Tips for Choosing the Right Dance Class for Your Child

Dance classes give children the opportunity to strengthen their bodies, express themselves through movement, and meet new friends. Whether your child wants to explore classical ballet, lively tap dancing or freestyle dance forms such as hip-hop, they're bound to learn important skills and have fun in the process. 

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA offers a variety of dance classes for kids and teens. Here are some valuable tips for choosing the right dance lessons for your child, setting the stage for future dancing success!

Consider Their Interests

Your child will be more willing to participate and engage in activities that interest them. To determine the dance class that suits your child's interests, consider the type of music they listen to and the movies they enjoy watching. If you're not sure, try introducing them to various music styles at home or in the car and ask them questions about their preferences.

If they're bobbing their head or breaking it down to hip-hop tunes on the radio, a hip-hop dance class will be a good option. On the other hand, if they enjoy listening to Granddad's Jazz hits and putting on theatrical dance shows in the living room, Jazz classes would be a solid choice. 

Dance-related movies also inspire children's interests. The animated movie “Leap!” may ignite their inner ballerina, whereas the adorable penguin colony in “Happy Feet” may inspire them to take up tap dancing.

Choose a School With Multiple Dance Styles 

Children are still discovering their passions, making them more prone to changing their minds. While parents and guardians can help children develop coping skills when they encourage them to stick with a task, there also needs to be a degree of flexibility. 

Choosing a dance school that offers multiple dance styles allows children to try different classes until they discover what they enjoy the most. Parents and guardians can check to see if the school offers introductory classes, allowing their children to get a sense of each dance style before signing up. If this is not an option, you can always review their interests at the end of each quarter and experiment with something new. 

Establish Instructor Qualifications 

Dance instructors have a powerful impact on children and can influence their enjoyment of a particular dance style. When choosing dance lessons for your kids, meet with the instructors and discuss their qualifications and teaching styles. While certifications from registered dance organizations are important, their experience with working with children is more crucial.

An instructor's teaching style is another essential aspect to consider in your decision-making. If your child is more competitive, they could benefit from learning from an instructor with a stricter teaching approach. In comparison, a child who chooses to dance for fun may pair well with a more easygoing instructor.  

Check Lesson Times 

Between extracurricular activities, homework and family commitments, life is busy for children and parents alike! When choosing the right dance classes for your child, ask the dance school for their lesson times. Then, consider your child's schedule and your existing obligations to find the best option.

Ensuring there are no schedule clashes makes it easier for your child to attend classes regularly. This helps them continually build on their skills and develop strong friendships with other dancers. 

Assess the Class Size 

Some dance styles are more popular than others, leading to a larger class size. While this offers more opportunities for children to interact with others and build new friendships, some children may benefit from a smaller class with more personalized guidance. 

When choosing a dance class, contact the dance school to find out more information on the different classes. Then, consider your child's personality and what class environment they thrive in to make your decision. 

Look for Progression Opportunities

While dance classes primarily provide opportunities for your kids to have fun, they also challenge them to develop their skills. Choosing a dance school that prioritizes progression in the form of dance examinations or end-of-year performances helps them stay motivated. 

Celebrating your children achieving their dance goals is equally important, as it builds their self-esteem and encourages them to set future goals. When helping your children select the right dance class, find out from the instructor if there are any award ceremonies or celebration events to further inspire your children. 

Discover the Joy of Dance Classes 

Once you've considered these tips for choosing the right dance classes for your child, you can make an empowered decision. The YMCA offers a wide variety of dance lessons for kids in the greater Philadelphia area, such as: 

• Ballet: This dance form focuses on balance, strength and posture. Kids and teens who sign up for ballet classes at the Y will learn about the importance of body alignment, stretching and classical ballet positions. If your child flourishes in a more structured environment, ballet classes would make a good fit! 
• Hip-hop: This dance style celebrates creativity and improvisation. Children who take hip-hop classes will learn a set of basic moves and have the freedom to move to popular music. Hip-hop is the ideal dance style for independent thinkers. 
• Jazz: This dance form combines elements of ballet, hip-hop and tap to give children a rich dancing experience. In light of this, Jazz dancing requires an equal focus on technical skill and creativity. If your child has a dramatic flair and loves to be center stage, jazz classes could be the outlet they need to let their personalities shine. 
• Modern: This dance style leans into natural, fluid movements that tell a story. Kids and teens who choose modern dancing will develop their strength through contraction and release movements. For those looking to express their feelings positively, modern dance classes offer a solution.
• Tap: This dance style encompasses energetic, rhythmic movements. Children and teens will get a great cardio workout while they coordinate tap dancing basics with lively music. Tap dancing is loud and fun, making it ideal for children who like to express themselves in this way. 

Time to Put on Your Dancing Shoes

If your child shows a passion for dance, making classes part of their weekly routine is a wonderful way for them to grow their creativity and confidence. By applying these tips and learning more about the different dance styles available, you can help your child find the right dance lessons for them.

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA offers a variety of dance classes for children in the greater Philadelphia area, such as ballet, hip-hop, Jazz, modern, and tap. Contact our friendly team today to learn more about class schedules and how to sign up!