Dance offers a total-body workout that can increase self-esteem in children and provide avenues for them to make new friends. If your little one shows interest in learning more and taking dance lessons, understanding the various styles will help you select the best classes. Here are several that many dance schools offer.

What Are the Most Common Types of Dance Lessons?

1. Tap

Tap is a fusion of African dance, English clogging, and Irish step dance, which explains this style's prominent display of rhythmic footwork. Dancers wear special shoes with metal plates affixed to the balls and heels. These plates make loud, percussive sounds when they hit the floor, producing beats that go along with the music. This lively form allows kids to make some noise and have fun while learning different dance maneuvers, such as shuffling, ball changes, and heel clicks.

2. Ballet

Ballet is a form of classical dance that dates back to 15th-century Italy. Ballet dancers use precise poses and graceful movements to interpret music and tell a story. Practicing ballet can teach kids discipline, as they must follow specific instructions while learning how to balance, hold symmetrical positions, and execute flowing turns. This is an involved form of dance that is extremely expressive, allowing your child to show off their creativity and style. 

3. Jazz

Though influenced by ballet, jazz borrows from African American and Caribbean styles. From stylized walking to leaps and high kicks, this upbeat and energetic form can help kids get more exercise and burn energy. Since it involves the use of natural body movements and encourages improvisation, children may adapt to this style quickly while taking dance lessons. This is perfect if you have a little one that never seems to run out of energy, as they can experiment with the movements.

4. Hip Hop

Hip hop combines street dance techniques, such as popping and locking, with more traditional jazz, ballet, and tap styles. While popping, dancers make short and rapid movements, and while locking, they abruptly stop and hold positions before resuming movement. Hip hop also incorporates elements of break dancing, including acrobatic body movements, stylized footwork, and spins. Often performed to hip hop, R&B, and funk music, this eclectic style is one of the most popular at dance schools.

When you want to enroll your child in dance lessons to help them exercise and learn new skills, contact Red Door Dance Academy. This dance studio offers instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop to children throughout Wylie, TX. Call (972) 836-6733 to speak with a team member about enrollment, and visit the website to view their available classes.