If your little one happily breaks into movement as soon as they hear music, it could be time to enroll them in dance lessons to help them develop their skills. However, there are multiple styles to choose from, and it can be challenging to know which one is best for your child. The following guide details popular dance styles for kids to help you make a decision.

Ballet

Ballet is one of the oldest and most structured dance disciplines in the world. It originated in the Italian Renaissance before it was developed further in France and Russia in the 19th century. Ballet is known for its distinctive costumes, and the various positions have French names.

This highly stylized form of dance is one of the most technically demanding, with students requiring athleticism, poise, grace, and years of practice to master it. Children who take on this challenge can eventually graduate to more complex styles, such as contemporary or pointe, which involves dancing on the toes. Since ballet has influenced other types of dance, it can be a good introduction to the many options available to your little ones.

Tap

Tap dance, an energetic, percussive style involving the use of special metal-soled shoes, is the perfect outlet for kids who love to make noise and stay active. Tap evolved from a variety of folk dance influences that were later refined into a versatile genre that's practiced in groups or solo. During these lessons, your kids will learn how to maintain rhythm and timing and will have plenty of opportunities for boisterous self-expression.

Hip-Hop

Almost as soon as hip-hop music was developed in the 1970s, a distinctive style of dance arose to accompany it. Kids learning it will be taught a range of basic movements that they can use to improvise routines to tell stories and express emotions. This is a popular choice for young people who don’t want to be restrained by too many rules while moving to contemporary music.

Acro

Acro combines the athleticism of acrobatics with the artistry of classical dance. Ballet choreography features pirouettes and arabesques that call for extended limbs and pointed toes that add character to a routine. Acro, however, incorporates acrobatic movements and balancing acts, also known as tricks, into performances to make them truly showstopping and memorable. 

Common solo tricks include cartwheels, handsprings, and walking on the hands. Some stunts require two dancers and entail a supported shoulder stand or double back walkover. Group tricks that require several people could include building a pyramid or doing a three-person cartwheel.

If your little one has lots of energy and loves to stay active, enroll them in dance lessons at Caledonia Dance & Music Center. Since 1983, the highly accomplished instructors at this dance school have helped children explore a wide range of styles, including tap, ballet, hip-hop, jazz, acro, and more. The studio is located in Caledonia, MI, and serves families throughout the surrounding communities. In addition to group classes, they offer private tutorials to help your young one build their skills. Call (616) 891-1606 with any questions, or visit their website to enroll in dance lessons.