive Coaching

At NRG Studios Allstars, we believe dance and cheerleading should build confidence, not fear. We’ve seen first-hand how positive coaching methods create strong, self-motivated athletes who thrive in and out of the studio.

• We don’t yell. We teach with respect, encouragement, and motivation.

• We don’t belittle. We build our students up, showing them that growth comes through effort and consistency.

• We don’t use fear. We help kids set their own goals and develop internal motivation to push themselves.

Using these methods, we’ve still achieved incredible results—we are bronze medallists at the World Championships. But more importantly, we’ve created a studio where kids love to train and feel safe to express themselves.

Our Industry Can Be Better!

As a parent, you have the power to choose a dance studio or cheerleading gym that prioritizes your child’s well-being. Demand positive coaching. Demand mentors who care about character as much as competition.

As a dance studio in Wollongong, offering cheerleading and dance, we value your child’s growth, safety, and happiness. We prioritise our kids' emotional development above medals, but that doesn't mean they don't win medals. We are helping to raise self motivated, kind and well rounded young adults and we are so proud of them!

So the next time you type in Dance Studio near me or Cheerleading near me, take our checklist with you and make sure the place you're signing up for is setting your child up for success. Let’s build a better future for our young athletes—together.