Most experts agree, dancing is a great activity for any child, regardless of their age. Not only is it a great form of exercise, but it also teaches your child self-confidence, rhythm, coordination, and grace, while inspiring self-expression and creativity. However, there are several things you need to think about before signing your child up for dance lessons, including the dancing style, age, commitment level, and cost. Keep reading to find out what to think about before signing your child up for dance classes.
You can find dance classes available for children as young as three and four. However, most classes for these age groups will focus more on dancing for fun and teaching your child basic coordination, rather than developing any type of technique. Sometimes, the classes also require that you (the parent) participate with your child.
Usually by the age of five, the majority of children can begin to learn technique. At this age, they can begin to pay attention, handle mild criticism, and follow directions. The majority of instructors for children at this level will provide ballet classes, since the fundaments learned in this type of dance can translate to all other forms.
You may want to wait until your child has expressed their interest in dancing. There are some studios that provide introductory classes divided by skill level and age.
The majority of dance studios will divide the classes by level of ability and age. An example of this would be dance studios that offer introductory pre-ballet classes for children between the ages of three and five. The next type of class will be geared toward those who are age five to eight. These classes are much more structured and begin teaching the fundamentals. From that point, most studios offer classes that are more specific, to help a child find out what they enjoy and develop their skills in that particular area of dance.
Before selecting a dance studio, you need to think about what your child wants to learn during their dance lessons. What’s the most important thing about dancing? Learning the proper technique or having fun? Do you want your child to compete? If your child looks at this as a hobby, try to find a more informal studio that puts minimal emphasis on recitals and competitions. If you have a child who is demonstrating a passion or has exceptional skills when it comes to dancing, it’s a good idea to find a school that is more technical and that is being taught by credentialed instructors.
As you can see, there are several things to consider when it comes to choosing a dance studio and dance lessons. Being informed is one of the best ways to ensure your child has a great experience and that they get the most from the lessons.
