Dance classes offer various benefits for children, including improved coordination, socialization opportunities, increased muscle strength, and enhanced creativity. If your tiny dancer wants more training, you’ll need to decide which dance class is best. The following guide can help you make a decision that suits your child’s current interests. 

A Guide to Enrolling Your Child in the Right Dance Class

Age Group

Dance studios typically offer classes for children ages three and up, with some providing classes for two-year-olds. Classes for students ages two to four focus on fun rather than technique, and basic coordination exercises are usually included. The idea is to help children develop a love of dance through nurturing, positive class environments. 

By age five, kids begin learning techniques. Their listening and memory skills have likely improved, which helps them retain information learned in class and practice at home. Older children also have stronger concentration skills for perfecting different positions and moves. Kids between five and 12 often take ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop dance classes as their ability to retain new information and learn different skills increases. 

Interest 

Besides considering your child’s age, their interests and personality should also color your decision. For example, if your child enjoys making up dances to songs they hear on television, hip-hop could be ideal because there is significant improvisation involved. Conversely, if your child prefers learning in more formal settings and marvels at the graceful, fluid movements of professional ballerinas, consider ballet. 

Hip-hop and jazz could be ideal if your child is high-energy and always performing for you and other family members, as the big movements in these dance forms match big personalities. Tap is ideal if your child is always “making noise,” such as using their shoes to generate sounds on hard flooring. This “percussion” dance style enhances your child’s sense of rhythm. 

Whether your child wants to take ballet, jazz, hip-hop, or tap dance classes, consider Dance Arts Centre. The studio in Chanhassen, MN, provides a safe and encouraging environment for kids to hone their dance skills by learning age-appropriate choreography. Call (952) 937-2618 to enroll your child in a free trial class, or learn more about the studio online. Get the latest updates on Facebook.