Dance Class For Toddlers

Health Benefits Of Dance Classes For Children

Encouraging your child to participate in dance classes for children can help them in a number of ways. Although you should wait until your child is certain that she/he is prepared for taking dance classes for children because to get them truly on-board, they should be enjoying the activity. This is especially true if you are considering dance classes for toddlers for your 2 to 5 year-olds.

Through both dance classes for toddlers as well as next level classes for children, your child, no matter the age bracket he/she falls in, will learn many new talents and would be encouraged to be creative. Dance classes for children have many positive impacts on a child’s physical and mental well-being.

There is more than enough evidence in child psychology that shows dance classes for toddlers do indeed help your child become better prepared for life by teaching them skills that will benefit them for the rest of their life.

Where should I enroll my child, recreational or competitive dance? is still an important question to ask yourself. Do you want classes to be purely for fun or are the ambitions more?

Child Dance Classes Offer A Variety Of Wonderful Benefits.

For you, we have categorized it into two broad headings and mentioned, in brief, a few of them.

Physical Benefits

Dance classes for children are more than just a hobby to pass the time, it has a lot of physical benefits and can assist the development of your child. Here are a few of the physical benefits of making your child participate in dance classes for children.

Improves the overall health

Dance classes for children are a good way for your child to stay fit as he/she grows, and a childhood love of dance can help you stay active as you grow up. Your child’s flexibility, physical strength, and stamina will all be improved if they start early on by taking dance classes for toddlers. Enhancing overall health is not only beneficial to children in terms of staying fit, but it can also help them perform better in sports activities too.

Dance also increases flexibility

Take a look at ballerinas; they are flexible! Your child will get more supple by learning how to dance. An increase in flexibility may reduce the risk of future injuries while playing sports or engaging in any other physically demanding activity.

Dancing promotes good posture

When your child would take dance classes for children, they would be instructed how to balance their own weight while also controlling their bodies to suit their personal needs. Your child will stand up straighter if he learns to dance. Their spine, neck, and back will improve too.

Dance develops spatial awareness

Few children are accustomed to this skill despite this being a key soft skill. Dancing allows your child to sense the size and layout of their surroundings. Not only does it work on awareness, but also on decision-making skills.

Dancing improves rhythm

When your child takes up dance classes for children, it improves coordination among different body parts, and this means that they can benefit from a good sense of rhythm and improve overall health. Improving your cognitive reasoning and improving your brain are similar when it comes to listening to music.

Some advantages of mental health

Physical well-being can go hand in hand with mental well-being. Dance classes for children offer many vital psychological advantages too.

Encourages creativity

Dance classes for children help them to become more creative and show their personalities through different types of expression. Providing opportunities for creativity and imagination encourages children to learn the principles of trust, effective relationships, as well as critical thinking. Studies show that early life is the ideal time for a child’s creativity to develop, and kids who develop their creative problem-solving abilities are less likely to fall behind as they get older.

Improves cognitive development

Asking your child to take dance classes for children can help them learn how to control their impulses and time management. Children who take up dancing have to learn how to balance their schoolwork, dance practice, extracurricular activities, and socializing as they get older. Children learn and practice valuable life skills in dance classes, including discipline, focus, and dedication. These need for these life skills will be present in all other areas of their lives, such as school, work, etc.

Promotes deeper emotional understanding

Your child will experience life differently if your child’s body is strong enough to cultivate a strong mind. Remember that we are discussing art, which has long been perceived as having emotional or spiritual qualities.

Increases emotional well-being

When your child has fun dancing in dance classes for children, they learn to be expressive and healthy. An outlet for healthy emotional and physical release is created using this expression. If children are allowed to express themselves while they are learning to be in control of their emotions and energies, their personality and confidence will improve significantly.

Dance can enhance self-esteem

Dance classes for your child help your child gain a greater sense of self-awareness. Kids love themselves when they have something that they can be proud of. As a method of battling harassment, depression, anxiety, and trauma, this could be especially useful. Dancing can help develop the ability to relate to others, too, thus helping kids become more confident while interacting with others in a group setting.

Conclusion

Any child can learn to dance by taking dance classes for children. It’s an innate desire.

Giving dance classes a try can be that decision that exponentially improves the rest of the life of your child. It could unlock your child’s hidden potential and make them happier.

A lot of people neglect dancing unless we’re referring to ballerinas; the veneration accorded this art form is less than that for other artistic disciplines, such as painting or singing; however, as you just read and understood for yourself, there are many benefits for taking up dancing.

Dance has the power to make every aspect of your child’s life better. I hope you take it into consideration for their sake.

If there’s one thing that both teachers and parents despise, it’s the kids’ lack of attention. Teaching a toddler class is like “herding cats wearing tutus” as to how some put it. Some kids will have their own world, others are busy knocking things over, while there are a few who will sit and observe, if not cry. It looks like a whole mess until they started grooving to the music and learn new steps. It’s the point where parents shove each other politely on the tiny glass window just to take a few snaps of their child. On this picture is a parent or two who are giving the “stares” to the kid who’s not paying attention. If you’re that one parent, you probably wonder, how can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class?

Let me start this part by telling you that a short attention span is normal for toddlers. They are at a very inquisitive phase and bringing them to a whole new environment fuels their innate curiosity. It will take some time until they get used to it and listen to the instructor. You might even find it funny if your kid listens to the teacher more than he or she listens to you.

But in case your little one continues to have a world of his own, it’s time to unveil your tricks. The following tips I’ll give here may require patience, but as parents, it should be a given.

1. Cut the stressors

If your child didn’t sleep well the night prior to the dance class, expect a whole session of grumpiness and temper tantrums. Lack of sleep can easily irritate kids, and if they are subjected to following instructions in such condition, they will have poor concentration. You can buy the kid a few winks if the studio is at least half an hour drive from your house. However, waking the toddler up could be a make or break part too. But how can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class?

It’s important to remove any cause of stress that will sabotage the mood of the toddler. Steer clear from pranks or sermons before you head to the studio. If the kid has anxiety, you may want to have a heart-to-heart talk session before sending him or her to the class. Maybe, the kid just needs some assurance.

2. Check your child’s relationship with the teacher

Is there a new teacher in the class? Or is your child in good terms with the dance instructor? These factors directly impact the attention span of your child. You may want to check the teacher’s ability to deal with kids of different personalities. Some studios tend to assign inexperienced instructors to the youngest kids. Although this may happen, what you should check is the relationship that he or she has with your child.

The style of teaching might be the cause of why your child’s attention is wandering somewhere else. You don’t have control over this, but you may want to consider looking for another class, just in case.

If your kid is intimidated by the teacher, a little talk with the instructor should fix the problem. Some children take a longer time trusting other people aside from their parents. If they see that you are ‘trusting’ the teacher, they will also do the same. Let your child see that you’re smiling or talking with the teacher. How can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class?  Start by building his trust with the instructor.

3. How about with other kids?

Many times, the teacher isn’t the problem. Your child is probably distracted due to the other kids in class. As you know, putting a bunch of toddlers in one room isn’t always quiet and fun. They may have petty fights and before you know it, the other kid punched your child in the face. This act of bullying and violence is a massive blow to your kid’s enthusiasm toward the dance class. He or she might loathe joining the session and if ever they do attend, they will be uninterested to follow. It’s either the bully kid or your child transfers to another class.

It’s excellent if your child has a good relationship with other kids. But you may not want them ending up playing together while the teacher instructs. Toddlers who are the chatty type could be a little difficult to suppress.

4. Your home rules might be contradicting those of the studio

How can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class? Toddlers absorb what they see in their environment. If you let them get away with their lack of attention at home, they would exhibit the same behavior at the studio. Don’t get me wrong, it’s normal for kids to have short attention, but make sure that your house rules aren’t contradicting those of the studio. Your level of expectation against the expectation of the studio from your child will not meet all the time. This can make your kid confused as to why certain guidelines vary.

If the kid keeps on talking while the teacher speaks, you might be letting him or her do the same when you’re on the phone or while talking to other people. You can still fix this by reminding the kid about waiting until you finish talking. This little difference on how you discipline the child will show on the dance floor.

5. Stop giving him the “stares”

Are you the parent who gives the “stares” if your child isn’t cooperating? While this works for some, giving your child a threatening look may aggravate the situation. He or she might end up crying and out of the mood for the dance class. Your child is too young to get your message, and if he or she is confused, he’ll resort to tantrums. And as far as I know, it’s not the best scenario in the studio. Giving the stares might be a low key reprimand, but it doesn’t serve many purposes.

So how can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class? If you can, get the child out of the room and talk to him. He may just a need a short break or some pep talk to regain his enthusiasm.

6. As much as you want to, don’t yell

There will come a time when you’ll run out of patience. However, this isn’t an excuse to yell at your child, especially in the presence of other people. Studies found that kids who are constantly embarrassed by their parents in front of other people will grow up shy and with low self-confidence. If you want to talk to your child over his lack of attention, kneel and meet him at eye level. This body language sends the message of sincerity and it cuts the trauma of scolding. Such a gesture will engage your kid in the conversation.

Don’t yell. Just don’t. It doesn’t serve your child well and it doesn’t make you look like a good parent either. Be as calm as you can and don’t force the kid to talk to you during a fit of crying.

7. Look for variety

Kids can get bored easily if they keep on doing the same routine over and over again. If they keep on performing plies for a week now, don’t be surprised if they will start to channel his attention into something more interesting. They may start fidgeting or examining the contents of the nearby trash can.

How can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class? When picking for a dance class, always opt for variety. Check the structure of the program and see how long should a certain routine be taught. This way, the kid will be exposed to something new while ensuring that they are hooked on the classes.

Pre-school kids do well when their activities have a wide variety. However, this doesn’t mean there’s no consistency or structure. The teacher should be able to teach new things every week without supercharging the memory of the toddlers.

8. Kids love things that move fast

It’s already a fact we have to deal with that toddlers have poor focus. If things are moving fast, they are more hooked to it. This doesn’t apply to all kids, I must say, but generally, it does. Enroll them in a dance that keeps up with their inclination. If they want something that’s fast and engaging, hip-hop or jazz might catch their attention longer than any other classes.

Imagine your kid lifting his legs slowly during a ballet class. It’s a careful thing, but it will only take a few minutes before she gets bored and uncooperative. How can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class? Be meticulous with the choice of class even before you enroll the child.

In case the child wants slow dances but can’t pay attention, you’ll have to utilize other means of improving his attention span.

9. Make it look like playtime

Remember, your child is too young for ‘serious’ ballet or any type of dance. Subjecting the kid to pressure and strict routines isn’t the best way to introduce him to dancing. As much as possible, you may want it to feel like playtime, but with a little bit of structure. Most of the time, dance studios will know how to do it. They will usually start by letting the kids dance around freely with colorful cloths.

Learning that looks like playing is possible with the right approach. Add some music to it and you have an effective formula. One thing you can do to make it feel like playing is introducing it to your child as a happy activity. With the other kids present, it’s not easy to trick them to it.

10. Engage their imagination

Kids may have short attention spans, but there’s one way to keep them listening. Engaging them with their creativity and imagination is like putting fuel on a fire. Toddlers who are in a dance class will be asked to imagine themselves as the moon, a princess, a prince, or something else that the fancy about. With this, they will be more hooked with the idea of dancing and expressing their selves. How can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class? It only takes a little creativity.

You don’t actually have control over it, so it’s crucial that you find the right teacher. If you’re tasked to guide your kid at home for practice, come up with any imaginative things that you can ask them about. Toddler years are the phase of fairytales, monsters, and imaginary friends. Somehow, you can bank on those fantasies, but be careful not be very repetitive.

11. Maybe they’re hungry

So everything looks well that day until your child decided to be grumpy in the studio. Perform some mental check: is the drive going to the studio took a bit long? When is the last time the kid ate? There’s a chance that your kid is hungry that’s why he’s not paying attention to the teacher or throwing a tantrum when asked to do so.

How can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class? You can pull him out of the class for a quick snack. Be careful not to give him a very heavy meal or the kid may puke in the middle of dancing. If you can spare some sweets without compromising their diet, it will be an easy solution.

12. The reward system is a gold standard

If you’ve tried everything and your child still has a bad case of his own world, the reward system is your last bet. Get his favorite snack and make a deal that if he listens to the teacher, he will get it after the class. As far as I know, this trick rarely fails. You can also promise to drive him to an ice cream parlor or buy her favorite dress. You might run out of offerings in the coming days, so make sure that you devise another plan.

The only risk about this system is that your kid may attend classes just for the sake of the reward they will get in the end.

So how can I help my toddler to listen in a dancing class? Now, you have 12 tricks up your sleeves!

Dancing is a very beneficial activity for little kids. It helps improve their motor skills, coordination, speech, and most of all, self-confidence. This is the reason why parents are so obsessed with dance classes and how soon they can get their toddlers on the dance floor. Although each parent varies on the reason why they send their little ones on a studio, there’s an undeniable and mutual benefit to it. But before the benefits, there’s one question at the back of each guardian’s mind: how much is typically a dance class for toddlers?

Depending on the studio of your choice, dance classes can pretty be affordable. Of course, there are more expensive programs that are worth the bucks. But it’s important to understand that not all parents can shell out such a big extra from their pockets. So before you shy away from your prospective dance class, let’s do some math here including some factors that will affect the pricing.

General rates

Average dance classes cost about $40 to $160 a month depending on some factors we’re going to discuss later on. This fee may or may not cover other nominal charges including recitals, playbills, costumes, and registration. There could be dance packages in a studio where you can avail discounts or save some dollars if you enroll your kid on a longer program. Still, this will vary per studio. Imposing a specific pricing for a certain class is quite hard to do since every studio will have rates of its own.

So far, if you choose a medium-sized studio, the monthly fees shouldn’t be as big as $200 per month for a single class. This is in the case of traditional studios. If your child’s goal is to have dancing as a hobby, you can look for a class offered in gyms and local centers. So how much is typically a dance class for toddlers? It depends on this factor.

Per class vs. monthly fee

Dance class prices will usually come in two types: per class or monthly charge. Per class pricing is usually a choice of parents who don’t foresee their child to be committed long-term on a class. It could probably be during the summer when the kid is out of playschool or if there’s no certainty if the parent can sustain the program. This is also a low-risk option for parents worried about their kids dropping out of the class in the middle of the month.

Monthly fees, on the other hand, can be more affordable in the long run. It could be discounted compared to per class rates. Still, it depends on the discretion of the studio.

Both this method of payment has its pros and cons. Make sure that you know what you can afford before enrolling in any class.

Factors affecting the cost

Although general pricing will likely be the usual matrix followed by most studios, it’s important to remember some factors that may affect the cost of a dance class. So how much is typically a dance class for toddlers? Here are some that you’ll possibly encounter.

Frequency of lessons

The frequency of dance lessons for toddlers can vary from once a week or more. The number of classes per week or month will dictate the range of fees you will have to pay. If you’re availing a per class payment, you’ll surely have to shell out more if your child is attending multiple sessions a week. And since there are other factors that will also play a role in the pricing, the frequency of classes is only one of the possible determinant of the cost.

The good thing here is you can control the frequency of lessons your child may take, for per-class payment, at least. Most studios will allow you to tailor the program to suit your schedule and budget. Proper inquiry and negotiation will seal this deal.

Instructor rates

Two dance classes with the same duration and program can differ in prices depending on the instructor rates. Some dance teachers have degrees on dancing which will make their fees higher than those who don’t. Having a professional teacher is good for your child; however, you should be ready to pay more. If you don’t have the resources, looking for self-taught instructors will be more affordable for you.

Dance students who are looking to earn some money on the side would be excellent teachers too if your goal is for your child to have a hobby of dancing. Most likely, your toddler would only be a beginner and having a highly professional teacher won’t be needed right away. Private tutorials like this would allow you to work within a budget and find an instructor that can accommodate your pricing.  It’s one thing to consider if you’re thinking about how much is typically a dance class for toddlers.

Type of studio

This one is actually a no-brainer. If you choose an upscale and elite dance studio, the cost of lessons would definitely be higher. However, some expensive dance classes are worth the money if you want a well-structured program for your child. A more expensive dance studio will also have complete facilities to ensure your kid’s safety while attending the class.

But don’t underestimate the quality of more affordable studios. There are local centers and gyms that offer dance classes for a measly fee without sacrificing the learning process. Although the facilities could be a bit limited, your child will still learn some grooves without breaking the bank.

It’s important that you pay a visit to your prospective studios to see if it’s worth the money. If the facilities are dilapidated, don’t waste any moment and look for another one.

Type of program

Are you planning to enroll your little one on an exclusive class or a traditional one? An exclusive class where your child is assigned to a teacher will cost more, of course. However, this is in exchange for full attention and quality teaching. The only downside here is your toddler won’t have the chance to interact with other kids which is important in developing his social skills.

So how much is typically a dance class for toddlers usually? Traditional dance classes will cost you as little as $40 a month. This includes one or two lessons per week or more depending on the package you availed.

If the program will be long and highly structured, take note that even traditional studios can charge more. It’s just a matter of knowing what program you’re diving into. You wouldn’t want to be slapped with hefty fees in the end.

Dance style

The more common the dance style is, the cheaper the classes will be. Modern grooves like ballet, hip-hop, and jazz are very in demand, thus saving you lots of money from high competition and low costs. Also, there’s a chance that your toddler would be more interested in these modern dance types as they are exposed to upbeat music.

On the other hand, rare classes like rumba, cha-cha, ballroom, and African dance will likely cost more. These aren’t common for toddlers, even for grown-ups, and finding a quality teacher will force you to stretch your budget even more. Anyway, beginner classes for little kids would surely be more affordable if you’re keen to immerse your child in these types of dances.

To give you a contrast, hip-hop dances will cost around $10 per session while African dances can be as much as $25 for the same duration. This is how much is typically a dance class for toddlers.

Performances and recitals

Aside from the lesson proper, there would be “extra” fees that you’ll be subjected to. Included on this are recitals and performances where the parents have to contribute to the venue and costumes. There would also be playbills, posters, and promotions that might be added to the overall pricing. Although you wouldn’t have to pay for this right away, these are still expenses associated with your child’s classes.

It’s important that you assess if your child would want to have performances in the future. If not, then it will save you some money but your child will miss the chance to perform in a crowd and boost his self-confidence.

Take note that recitals will pressure your child at some point. If he’s not amenable to it, might as well look for a hobby program instead.

Costumes

So you were able to pay the monthly fee and register your child on a quality studio. But this isn’t the end of the story. You’ll have to buy dancing clothes including shoes, leggings, tutus, and more. Almost all types of modern dances have dedicated shoe types to ensure that your child’s foot will be far from injuries.

For example, a pair of ballet shoes will cost about $15 to $70 depending on the brand. Tap and jazz shoes tend to be more expensive due to the material used to it. It’s an addition to how much is typically a dance class for toddler.

Some programs with recitals will ask for another set of costumes for the performance. So aside from the upfront fees, these nominal charges will increase the overall cost of the dance program.

If the studio sells the clothes and shoes, you might save more money than purchasing it online.

Location of studio

One thing that directly impacts the cost of dance classes is the location of the studio. Cost of living and taxes are just some of the sub-factors here. Here’s the deal: a dance studio in Indiana would be cheaper than the one found in New Jersey. Salary rates per state and area are also affecting how much the studio will charge.

If you live in a large city and close to a studio, you’ll enjoy the benefit of competition, low prices, and cheaper fares. Meanwhile, studios located in remote towns might charge a higher fee due to its exclusivity on the place.

Large cities may offer both cheap and expensive studios. If you’re torn between the one found on an upscale downtown, you might want to consider another studio that’s far from the expensive center of town. That’s important when contemplating about how much is typically a dance class for toddlers.

Insurance

Like what dance studios say, “pirouettes can go pirou-wrong”. It’s best to choose a dance studio covered with an insurance so whatever happens to your kid, you can demand answers (financially and legally). Injuries can happen while on the dance floor or when kids go rogue at each other. Just remember that the studio might also incur some of these charges on the fees you’re going to pay.

Although insurance will take its toll on the cost, you’re assured that your kid is protected whatever happens. Of course, you can gamble with a studio that doesn’t have any insurance policy, but you’ll never know when accidents strike.

Unlike other factors, you don’t have any control over insurance. If the studio is cover by it, you can’t ask that the portion be removed from the fees. After all, it’s like waving their liability to your child’s safety.

How to get the best price

How much is typically a dance class for toddlers? Dance classes have varying prices. If this is your first time to inquire about dance studios, you can do two things to get the best cost.

Compare prices

A smart parent will always compare prices – from a box of cereal up to various dance studios. Through this, you’ll have a bigger picture of the cost vis-a-vis the offered program. Cheap classes are tempting to grab, but check if the coverage is worth the savings. If it won’t teach your kid well, investing more should be an option. Always stick to quality than quantity. Don’t settle on the first studio you get to see.

Check dance packages

Like what I said earlier, dance class packages would likely be cheaper if you look at the bigger picture. The good thing about packages is they offer a whole dance experience instead of paying per class and per equipment that your child will use.

So how much is typically a dance class for toddlers? Go check out your local studio!

Dance classes are proven to be beneficial for toddlers. It’s also a win-win situation for parents who want to buy some time for work or doing house chores. But the question is this: is your child ready? Knowing when to start dance lessons for toddlers is where most parents struggle to decide. Toddlers are balls of energy and they are easily hooked to music and dance. However, this very same thing can be a problem. Too much adrenaline can send a kid running like mad across the studio which won’t just affect his learning, but also test the patience of the teacher.

It’s not actually difficult to tell if you have a dancing superstar at home. Just play a groovy song and watch as that little body burst into random dance steps. But there are also kids who are not having it. Parents shouldn’t force a child to join a class if he’s not physically, mentally, and emotionally ready.

So to guide you whether it’s the right time or not, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Will my child enjoy it?

Like what I said earlier, it’s not hard to know if your kid is a natural dancer. If he or she enjoys showing the twirls and spins in front of relatives and visitors, it might be the right time to enroll in a dance class. A dance program for toddlers is an excellent way to channel the energy of your child while he or she exercises.

But if your kid is a bit grumpy at the time, you may want to wait for a few months. You can use this time to introduce him to the idea of dancing and how fun it could be. Again, don’t force the kid if he’s not into it yet. Knowing when to start dance lessons for toddlers is a matter of conditioning the kid.

2. How’s my kid’s attention span?

Can your kid listen for at least five minutes at a time? Most dance classes for kids will have the teacher instructing in intervals. If your child’s attention span is still short, you may want to wait until he or she is a bit older. You can also train the child to follow instructions by asking him to fetch some things from the other table or to collect his toys.

Lack of attention is normal for toddlers. They have so much energy that it eats up so much of their focus. This will likely tone done as they grow old or while you train them at home.

If you’re not sure, take your child to a dance class studio and allow them to observe. If they seem to follow, you can enroll him or her.

3. Is my child aloof of other people/kids?

Not all kids are outgoing and love social interaction. Some toddlers are shy and will stick like glue to their parents. Knowing when to start dance lessons for toddlers gets tricky on this part. This can be both a sign that you should enroll the kid or just wait for a while. Dance class is intended to boost the communication and self-confidence of a child. If you introduce it slowly, there’s a chance that the kid will love it and fight his shyness.

In case conditioning your child doesn’t work, you should start introducing him to other kids. Let him play with other children during a family gathering or let him meet other adults. Chances are your child has trust issues with other people. Somehow, this is normal and will go away after several interactions.

4. Will it be beneficial for his age?

The toddler age is a crucial phase of developing the body and character of a child. They absorb what’s around them, and if you immerse the kid in a learning environment, he or she will benefit. Dancing will improve his coordination, motor skills, speech, social skills, and self-expression. It will take a few tantrum sessions at the start, but this phase should send as the class progresses. So if you’re wondering when to start dance lessons for toddlers, a younger age will be best.

Some parents prefer to start their kids at a very young age, sometimes at a very infant stage of 18 months. As much as you want to do the same, check if the studio you choose is accepting such age. There are programs dedicated to toddlers of specific age brackets.

5. Is the dance style suited for him?

There are tons of dance class styles offered for toddlers. Some of the most popular options are ballet, hip-hop, tap dance, jazz, and creative dance. Each of these dance types will suit kids of varying personalities. Those who are highly energetic will love hip-hop and creative dance. Meanwhile, kids (or at least their parents) who want traditional dances will thrive in ballet, tap dance, and jazz. Besides, these traditional options are appealing to the kids because of the colorful and unique costumes.

It’s important that the dance is something your child loves to do. Ask him about his wants. If you’re not sure, play various songs from these genres and see where he or she grooves the most.

6. Does my kid experience separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is one of the dilemmas of parents, may it be for school, dance classes, or just leaving the house. It’s one of the hindrances when to start dance lessons for toddlers. If your kid keeps on throwing a crying fest, it might be hard to introduce him or her to a dance class, unless you’re open to the idea of the Mommy and Me program. This dance program requires the parent or guardian to join the dancing lessons. It helps the kids adjust to the new environment with their parent on the side.

Most of the time, separation anxiety is a phase. Me, for one, has experienced the same thing when I was in grade school. It went away after a few weeks. As a parent, you just have to be patient.

7. Is he easily irritated?

Is your child a grumpy baby? Kids come in different shapes and sizes and one thing I’ve learned is that not all toddlers will love the presence of other kids. There would be cute shoving that will happen until someone’s crying because your child sent a fist right into the other kid’s face. Depending on the situation, kids normally lose their temper. But if your kid has a notorious history, you may want to wait a bit until they outgrow it. It’s also your task as a parent to correct any harsh behavior that may continue in the future.

If you’re keen on enrolling him or her in a dance class to improve his part of the child’s personality, you should look for a patient teacher.

8. Will my child thrive in such an environment?

One thing that you should check before considering a dance class is the environment of the studio. Assess if it will suit your child’s learning. Too much competition on the kids and parents isn’t a good sign. Your little one might be bullied or subjected to too much stress if you proceed. Even after you know when to start dance lessons for toddlers, you have to watch out for this.

Also, dance class varies in size. Some kids do well in a large class where they make friends and show their skills. Meanwhile, there are also toddlers who are quite shy and prefer a smaller group. You can use this personality as your guide on deciding whether it’s time to enroll your child in a dance class. Who knows, it only needs a little push to unleash the bubbliness on your toddler.

9. Does my child spend more time on gadgets?

If you observe that your child can’t let a day pass without spending a few hours on gadgets, you should consider enrolling him or her now. Excessive gadget use can delay speech, induce focal seizures, and cause aggressive behavior. Slowly limit their time on these digital gadgets while introducing the physical activity of dance. This can be a pain to do, to be honest. But you have to act to prevent any harm that lack of physical activity can bring.

Remember, the toddler years are crucial growth years. It should be filled with enjoyable activity that helps kids learn new things. They have a lot of grownup years to spend on smartphones and computers. Let them jump, twirl, and swing for now.

10. Is my child thrilled about performing?

Is your child a natural performer? If he or she is a staple of dancing stints during family gatherings, you no longer have to wonder when to start dance lessons for toddlers. This is your chance to improve his interest, and who knows, it might be his profession in the future. Most dance classes have recitals and performances at the end of the program. Your child will have better self-esteem and showmanship if he’s part of the show.

Again, not all kids will be fond of this. But this shouldn’t stop you from enrolling him or her on a dance class. You can pick one that doesn’t have any recitals. Studios offer programs like this as a hobby or a beginner class for toddlers who are just starting in the world of dancing.

11. Will the classes exhaust him too much?

Kids with a special health condition can still join a dance class. If your child happens to be one, think carefully if it will be too exhausting for him. Most of the time, doctors will give you clearance and advice about this. Children who have asthma may seem to be vulnerable for dance classes, but it can also help their lungs given the right style.

Considering the energy level of your child is important especially if he or she is attending playschool as well. The little one might be too tired for any of the classes. Make sure that their little bodies can handle it.

If your goal is to keep them active and “knocked out” for bedtime, a dance class will do you a big favor. It when to start dance lessons for toddlers while keeping the kids busy.

12. Can I afford it now?

So after considering your child’s welfare, there are some questions you should answer for yourself. Can you afford the classes and the additional expenses along the way? Some parents jokingly describe it as “needing to sell a kidney just to get a pair of tap shoes and a dress”. You can prevent that situation by sticking to affordable studios, but it’s undeniable that it’s going to be additional expenses.

Can you shell out about $40-$120 a month plus extras? If so, you can enroll your kid in the class that suits him or her. Dance classes offered at local centers and gyms will be great options too, not to mention the cheaper cost. Just make sure that the facilities are safe and conducive to dancing.

13. Can I commit to it?

Knowing when to start dance lessons for toddlers includes your commitment. As the parent, you also have the willingness to check your child’s progress. You simply don’t send a kid to the studio then end of the story. It’s your job to talk with the teachers and check how your child is doing.

Toddlers will also need guidance while in the class. It can be you or another guardian that can look after the little kid. But as an advice, I think the kids will love it if one of the parents is around. Besides, this is your way of monitoring how they interact, right?

14. Am I patient enough?

Dancing isn’t always full of pixie dust and magic. It’s also a series of tantrums, crying, and a bad mood. At some point, your child won’t be in the mood to participate and you’ll be left trying to pep talk him back to the dance floor. During this point, don’t drag or force the kid back to the studio. Kneel and talk to him calmly on eye level.

This is just one of the struggles to have to put up with. Ask yourself if you have enough patience to get through the rough times.

Have you figured out when to start dance lessons for toddlers? Let us know!

Are you ready to accept the fact that your baby is finally reaching out into the world? This may be the time that your toddler is off to a new adventure through dance. Do you remember any dance lesson you had as a kid? You mom or dad most likely made everything look like it was easy. However, preparation for this new activity for your child requires organization and preparation beforehand. Let us help you deal with dance lesson morning preparations for toddlers to make everything go smoothly.

What are the best morning preparations for you?

There is nothing that can prepare you for the world but just having enough patience and sleep. Also, as a parent, I strongly urge you to have some coffee before starting out your day. That’s all: patience, enough sleep, and good coffee, can go a long way when you’re a parent.

What are the best dance lesson morning preparations for toddlers?

Just like any extra-curricular event, your kid needs to prepare. Most of the time, if not always, they will have to deal with other children too. We don’t want to cause feuds or issues during the time they are out of sight.

1. Let Them Get Enough Sleep

Sleeping is not just for adults. Every parent knows that. Toddler need to have the proper rest and brain focus so they can learn from their dance classes well. When your kid is well-rested they can focus their attention towards their dance class. Having enough sleep also helps your toddler any potential injuries while dancing. Kids who get fewer rest and sleep at night tend to be clumsier and uncoordinated. Let your toddler get at least 10 -12 hours of sleep every night. This should also be done even on regular school nights.

2. Know The Schedule Well

When your child involves himself in another activity, you are too. Make sure that you have confirmed the dance lesson and call time hours. Call times during rehearsals are different from rehearsal hours. Children will undergo disciplinary training in dancing lessons. Part of this form of discipline is to arrive on or before the call time. They should be good to go when rehearsal hours arrive.

One way to adapt to this is having a pre-planned driving route in the morning so you will not lose your way. Also, you can also set other activities for yourself. You can set these hours as your yoga or gym time. Nap or TV time at home wouldn’t hurt either.

3. Proper Diet

Aside from getting enough sleep, proper diet will be a part of your dance lesson morning preparations. A proper diet for your toddler consists of decent amounts of protein, fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, and potassium. However, you may not want to fill them up fully before a full dance class. A light snack with small proportions of these foods would be better. They can have slices of bacon, bread and egg, then a fruit after. This will help them have some energy during rehearsals.

Let them bring a tumbler of water during dance classes too. They may opt to have some light snacks during breaks. They can have crackers or a fruit, as long as it is light.

Afterward, let them hydrate well and have enough potassium, protein, and fruits, too. Protein helps their muscles. Also, potassium helps in cramping and muscle soreness. Avoid fast food, sweets and sodas during dance lessons and in general, too.

4. Wear Proper Clothing

Dancing requires your toddler to move freely and confidently. There are different outfits depending on what your child might need. Here are some ballet outfits for girls or other boy dancewear if you have a little boy around.

Moreover, you child should also wear the required shoes. These dances are most of the time performed well with specific shoes in mind. Ballet cannot be performed without ballet shoes. Also, tap dancing and jazz dancing will not be performed properly without their respective shoes.

5. Always Bring Extra Clothes and Emergency Kit

Besides wearing the right kind of clothing, keep in mind during the rehearsal that they will be sweating and rolling all over the place. They cannot go home staying in their messy clothes. Always carry with you and extra set of clothing. These can depend on where you’re going next. Bring home clothes if you’re going home or bring outdoor clothes if you’re planning to eat out afterwards.

In addition to this, insert an emergency kit in your toddler’s bag. This should be strictly a part of your dance lesson morning preparations. An emergency kit consists of the exact set out outfit (not identical is okay) your toddler is wearing. Also, in it should be a small towel, soap, underwear, socks and the back-up dance outfit. Oftentimes, kids have emergencies that we need to attend to. We should always prepare in case that happens.

6. Hair Grooming

Dancing involves a lot of physical movement. You do not want your child to distract other kids with distracting hair placement. Be considerate of the other toddlers and keep your child’s hair neat and tidy. For toddlers in ballet classes, a bun with a hair net is advisable. For those in other dance classes, they may have the bun too. On the other hand, they may choose to wear a high ponytail, pigtails or braids. Girls are advised to wear hair bands if they have bangs.

For boys, it is encouraged if they have a clean cut. If they prefer to wear their hair long, a ponytail during the dance lesson would suffice.

7. Positive Pep Talk

Before sending out your kid to the dance lesson, give him or her brief pep talk. They are not performing in Broadway or a world-class stage yet. Remind them to do their best but still enjoy the activity. Do not pressure them to perfect or memorize steps immediately. Dancing is meant to be learned gradually and not in a snap of a finger. Always encourage them to stay positive.

These are just some of the dance lesson morning preparations you can do to have a smooth sailing day. We are hoping that these tips will help you early in the day. Is there anything else that you do before sending your toddler out to his or her dance lesson? Share it with us in the comments section below!