Children often exhibit numerous signs indicating they are ready for dance classes, such as dancing along with performers on TV, putting on “shows” at home, and being able to listen and focus for extended periods. If your child wants to take dance lessons but you aren’t sure which style is best for them, review this guide. There are numerous ways to tell which option is perfect for your budding dancer. 

How Do I Know Which Dance Class Is Ideal for My Child? 

1. Jazz

Children with lots of energy to expend are often attracted to jazz, since it consists of big, explosive movements inspired by tribal African dances. Jazz is also about improvisation and showmanship, which is ideal if your tiny dancer is always creating new routines and loves performing in front of large audiences. Enthusiasm for Broadway and movie musical dance routines tells you that jazz could be the perfect style for your child, since many musicals feature jazz-inspired dancing. Chicago and The Pajama Game are two such examples. If your child finds jazz too technical, the improvisation hip-hop offers could be the better option. 

2. Ballet

Some children are mesmerized by tutus and ballet slippers, or want to take ballet after seeing The Nutcracker for the first time. Others are fond of dolls and stuffed toys in ballerina garb. If your child has not exhibited signs like these but wants to take dance classes and does not mind the highly-structured environment this style calls for, consider ballet. It also provides a technical foundation that helps with learning other dance types, such as jazz and Broadway. 

3. Tap

Perhaps your child is always tapping their feet to create “songs” or otherwise enjoys drumming on assorted surfaces in a rhythmic way. Maybe they love the idea of tap shoes and have tried to make their own with household objects, or imitate iconic tap dancers such as Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. Like jazz and hip-hop, tap allows for significant improvisation and can therefore be attractive to creative children who are always engaging in new and different performance-based activities, such as making up dances to songs they hear on the radio.  

Whether jazz, hip-hop, ballet, or tap dance classes are right for your child, consider registering at Stage Door Studios in Sarasota, FL. This dance studio has provided a nurturing environment for young dancers aged 18 months to 18 years throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties since 2007. Call (941) 921-1600 today for more information or register your child for dance classes online.