catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

How to help your child choose a dance class

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Tips to help your child choose her first dance class

Tips to help your child choose her first dance class

Helping your child choose a dance class may seem like a daunting task. With the growing popularity of dance on television and movies, depending on your location, you may have a number of studios, teachers, and dance styles to choose from.

For beginning dancers, the good news is that dance schools aim to simplify the decision process. With a little research and exploration, before you know it you?ll find your child twirling in the hallway and marking her or his recital date on the calendar.

Ask your child why she wants to take a dance class and you?ll probably get a simple answer: ?for fun? or ?my friends do it?. Dance classes also offer children the opportunity to build confidence, grace and discipline in positive social environment that doubles as a creative outlet for their energy.

Before you continue reading about the How to help your child choose a dance class there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Dance classes are exciting for kids, but they?re also a commitment. Children commit their free time; parents commit money and driving time. Your child is more likely to stick with a class that she has a say in choosing, but it?s important to make sure the options your child chooses from will fit into your budget and schedule.

Researching Dance Classes

Schedule:

If you live in an area with multiple dance studios, consider doing the initial research on your own. This way your child won?t set his heart on the one class that doesn?t work with your schedule. Determine your budget and note any restrictions in your schedule as most classes occur weekly on the same day(s). If your schedule is limited, try to find out if other parents with children in dance class would be able to carpool. Children get the most out of dance when they miss as few classes as possible.

Cost:

From tights, shoes and leotards, to costumes, competitions and tuition, dancewear appropriate to the class and style of dance is part of your investment. Once you figure out your budget, ask local dance studios or teachers for a comprehensive list of all fees associated with the class. Ask if you?ll receive free tickets to the recital. Are there penalties if your child quits?

~

Class V.S. Professional Training

There are a few dance schools that exist to train professional dancers. These schools are more strict and challenging for children, and may be too much pressure for a child just developing an interest in dance.

However, most schools for children balance education and training with fun. Ask other parents for referrals. What teachers did their children love? Peruse local bulletin boards, flip through the phone book and read online reviews to narrow your list and check for red flags before bringing your child into the search.

Which dance styles excite your child?

After you?ve spoken to the local dance schools and narrowed the options based on schedule, fees and recommendations, ask your child what style of dancing interests her. Some studios offer beginner classes that introduce students to a variety of dance styles including jazz, ballet, contemporary and hip hop. These options are fantastic for children.

If your child needs help on which dance class to take, it?s time to explore. Live dance performances are ideal for introducing children to a specific style of dance, but this isn?t always an option. Fortunately, you can rent DVDs of classic performances like The Nutcracker or simply turn on the television. The popular T.V. show ?So You Think You Can Dance? features a wide variety of common dance styles, often set to modern music. Clips and full episodes from this show are available online.

Note that your child?s age may help determine the style of dance he chooses. Preschoolers are introduced to rhythm and movement through creative movement classes rather than a structured dance class. Serious ballet classes typically do not take students under the age of seven because younger children are not yet strong and enough to stand on their toes.


Visit the Dance Studio

Your child will spend a good deal of time in class so it?s important to visit the dance studio. Make sure it?s located in a safe area. Once inside, the studio should feel pleasant and complete with a friendly staff, good temperature, water fountains, restrooms, change area, and a well maintained dance space with a mirrored wall and plenty of room to accommodate class sizes.

Many states do not require dance teachers to be certified, but it?s important to make sure your child?s teacher is qualified to teach dance. Ask about the instructor?s professional dance experience, how many years he or she has taught dance and what the general structure of each class will be.

Popular Savings Offers

References:
Edutopia.org
Teach Kids How
Chewy.com

Free Shipping
Debby Burk Catalog Cover
Debby Burk
Shop Now
Nikon Camera Lenses Catalog Cover
Nikon Camera Lenses
Free Catalog
Bad Ass Extension Cords Catalog Cover
Bad Ass Extension Cords
Free Shipping
ProForm Catalog Cover
ProForm
Shop Now
Canon Camera Catalog Cover
Canon Camera
Free Catalog
Rockville Audio Catalog Cover
Rockville Audio
Rockville Audio
TomTom Automotive Catalog Cover
TomTom Automotive
Get Catalog and Special Offer
Relax The Back Catalog Cover
Relax The Back
Up to 60% OFF
4Wheel Parts Catalog Cover
4Wheel Parts
Free Shipping
MacKenzie-Childs Catalog Cover
MacKenzie-Childs
Free Shipping
LG Catalog Cover
LG
Free Catalog

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.