If you have a young, energetic child that loves music, signing them up for dance classes is an excellent way to help them exercise and burn excess energy. However, there are a variety of dance styles to choose from, and selecting the right one ensures your child has the best physical and creative outlet. If you're curious about the different types, here are several of the most common.

What Are Some Popular Styles of Dance?

1. Ballet

This is a traditional form that requires a lot of practice to master because it is highly technical. Ballet classes involve a lot of stretching to increase flexibility so that your child can move their bodies fluidly. Often, this is done using a barre, which is a post along the wall to help stretch the legs. This style accompanies classical music and involves elaborate costumes, so it is perfect if your child loves to dress up and act. It also helps build focus, strength, and coordination.

2. Tap

Tap dance involves using special shoes to make percussive tapping sounds on hard surfaces. These shoes have metal plates on the soles to enhance the sound, making this style perfect for developing rhythm and coordination. Tap dancing is often seen in musical theatre, which means it is usually performed as a group rather than with individual dancers. A coordinated group tapping in unison creates a gorgeous and impressive sonic experience.

3. Hip Hop

Hip-hop is one of the most popular choices for dance classes. It started out as break dancing in the 1970s and has since evolved into a more complex style that is more fluid than traditional options. It is the perfect choice if your child is creative and loves to run around, as there are many sweeping, exaggerated movements. There aren’t as many defined poses, allowing dancers to experiment and improvise.

4. Jazz

This option is similar to ballet with a contemporary twist. While the choreography is regimented, it allows for creativity because the movements are more fluid and less technical. This dance technique is about the drama and performance, allowing a dancer to throw themselves into the routine. Jazz dance classes help students learn techniques and build flexibility to better perform certain moves.

If your child is interested in taking dance classes, contact Dream Dance in Shelby Township, MI. Their professional instructors offer classes for all ages, whether your child prefers ballet, tap, jazz, or hip-hop. They cater to all skill levels, which means there is a perfect class for any child. Visit the website for more information about their schedule, and call (586) 488-7011 to speak with a team member about enrollment.