When Should My Child Start Dance Lessons?
It seems like a common question, how early can I start my child in dance lessons, and what is age-appropriate?
This question depends on your child's physical capabilities and what your expectations are as a parent.
Mini dance studios often site that children as young as three can become involved in dance lessons. Most dance studios call this kinder dance or preschool dance.
Often, this involves locomotion skills in basic coordination sets, allowing your child to express themselves and understand how music and rhythm can be manifest in the physical form.
As your child gets older different forms of dance lessons available also expands.
So, why choose dance lessons?
According to Sarah Antrim:
Seems like a pretty compelling reason to get your child involved and dance lessons, am I right?
If you're like most parents, prying your child away from the TV screen or mobile device can be a bit of a challenge. By providing a creative and active outlet for your child, you're making physical activity fun.
If you're unfamiliar with these particular types of dance styles, Ashley Daychak of Performing Dance Arts has a fantastic overview of different dance styles and what you might expect as a parent:
1. Jazz
This style is all about improvisation, high energy, skill, and explosive movements. Because Jazz dance relies on improvisation and little to no dance backgrounds is typically required, this may be the perfect introduction to dance for your child.
2. Hip Hop
Often Regarded as “modern” style of Dance, children that are interested in hip-hop are often influenced by watching people on TV or music videos. It’s important to understand that your child’s expectations may slightly be different than structured hip hop dance lessons; however, this may be an excellent way to get them interested in exploring other kinds of dance
3. Ballet
Ballet is often associated with "traditional" forms of Dance. From ballet points to tutus, students interested in this form of dance typically thrive in structured environments. It's important to know that ballet can be physically demanding.
4. Tap Dance
Tap dance combines both rhythm and physical movement. While tap dance can be a complicated form of dance to master. However, if your child is interested in the challenge, this may be just the formal dance for them.
To read the full article, click here.
Before signing up for dance lessons, you may want to consider a few things.
Understanding this can help you better determine whether or whether or not this is a good fit for you and your child.
It's important to consider your child's personality in the kinds of things that interest them. Make sure that you're not forcing your child to do something against their will. Often, this will result in negative push back or even resentment.
Hopefully, this has given you some additional insights as to when dance lessons might be appropriate for your child and what types of dance lessons may be best suited for their personality.
This question depends on your child's physical capabilities and what your expectations are as a parent.
Mini dance studios often site that children as young as three can become involved in dance lessons. Most dance studios call this kinder dance or preschool dance.
Often, this involves locomotion skills in basic coordination sets, allowing your child to express themselves and understand how music and rhythm can be manifest in the physical form.
As your child gets older different forms of dance lessons available also expands.
So, why choose dance lessons?
According to Sarah Antrim:
“Dance is a fun activity for kids that exercises both the body and mind. In addition to increasing fitness levels, dance classes for kids also help with better posture, creativity, and cultural understanding. It helps improve balance and flexibility. Studies have found that dancing can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. It can bolster self-esteem. It can help kids achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It provides both cardiovascular activity and weight-bearing activity, so it’s good for kids’ hearts and bones.”
Seems like a pretty compelling reason to get your child involved and dance lessons, am I right?
If you're like most parents, prying your child away from the TV screen or mobile device can be a bit of a challenge. By providing a creative and active outlet for your child, you're making physical activity fun.
How to choose the type of dance lessons for your child
Depending on the school, there may be a variety of styles offered. Dance classes can range from ballet, to lyrical, to jazz and tap, two more modern forms like hip-hop dance lessons.If you're unfamiliar with these particular types of dance styles, Ashley Daychak of Performing Dance Arts has a fantastic overview of different dance styles and what you might expect as a parent:
1. Jazz
This style is all about improvisation, high energy, skill, and explosive movements. Because Jazz dance relies on improvisation and little to no dance backgrounds is typically required, this may be the perfect introduction to dance for your child.
2. Hip Hop
Often Regarded as “modern” style of Dance, children that are interested in hip-hop are often influenced by watching people on TV or music videos. It’s important to understand that your child’s expectations may slightly be different than structured hip hop dance lessons; however, this may be an excellent way to get them interested in exploring other kinds of dance
3. Ballet
Ballet is often associated with "traditional" forms of Dance. From ballet points to tutus, students interested in this form of dance typically thrive in structured environments. It's important to know that ballet can be physically demanding.
4. Tap Dance
Tap dance combines both rhythm and physical movement. While tap dance can be a complicated form of dance to master. However, if your child is interested in the challenge, this may be just the formal dance for them.
To read the full article, click here.
Questions to ask before signing up for dance lessons
Before signing up for dance lessons, you may want to consider a few things.
- Take a look at the dance instructors bios. Often, by reading the biography of an instructor, you can get an idea of their personality and teaching style. Of course, it’s always best to meet the instructor in person.
- It may be worthwhile asking the level of commitment required by the school. Some schools have stringent policies on student attendance. You may also want to understand how strict the school is. Is may, or may not meet the expectations of you and your child.
- Schedule a tour of the dance studio. A visit may give you a better indication as to what your child might expect. For example, how large are the classes? What does the teacher-to-student ratio?
- Are there other kinds of activities students can participate in? Sometimes, dance studios offer musical performances that are outside of the traditional dance lessons provided.
- Lastly, But certainly not least, it's important to ask the cost up dance lessons. Does the school charge annually? Monthly? Or by individual classes?
Understanding this can help you better determine whether or whether or not this is a good fit for you and your child.
It's important to consider your child's personality in the kinds of things that interest them. Make sure that you're not forcing your child to do something against their will. Often, this will result in negative push back or even resentment.
Hopefully, this has given you some additional insights as to when dance lessons might be appropriate for your child and what types of dance lessons may be best suited for their personality.
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