Choosing Art Every Day

When your child expresses an interest in taking dance lessons, you may be unsure about which types of classes to choose. There are many ways you can find the right class for your dancer-to-be. Here are some considerations to use as you begin looking for a dance school and classes.

1. Type Of Instruction

The type of instruction your child will receive is important. Some schools focus on classical training, while others incorporate play and games into lessons for young children. The option you choose may depend on your child's age and interest level. If dance is a way to let your child socialize and learn something new, a more casual approach might be more appropriate. It's also important to remember that some schools focus on training for competitions, so if you aren't looking for a competitive activity, be sure to inquire before you sign up for classes.

2. Dance Styles

There are many different types of dance, from ballet and jazz to modern movement and hip-hop. For children just starting out in dance, a hybrid class that incorporates more than one type might be a great option. This introductory course can help you and your child select the dance style he or she likes the best, and it can also provide a platform for studying multiple dance styles later on.

3. Class Scheduling

When it comes to selecting dance classes for your child, the timing of the classes is also important. During the school year, and after-school class might get in the way of homework and family time, while a weekend class might be a little easier for you to schedule your family life around. The classes for young children should be shorter to help hold their attention and prevent them from becoming tired. Look at the available class schedule, and determine which times are best suited to your family life without interfering with schoolwork. In some cases, you may decide that summer dance classes are best. This is particularly true if your child will also be participating in sports and other extracurricular activities during the school year.

It's a good idea to look at several dance schools to see what they offer and to compare tuition costs. Once you've selected the right school and class for your child, be sure to ask what you will need to purchase for your child. Some schools have strict requirements for shoes, leotards, and tights, and you'll want to make sure you have the right gear for your child to start dance classes.