What Age Should Kids Start Dance Classes? A Simple Guide for Parents
Enrolling your child in their first dance class is a big, fun (maybe slightly scary?) decision!
Are they ready for it? Will they listen to the teacher? Can they actually learn to dance?
We’re breaking it all down here so you can confidently decide when your child is ready to start dancing!
Let’s start with young children (ages infants to about 5 years old)
Ask yourself these questions before enrolling your child in dance:
Is my child potty trained?
If yes to the above, can my child use the restroom on their own, or do they need help? (such as with washing their hands, or putting their clothes back on)
Does my child have experience following other adult’s instructions (besides myself)?
Does my child play well with others?
Does my child know how to share and take turns?
If you answered NO to any of those questions above, no worries! You can still sign your kiddo up for a dance class!
Your child will probably do best in a parent/child class, where you get to participate in the class with your child. These classes are most often for toddlers (starting around 18 months to 2 years old) and preschoolers (up to about 5 years old). The benefits to you being in class with your child are that
You can help them use the restroom as needed
You can help them start to learn how to listen to other adults, while still having you close by
You’ll make such special memories by dancing with your little one! 😍
If you were able to answer YES to all of those questions above, then your child is ready to enroll in a dance class without you!
We recommend looking for a dance class that is for their age specifically. At this young age, levels are not important and are often unnecessary. Their dance class should help them develop critical skills like:
Motor development: skipping, jumping, hopping, marching, learning their right from their left, etc.
Social development: making friends, taking turns, sharing, playing well with others
Emotional and Mental development: performing in front of others, making creative decisions on their own, learning how to express themselves
Additionally, the style of dance is often not important at this age, as the goals of the dance class should be centered around those developmental milestones we just talked about 😊. Look for a dance studio that has a structured curriculum specifically for your child’s age!
Now let’s talk about older kids (ages 6+). How do you know when your child is ready for dance?
Ask yourself these questions before enrolling your child in dance:
Do they love dancing around the house to whatever music is playing?
Are they a natural performer, or someone who loves show and tell?
Do they love movies with princesses, ballerinas, or other performers?
Are they naturally athletic and a good mover?
Are they naturally UN-athletic, and struggle with hand-eye coordination?
Do they love working towards a goal?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then your child will love dance class!
Dance classes are perfect for your little princess, the natural performer, and the kids who just can’t stop wiggling. And dance is also perfect for the uncoordinated child who doesn’t do well with sports, because the precise, technical nature of dance combined with moving to music often helps them un-tap their natural movement ability.
We recommend looking for a class that is either for their age specifically, or is clearly labeled as a beginner/introductory level class. Look for a dance studio that has a structured curriculum with clear milestones and moves for each level.
We have another post coming soon that will break down the different dance styles, so you know which dance style to pick!
And if you’re ready to start dancing, head to our kids page at whitemountaindancestudio.com/kids-dance and sign your child up for their first dance class! 👯
