Parent Alert: Making Dance Classes A Positive Experience For Your Child

Looking for a way to get your child active? It may be time to consider dance classes in your area. Not only do dance classes offer a fun way to get your little one moving, they also deliver an extensive range of other benefits as well. Strengthening social skills, building a competitive spirit and learning how to master various life challenges are just some of the many ways that dance classes can change a youngster's experience, both inside and outside of the studio.

Dance Classes: Setting Your Child Up For Optimal Success

As a parent, you'll play a key part (at least initially) in the overall experience your child will have taking dance classes. While this is a responsibility, it's important not to feel burdened by your parenting role in the studio. Understanding a few simple tips can help give you the tools you'll need for optimal success with the dancing programs you choose. When considering signing your little one up for dancing programs, it's important to:

Wait until your child is ready: Oftentimes, parents assume that starting their children in a dancing program as early as possible will set them up for long-term success. This, however, isn't necessarily true. Waiting until you see definitive signs of maturity in your young, would-be dancer can help start your experience off on the right note.

Find the right studio: What's the best way to reinforce a positive dancing experience for your little one? Find a studio qualified to train and teach young children. Do you research by asking parents you trust and/or asking for a free trial class to ensure that you're choosing the right environment for the best results.

Choose a suitable genre: Not every dancing genre suits every young dancer. Ballet, tap, and hip-hop all require their own distinctive forms of attention, focus, dedication and energy. While you should consider your child's input when putting together a program, ultimately, you know what type of engagement level is needed for optimal success. If you're uncertain about a certain style, ask the class instructors; they'll have the experience needed to help you make a final decision.

Get the right gear: Just like any other physically challenging activity, dance classes often have their own requirements for what to wear. Consult with the teachers at your studio to make sure you have the right wardrobe based on the classes your young dancer is taking. The right clothing not only helps keep your student comfortable and free from injury, but it can also keep the experience fun and engaging.

Focus on the fun: Yes, you may have dreams of your child someday becoming a prima ballerina with a world-renowned troupe. And yes, that may actually happen. However, taking dance classes at a young age should be all about the fun! Help your little one stay focused on all the exciting new moves and methods he or she will be learning. Making fun a top priority is one of the best ways to keep your dancer engaged and help develop a long-term love for dancing.

By Chris A. Harmen