Dance can improve a child's physical health and encourage emotional and cognitive growth. Whether your little one pursues the activity for fun or dreams of gracing the professional stage, it helps them develop beneficial skills that will assist them in the future. Before enrolling a child in beginner dance classes, here's what you should know.

What to Know About Dance Classes

At what age can I enroll a child in a dance studio?

Children can start dance class at a young age, and if they are mature enough, they can begin as early as 2 or 3 years old. However, don't enroll them in class until they are capable of following directions from a teacher. Many studios also require children to be potty-trained.

What kind of dance should beginners do?

The best dance for your child depends on what interests them. If they show a passion for the activity, enrolling them in ballet lessons will help them perfect their movements and enhance skills, such as posture, flexibility, and strength. However, if you're unsure how strongly they feel about dance, register them in multiple classes, like jazz or hip-hop, to find the one they are most excited about.

What type of shoes does my child need to wear in the dance studio?

The necessary footwear depends on the type of dance class your child decides to pursue. Beginner ballet and jazz dancers wear soft-soled items, specifically slippers or jazz shoes. Tap dancers go the opposite direction, wearing hard-soled footwear. Hip-hop dancers have the most casual dress code, only needing sneakers.

How can I support my child outside of dance classes?

Many studios bar parents from watching kids practice since they can distract beginner students. However, there are still ways to support your child even if you can't witness their sessions. 

Have them show you what they've learned once their class is over, and encourage them to practice at home. Support a healthy lifestyle that allows them to hone their athletic ability. For instance, you can enable them to get proper sleep, drink lots of water, and eat a balanced diet.

If you're looking for a dance studio in Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley, CA, visit Elite Dance and Performing Arts. They offer multiple dance classes for students of all levels, such as acrobatic, ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap. The facility is newly-renovated and is over 6,000 square feet, including dance studios, changing rooms, a dancewear store, a parents' lounge, and a rehearsal hall. You can see a complete list of classes on their website, and call (818) 704-1490 to sign your child up for a lesson.