10 Tips Before Enrolling Your Kid in a Dance School

Dancing has been a valuable skill and part of schooling for centuries. It allows an outlet for expressing creative freedom, and it’s a form of healthy sports activity.

Whether your child has a passion for dancing or simply enjoys moving to music tunes, dancing can greatly add to their routine outside of academics.

However, selecting the right dance academy and teacher for a proper learning experience can be daunting. So we have gathered some tips to get you started to embark your child on their musical journey.

Inquire About Classroom Size

The classroom size should be important when selecting a dance studio for your child. The number of students should be ideally small so that the teacher can pay proper attention to individual students and have greater control over the lessons.

The classroom should also be large enough to accommodate movement during lessons and avoid injury by colliding with other students.

You should also ensure that you can watch your child practice to assess their progress and provide encouragement.

Reputation Matters

Choosing a dance academy can be a headache. With so many institutions offering lessons, finding the right one for your young one is hard.

Your best bet would be to search online. Dance&Fitness.Online is one such portal to help you out. Parent testimonials and reviews about the academy can provide insight into lesson effectiveness. You can request the academy for referrals. Contact the referrals for queries regarding the academy, teachers, and lessons.

Choose A Suitable Dance Style

Dance is no longer confined to gender. Plenty of boys enjoy ballet while there are girls immersed in hip hop.

With so many dance styles to enjoy, it is good to research them beforehand before settling on one. Involve your child in the decision-making process. Talk to them about the different dance styles like contemporary, jazz, classical, or street dance. You can also try some moves with them to determine which type they like most.

Once you have decided, ensure that your dance academy of choice offers lessons for that specialty.

Performance Evaluation

Many institutions offer dancing either for recreational students, or those considering a career in dancing, or both. The child’s age, parents’ needs, and dancing styles taught all play a role in which kind of student your child wishes to be.

Some studios have been accredited by organizations that can send your child for qualification exams. This allows your child to present the fruits of their labor and build confidence.

Check Your Child’s Eligibility

Most academies have an age limitation, so ensure that your child fits their age requirements before enrolling.

Inquire whether the teachers have experience dealing with children in the same age group. It is also essential to look into the dances taught, costumes given, and music used for the dance practice.

Request to attend a dance practice in session with students of your child’s age group for better credibility. Remember to pay attention to all small details as well as teacher-student interactions.

Be Informed About Safety Protocols

Dance is an activity prone to injuries and accidents, much like sports. Despite the risks involved, a good academy with responsible teachers knows how to mitigate these risks.

For instance, dance floors must be specially made to avoid injury to your ankles and knees.

A qualified teacher is also an important aspect of maintaining safety protocols. A good dancer isn’t necessarily a good teacher. They should be able to work with children with different capabilities, dancing styles and body types. They know a child’s limits to stop to avoid injury and strain the developing child’s body.

Build A Rapport With Your Child’s Teacher

The teacher-student relationship is a vital part of the learning process. That is why meeting the teacher beforehand is an excellent way to build rapport. Not only does this allow the teacher to get to know their student, but it also answers any queries you may have about the classes. You should also be informed about the teacher’s skills and qualifications.

For beginners, it is wise to attend the first class with your child to observe their interactions with other students and the teacher.

Remember To Follow The Dress Code

Dancing is a physical activity, so the perfect attire should be to avoid any restrictions on movement.

Jeans, baggy pants, loose shirts, and tight-fitting clothes are best avoided. Instead, opt for comfortable clothing, like dancing tights, to allow ease of movement. For children with long hair, keep them pulled back with an extra scrunchie or ribbon. It is also a good idea to bring in an extra set of dance clothes and extra dance shoes to change out of sweaty ones during practice.

Encourage And Engage

Supportive parents are the best cheerleaders that your child can ask for. A positive environment will nurture their talents and fuel their self-confidence, which is imperative to their growth as dancers and human beings.

Instead of treating the dance classes as lessons, let them be an outlet for your child to express their creative side. Dance classes are about fun and not competition. So if your child is not enjoying the class, it may not be for them.

Remember to enjoy the moments, and don’t forget to click pictures of these precious memories.

Bring Extra Gear and Water

It is essential always to be prepared for classes. The same applies to the dance lessons. In addition to an extra set of clothes and shoes, you should pack a towel or two to wipe off the sweat.

Dancing requires a lot of energy and can be tiring, so carry plenty of water and healthy snacks like fruits and yogurts to re-energize between sessions.

Conclusion

Like any other sport or activity, dancing requires some pre-planning and preparation before you enroll in classes for a smooth transition. Good preparation and research will help you determine a suitable academy for your child that will flourish their talents.

Look into different academies, teachers, and dance styles, and be sure to include your child in the decision-making process. They may provide insights into aspects that you might have missed. Finally, ask if you are unsure about anything before enrolling your child.