How Do I Know Which Dance Class Is Right for My Child?
Choosing a dance class for your child can feel a little overwhelming—especially when there are so many styles to choose from!
Parents often ask us, “How do I know which dance class is right for my child?”
The good news is there isn’t one “right” answer. Every child has a different personality, different interests, and different ways they like to learn and move. Each style of dance also creates a slightly different class experience.
Understanding your child’s personality can be a great place to start.
For the Child Who Is Always Moving: Acro or Hip Hop
Does your child love to jump, climb, tumble, or turn just about anything into an obstacle course?
Acro or Hip Hop may be a great fit.
Acro is perfect for kids who enjoy learning tricks, building strength and flexibility, and challenging themselves physically. Hip Hop offers an energetic environment where dancers can enjoy upbeat music, big movements, grooves, and plenty of opportunities to show their personality.
Both can be great options for children who have lots of energy and love to stay active.
For the Child Who Loves Structure: Ballet
If your child enjoys following directions, learning step by step, or paying attention to little details, Ballet may be a wonderful place to start.
Ballet introduces dancers to foundational technique, body awareness, coordination, musicality, and discipline. The structured environment can be especially enjoyable for children who like knowing what comes next and working toward mastering new skills.
And for children who love both structure and performing, pairing Ballet with Jazz can be a great combination.
For the Child Who Loves to Perform: Jazz
Is your child constantly putting on a show in the living room? Do they love energetic music, big smiles, and getting the chance to perform?
They may love Jazz!
Jazz combines strong dance technique with energetic movement and performance. Dancers get opportunities to develop confidence, musicality, and their own performance style.
Ballet and Jazz also complement each other beautifully. Ballet helps build a strong technical foundation, while Jazz gives dancers another opportunity to let their personalities shine.
For the Creative Child: Contemporary
If your child loves storytelling, music, creativity, or expressing emotions through movement, Contemporary may be a great fit.
Contemporary gives dancers opportunities to explore artistry and expression while continuing to develop their dance technique. It can be especially rewarding for children who enjoy using their imagination and connecting movement to a story, feeling, or piece of music.
For the Child Who Is Always Keeping the Beat: Tap
Is your child constantly tapping on the table, drumming their fingers, or moving whenever they hear a beat?
They might have a blast in Tap!
Tap allows dancers to create rhythms and sounds with their feet while developing coordination, timing, musicality, and listening skills. It’s a fun option for kids who naturally connect with rhythm and enjoy making a little noise while they dance!
What If My Child Fits More Than One?
That’s completely normal!
Your child doesn’t have to fit perfectly into one category. In fact, many dancers enjoy taking multiple styles because each class challenges them in a different way.
Sometimes the style a child ends up loving most is the one their parent least expected!
Trying different classes gives children the opportunity to discover what excites them, where they feel most confident, and what kinds of movement they enjoy.
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Choosing a dance class doesn’t have to be something you figure out on your own.
At Chara Christian Dance Academy, our team is happy to help recommend classes based on your child’s age, personality, interests, experience, and goals.
And sometimes, the best way to know if a class is a good fit is simply to try it!
We want every child who walks through our doors to have the opportunity to find a class where they feel comfortable, challenged, encouraged, and excited to come back each week.
Ready to find the right class for your child? Contact our team to learn more about available classes and schedule a trial!
