Children's Dance Class

The Benefits of a Children’s Dance Class

There are plenty of reasons for a child to enroll in a local dance program. Dance can refine coordination and motor skills in the physique of children who show no outward interest toward participating in team sports. Many children respond better to creativity than competitive activities, making dance a great alternative when it comes to exercise and learning body awareness.

Dance is also a wonderful self esteem booster. Those who attend a children’s dance class providing an uplifting and encouraging environment tend to exude more self confidence and the ability to make decisions. Dance teaches independence, and is also a rewarding experience for parents who will get the opportunity to watch their children grow and achieve.

What to Look For in a Children’s Dance Class

When you are searching for a children’s dance class, you will want to try to get a reference from a friend or family member who has used a particular studio. If this is not possible, turn to your yellow pages or local recreation center.

Quality studios will have a maximum capacity on their classes. Those designed for younger children, such as a Pre-K ballet class, should have smaller numbers so that children can receive adequate supervision and attention.

Time is also an important factor. An appropriate time frame is vital for both proper instruction and to avoid injuries. Classes should be at least 40 minutes long (though sometimes shorter for small children). If a teacher is rushing too many children through, consider selecting a program able to spend the time necessary for proper dance training.

Lastly, parents should be permitted to observe a class time. Many studios do not allow parents to stay in the room during sessions; however they should always be permitted to observe once when choosing a studio. This gives you a chance to observe the instructor’s teaching style, evaluate the interaction with other children in the group, and to be involved in your child’s life.

When Teaching a Class

If you are a teacher of a children’s dance class, communication is key. It is to your advantage to stay open about your policies and to get families involved with dance productions from start to finish. Making yourself available to parents either via phone, email, or office hours will give you great networking and a chance to really impact the life of a child.

You will also want to make sure the children in your session are staying engaged. This can mean a great mix of varying musical styles, choosing “line leaders” during warm up time, or rewarding kids with small gifts such as stickers or achievement certificates.

Enforcing a proper dress code is also important, as it maintains safety in your class, and also keeps distractions to a minimum. Make sure parents are informed of your dress requirements, as well as provided with a list of stores in which to purchase proper attire.

Lastly, children should be given the opportunity to showcase their talents. Kids love that sense of accomplishment that comes with a job well done, and this can be executed in a variety of ways. Most studios have formal recitals a few times a year, where friends and family are encouraged to attend. If this is not in your program’s set up, consider having a casual open house where loved ones can observe a final session. You can also have an awards night, where children are presented with recognition for both dance achievements and other traits such as a positive or helpful spirit.

A children’s dance class can be a rewarding experience for both those participating and teaching. Take the time to really invest in something that will be of great value in the life of a child, and everyone comes out a winner.