3 Steps to Finding Classes for Your Little Dancer

If you’re considering fall dance lessons for your toddler, preschooler, or kindergartener, you may not be sure where to where to start, especially if you’re in an area with many studios to chose from. If your little one is ready to dance, here are a few steps to determine a solid starting point and find a great studio for your budding dancer!

Step 1: What Would You Like Your Child to Gain from Dance Class?

Before you start your studio search, it’s a good idea to consider what you’d like your young child to gain from taking dance lessons. Because your child is little, it is likely you want him/her to simply try a particular dance style, burn off some energy, meet some new friends, have fun, or learn some new moves! If that’s the case, you’ll want to look for a studio that has a great early childhood program for new beginning dancers.

Step 2: Consider What Class Suits Your Young Child 

Many studios will offer classes that provide a great introduction to dance. Here are some class options that may be offered in your area for dancers up through the age of 5:

• Mommy and Me: Mommy and Me, Parent and Child, or “Me and My Shadow” classes can give your toddler a perfect introduction to dance while you participate with him/her! Classes are usually focused on kids 3 and under. Coordination, concentration, rhythm, and creativity are all explored. There will be an emphasis on turn taking and playful movement. Mommy and Me classes allow you to bond with your child and meet other neighborhood families! Click here for our blog post about Mommy and Me dance classes!
• Creative Movement: Little ones up to the age of 3 or 4 may love the free movement and prop play in a creative movement class. Typically geared towards preschoolers, these classes develop early music and movement skills and build body awareness, spatial awareness, and large motor movements. Students practice take turns, listen to directions, and develop personal space, all important skills for future dance classes!
• Combination Classes: Some studios offer combination classes that allow children to sample different dance genres within one weekly class. Popular classes generally include 2-3 styles taught back-to-back such as ballet, tap, acrobatics, or jazz. These classes tend to be offered to students between the ages of 3 to 5, but some studios offer combination classes for older children and even teens and adults! Click here for our blog post about combination dance classes!
• Individual Dance Styles: Some studios offer introductory classes for little dancers that focus solely on one style of dance. Traditional dance disciplines such as ballet, jazz, tap, or world dance classes could be offered around the age of 4 or 5.  Fun games, lively storybooks, and colorful props often enhance these dance lessons and makes the introduction to dance fun!

Step 3: Begin Your Studio Search

Once you know what dance class you’d like your child to try you can begin to pinpoint studios to investigate. Here are some ways to find your perfect studio match:

• TheDanceStudioFinder: You can use our searchable database tools to find studios nearby that offer classes you’d like.  You can bookmark studios that meet your search criteria so you can compare, plan an in-person visit, or request additional information. Using TheDanceStudioFinder.com’s directory allows you to pinpoint the businesses that match your child’s needs and interests. Take a look at this post for more information about TheDanceStudioFinder.com‘s search tools, or start searching for studios here.
• Inquire at nearby studios: Already have a nearby studio in mind? Contact the studio or visit during open office hours to see the building and speak with the staff. This is a great time to ask any questions you have about classes, registration, and fees. Staff can answer questions and share how their program can benefit your young child and his/her growth and development. Some studios may offer trial classes, drop-in classes, summer camps, or classes that can be observed. These options allow your child to test out a class or dance style before committing to a full dance year, so don’t be afraid to ask!
• Parent Referrals and Recommendations: Already know families that have found their forever dance home? Reach out to them and inquire about the studio they attend and what may be available for your child there!

Ready to locate the perfect dance studio for you or your dancer? Click on the “Find Dance Studios” tab to begin your search by location, dance styles, ability levels, and age ranges!