Dance Classes for Kids: Everything You Need To Know

Dancing is a wonderful way for children to stay active. Besides being a great form of exercise, it also has plenty of benefits such as improving flexibility, coordination, inspiring creativity and boosting self-confidence and self-expression.

Through dance, children develop the ability to work within different spaces and learn to interpret the effect of their movement on the space around them. This process makes children become more aware of their bodies and what they are capable of.

Dance also creates a solid platform for children’s physical development as it helps develop strength and endurance.

Another important part of a child’s cognitive development is learning to socialize and interact with others. Dance teaches children the ability to express emotion comfortably in front of other people. Being in a dance class also teaches children navigate this new environment, to adapt and communicate in new ways.

Before you sign your child up for a dance class, there are things you need to know.

What’s the Best Age for Kids to Start Dance Classes?

There are dance classes being offered for children as young as 3 to 4 years old. And while these classes are focused more on dancing for fun rather than developing any real technique, three is a good age for kids to start dancing. At age 5, children begin to learn techniques and show interest in dancing.

What Type of Dance Class is Perfect for your Child?

The fundamentals of ballet translate to all forms of dance that’s why many instructors encourage children aged 3 to 5 to begin with pre-ballet classes. This type of class tends to focus on developing coordination skills, improving flexibility and introducing dance vocabulary.

Between the ages of 5 and 8, classes become more structured. They begin to learn fundamental dancing techniques and physical coordination.

For children above 8 years old, classes are much more structured and they begin to focus on one style of dance only.