Dance classes are great ways to get kids involved in an engaging and healthy activity, but the encouragement of parents or guardians is often needed to keep them motivated and interested for the long haul. Here are several tips for staying involved and supporting your child on their dancing journey.

How to Support Kids Taking Dance Classes

1. Practice With Them

Young kids may be reluctant to practice dance on their own outside of classes, but it's a necessary part of learning new skills and routines. To make it more fun for them, practice with them at least once a week. Incorporate engaging elements like having a few minutes of free-style dancing to warm up at the start of practice or seeing who can do the routine the best. Your involvement will help structure their practices and provide instruction while showing them that you're invested in their success.

2. Reward Progress

Children are highly motivated by incentives. Create a reward system for them, outlining which rewards will be received for which achievement. These can range from candy for keeping up with practices to a movie night for nailing a new routine. Get your child's input on different rewards they'd like, and make sure they understand what they need to do to get them. It will encourage your kids to try their best, and the tangible rewards will keep them invested in their classes.

3. Attend Recitals & Shows

If you show an interest in your child's dancing, they're more likely to make it a priority and put extra effort in to make you proud. Show up at events like recitals or competitions, cheer them on, and encourage them that they will keep improving when they have a discouraging performance. Beyond motivating them to do well, your faithful support will make your child feel loved and boost their confidence while dancing. 

4. Encourage Them

Your child may encounter periods where they want to give up, such as if they're struggling with a move. Let them express their feelings to you, and help them work through it. If they're losing interest, try to rekindle it by watching movies about dancers or showing them videos of professional performances online. Help them remember why they love dancing by encouraging freestyle dance or asking them to make up their own routine for fun. 

If your child is ready to start dancing, enroll them at Elite Dance Academy in Broomfield, CO. For almost 20 years, this studio has offered energetic and positive dance classes, including summer camps, for all ages in the surrounding areas. They have unique programs, including both competitive and non-competitive teams, and plentiful staff to ensure a positive experience. View their classes online, or call them at (303) 466-8626 to enroll your child today.