Tiny Dancer: Your Child’s First Dance Experience

If your son or daughter is showing an interest or you have already decided that you’d like to expose them to dance you aren’t alone. Most parents consider dance lessons for their children at some point. And, why not, dance is a lot of fun!

Why Dance?

There is a lot of evidence pointing to the many benefits of dance. According to Livestrong.com, there are four main benefits:

1. Dancing is an aerobic form of exercise. Dancing will get your child moving, and that extra activity is always good for children. Also, regular dance practice can increase your child’s flexibility, range of motion, strength, and stamina.
2. Dancing is a social activity. Dance lessons can help children improve their social and communication skills, learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation, and make new friends.
3. Dancing reinforces academic skills. Students who regularly participate in dance lessons tend to perform better academically than their nonparticipating peers.
4. Dance improves a child’s self-esteem. As they become more comfortable in their skin, their confidence and self-esteem improve.

When your child is beginning dance, classes should be viewed as a fun experience, not as a chore. Toddlers and preschoolers usually begin with “creative movement” classes instead of structured dance classes.

Speaking of age, you may be wondering what the best age to start dance classes for your child is. Some toddlers as young as eighteen months old may be ready for “structured” dance classes. Just be sure that it’s age-appropriate and that the kids are not expected to behave in a way that is too advanced. Other children may not be able to focus enough for a class until they are a little older. You can always try a lesson or two and see how it goes. Your rambunctious, never-sits-still toddler may surprise you and be willing to follow the simple directions from their new dance teacher.

Choosing Your Child’s Dance Studio

It pays to do your homework, and make sure your child’s first dance experience is a positive one. Here are some things you should consider:

1. The Studio. The studio should be clean with adequate access to water and restrooms and—most important—proper flooring. Dance puts stress on growing bodies, and the floor should be a professional “sprung floor.” 
2. Qualified teachers. Make sure your child is in the hands of a professional educator who has training and experience teaching. Teachers should be CPR and first aid certified.
3. Class size and participating ages. Preschoolers should be in small classes with students close in age. Older beginners can handle a class that is a bit larger with a variety of ages. In both cases, beginner classes shouldn’t last more than 45 minutes.
4. Recitals–Yay or Nay? Some studios have even the youngest children participating in dance recitals which can be expensive, elaborate productions. Think about what you want ahead of time before committing to a studio. If you don’t want to spend money on a one-wear costume or time on rehearsals, look for a studio that either skips recitals entirely or has very low-key performances.
5. How much does it cost? You should know ahead of time what you’re committing to–from class fees to required clothing to recital costumes–it can add up even for the littlest dancer. Ask what you can expect to pay for all of it, so there aren’t surprises.

The chances are good that your child will enjoy their introduction to dance. It doesn’t matter if they take dance for a few months and move to another activity or if dance becomes a lifelong passion. For now, trying a new activity, making friends, engaging in physical exercise–it’s all a win!