Dancing is a fantastic way for your child to express themselves physically while having fun! However, with all of the different types of dance classes that you can sign your child up for, figuring out which class is right can be tricky.
What are the different types of classes, and how can you pick the best one for your child?
When it comes to learning how to dance, you have plenty of options. The good news is, there’s no wrong pick!
Why sign your child up for dance classes?
Dance classes for kids are a wonderful way to help your child experience exercise in a fun and creative way. Not only will your child get to express themselves, they’ll also improve their strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
Dance doesn't only improve your child's physical health. Healthy hobbies are crucial for your child's emotional and social growth as well. Attending dance classes can help your child make friends and improve their social skills.
Oh, did we mention there’s a benefit to mental health, too? That’s right. Exercising frequently lowers your child's stress and anxiety levels dramatically, making it wonderful for children who are struggling with their physical or mental health.
Types of dance classes available
No matter what your child is interested in, there is a type of dance suitable for them. Here are just a few of the different options available to them!
1. Tap
Tap dancing is a combination of percussion and dance. When dancing, expect to wear special shoes with metal pieces built in. Sounds like every parent’s nightmare, right? Guess again! The rhythmic sounds they make as they dance actually sound great. The movement and the stepping lead to a lovely harmonization.
This is a very lively and energetic dance that is perfect for children with a lot of energy to burn! It can help teach your child about rhythm and performance.
2. Ballet
Ballet is a more refined style of dance built off of beauty and graceful motions. It requires a lot of skill to master but is a fun and interesting style of dance to learn and perform.
During lessons, your child will learn all about balance, technique, and form from their teacher.
3. Hip-Hop
Hip-hop music is only getting more popular with children — making it a great style for them to learn! Each dance tells a story in an explosive and energized fashion. Once your child is experienced enough with hip-hop, they can even move on to breakdancing, which is a freestyle form of hip-hop.
4. Jazz
Jazz dancing is extremely energetic and follows suit with jazz music. It involves jumping, twirling, and fast footwork to make expressive routines! This type of dance is great for creative children as it encourages improvisation and experimentation.
5. Ballroom
Ballroom dancing is great for children who love classical styles of dancing and music, as well as children that prefer to dance in groups. There are many styles of ballroom dancing, all with their own specific rules and techniques, so your child will have plenty of different learning opportunities!
6. Musical theatre
Does your child love to act as much as they love to dance? If so, then signing them up for musical theatre is a wonderful idea! Not only will they be able to express themselves through dance, they can also show off their acting and singing abilities.
There are many genres of musical theatre to explore, from classical to more modern, and each involves a different style of dance. That makes musical theatre great for children who love to learn or aren't sure what type of dancing they want to try.
7. Modern/Contemporary
Also known as lyrical dancing, this style of dancing is more complex and involves a combination of several different types of dancing, including classical and ballet. Each dance tells a specific story through its routine, making it great for creative children.
This type of dance is great for building strength and flexibility in children. Its graceful movements make it as fun to watch as it is to learn!
How to choose a dance type
Now that you know about a few different styles of dance for kids, you'll need to consider what type of class you want to sign up for. We know, it’s the hard part. If your child wants to take dance classes but isn't sure which type, how can you help them decide?
A big factor in dance is the energy level that the dance requires. For example, jazz and hip-hop dancing involve more energy, whereas ballet or ballroom dances require more focus on rules, technique, and style.
Figure out whether your child prefers a style that focuses more on technique or expression to get a better idea of what type of dance class to sign them up for. After that, it's all about your child's personal preference and experimentation with different hobbies! Don't be afraid to let your child try out different types of dances, even if they fail.
Encourage fun and healthy hobbies
Helping your children get into healthy hobbies is a great way to help them spend time doing something they love while learning new things! Encourage your child to take on hobbies like dance classes so they can explore something new.
Has your child ever been interested in dance lessons? What type do you think they would enjoy most?
When it comes to choosing a class, don't forget to ask your child what they would want to try! For more helpful parenting advice, continue reading our blog.
