Category: Dance Types

The moment you thought about enrolling your toddler in a dance class, the first thing you consider is the type of dance.

Dance Class Tips Others

12 Things To Expect On A Dance Recital For Toddlers [A Parent’s Guide]

Post author By admin
Post date August 20, 2018
No Comments on 12 Things To Expect On A Dance Recital For Toddlers [A Parent’s Guide]

A dance class for kids is full of imaginary pixie dust and glitz until you’re faced with the task of preparing for the recital. A weekend recital is when parents bring their best cameras on and take endless snaps of their grooving kid. On the other hand, it can also be stressful with agitated kids and the worry that the performance might not turn out as rehearsed. Knowing what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers will prepare you for the possible scenarios, both the touching and ugly ones.

The first thing you need to know is it could be a very busy time. A few days leading to the performance is dotted with rehearsals, both at home and in the studio, as well as tireless clothes fitting courtesy of your excited kid.

So what should you be bracing for? Here are 12 of the usual things that happen during a recital:

1. Crying, and lots of crying

As much as it’s an exciting day for some kids, stage fright and pressure can cause a crying fest. You should have lots of tricks on your sleeves during this day to perk up your kid and have him or her grooving onstage. The last thing you should do is give the child the “stare” or shout because it’s getting into your nerves.

Be patient and accept the fact that it’s all part of it. If this is the first time of your toddler to perform, he or she might have an episode of separation anxiety backstage. Usually, teachers will allow the parents to guide their little ones backstage before the show starts.

Not just that. Crying can also happen during the show. This is the biggest thing you should prepare for. You might end up dancing along just to encourage the kid to finish the performance. This is just the start of what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers

2. It’s gonna be long

Depending on the size of the studio, dance recitals won’t just include the class where your child belongs. It will likely include all the classes. That means you have to endure an excruciating four-hour show with song medleys from the latest Disney movies. You love it or you hate it, but you can’t leave the show just yet after your child finished performing. Some studios impose a rule that parents stay until the entire recital is over. If that’s not enough to bore you, watch out for an encore.

This is just a small sacrifice for your kid. Also, fellow parents and teachers expect that the guardians will cooperate. You wouldn’t want to leave an ugly mark, right? You have to bring a lot of patience to last the whole show. Pack your phones with lots of games or anything that will keep you occupied.

3. You’re in constant worry of your child falling

So the little toddlers are grooving on the stage when your kid suddenly walked too close to the ledge. Your heart will jump in every leap he or she does and prays that a bad fall won’t be the highlight of the show. The good thing here is that some studios request the parents to be onstage too so they can guide their kids and prevent accidents. This is an awesome way of ensuring safety, but if you’re not much of a dancer or a stage mom/dad, you have to brace yourself. You should know what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers.

Whatever happens, don’t be the bitch parent that will make a scene. Suck the shame of dancing in front of other parents. It’s just a little sacrifice you can do for your kid to make him or her feel loved. Doing so might even strengthen your bond with each other.

4. There would be injuries

Scraped knees are common in dance classes and even recitals. A sudden fall can hurt the little knee of your tiny dancer so make sure that you’re ready. Bring some cute band-aids, preferably those with fun designs and colors. Your kid will love it and it will probably stop him or her from crying. Also, carry lots of tissues all the time. Sweat, tears, runny nose, faded make-up, and stains will need your fixing.

In case of cuts, opt for bigger adhesive bandages. But watch out if the injury is quite serious. It might be sad for the kid to pull him or her out of the recital, but it’s better than making the situation worse. Anyway, it’s rare for toddler classes to end up with broken bones unless you enrolled him in a competitive hip-hop class.

5. Hunger strikes hard

One of the biggest enemies of recitals is hunger. It can turn a happy kid into a grumpy, tantrum-filled being. And for a big show like that, you want to do everything in your power to put your kid in a good mood. Pack up with easy-to-eat but filling snacks like sandwiches and water. An hour of rehearsals before the show can feel very long for your child so make sure that you have enough food to keep them energized. Also, you may consider giving in to some of their guilty pleasures like that chocolate bar or a bag of Doritos. You’ll never know, but what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers can go really crazy. But avoid snacks that will piss their stomachs and cause puking onstage.

As much as possible, avoid foods that stain like soda or fruit juice. The last thing you want is a messed up costume with an orange spill in front. Pack each serving with a Ziploc bag so you can retrieve and store it in the run.

6. Prepare some extras

Bring extras: leggings, leotard, dress, elastics, comb, and so on. Little kids can become inevitable. You leave for a moment and you’ll come back with a spilled juice on the pink tutu. Also, leggings may have runs so make sure that you bring another pair together with a small bottle of transparent nail polish. If ever the last pair got runs, cure it with a little nail polish. Also, double on accessories so if ever one got misplaced; you have another one to save the day.

Aside from making sure that your kid is prepared, having some extra might also save a parent from losing his or her mind. Also, bring a stain remover pen. It will save your day more than you imagined it will.

As a parent, I’m sure that you’re used to putting out some extra in terms of finances, patience, effort, and love. This part of what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers wouldn’t be that hard for you, at least, in my opinion.

7. Watch out for itchy costumes

Aren’t the costumes pretty? Sure, it is. But it can also be itchy. It can cause discomfort that will send the kid grumpy and pulling the piece of clothing off. Make sure that the sequins and rough materials aren’t touching the child’s skin. Since you’re probably going to handle multiple costumes, make sure that each one has a layer of comfy fabric inside, say cotton or polyester. The same goes for the shoes. Make sure that before bringing the costumes home, you let the kid try it first.

Before the recital, stop your kid from fitting at home. This will keep the excitement going so he or she is keener than ever to dance in the recital. Kids can become shy when asked to strip off for a quick costume change. Make sure that you make him or her wear nude leotards.

Also, I suggest that you get an accessory box where you can stash everything from elastics to necklaces.

8. Practice hair and makeup

You don’t go to a fight unprepared. Make sure that before the recital, you have practiced the makeup and hairdressing on your kid, especially if it’s a girl. This will save you from frantic styling that will either make your kid look like a drag queen or a child from Les Misérables.

Practice how to use bobby pins to come with a long-lasting bun hold. You should also be armed with hair sprays to tame flyaways and cowlicks. Knowing what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers should push you to have a game plan for the look of your kid. Most likely, you can style the kid at home and bring him or her to the recital venue with the costumes in tow. You can do that if there’s no last rehearsal that will take place.

If you don’t have the skills, you might as well ask somebody else to style your kid.

9. The recital isn’t free

As far as we’re concerned, recitals are never free. Even if you get the tickets for free, you still have to spend on costumes and shoes that although little in size will cost as much as $75 a pair. Some studios will charge a recital fee to parents aside from playbills, venue, and posters if there are any. If you’re planning to bring the whole clan to the show, you’ll spend more on additional tickets.

Even before you enrolled your child in the class, you should have projected these charges. You have plenty of time to save some cash to pull off a nice dress and other stuff during that day. That’s just one of the sacrifices you have to do if you’re bent to see your kid on the stage. Besides, it’s worth all the hassle. By knowing what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers, you can prepare ahead.

10. You got to bring a gift

Gifts and any tokens are traditions in every recital. It’s an offering to the dancers who just finished their performance. If you don’t have time and enough ideas as to what you’ll get from the store, stick to a nice bouquet of flowers. But in case your little one isn’t fond it, a nice plushy toy would nail the job. You can always pre-order this stuff or grab them the next time you go out for groceries.

Although this isn’t a requirement, if you can, get some gifts for the dance classmates of your child. It’s a kind gesture for the kid and their parents. Also, it’s your way of saying that you appreciate the time you spent with them and the friendship your child has built while on the studio.

Don’ forget to give the dance instructors flowers too. It’s the least you can do for all the patience they exhibited all throughout the program. They are the ones who established what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers.

11. You won’t fight the urge to take photos

From leaving the house up to the end of the recital, you won’t fight the urge to take photos. The little kid who used to cry on the first day of the class is now clad in a nice leotard ready to dance onstage. Make sure that you have enough space for the photos and a nice camera to capture the moments. As a proud parent, you’ll take videos and snaps of the dress rehearsal. You might even film the entire performance. Don’t worry, it’s completely fine.

If you don’t want to waste the time watching the performance on your camera, tag someone else to take photos of your child. That way, you can enjoy the show and be in full support.

12. You will be teary-eyed, if not bawling

So here’s the honest part. You will cry, okay, teary-eyed if you insist. No matter how out of sync your kid is onstage, there’s a part of your heart that will melt. It’s a proud moment for all the parents in the venue. Seeing the progress of your toddler from day one up to the recital is the culmination of all the efforts and sacrifices. I told you, bring lots of tissue all the time.

Knowing what to expect in a dance recital for toddlers and preparing will keep your sanity during that day.

Is A Jazz Dance Class Best For My Toddler?

Post author By admin
Post date August 10, 2018
No Comments on Is A Jazz Dance Class Best For My Toddler?

The moment you thought about enrolling your toddler in a dance class, the first thing you consider is the type of dance. There’s ballet, hip-hop, creative, and jazz dance. It’s important that whatever you choose, it’s within your child’s best interest and abilities. There’s no point in sending your kid on a ballet class if he or she loves hip-hop or jazz. On the same note, you can’t help but ask, is a jazz dance class best for my toddler?

Jazz is the modern version of the ballet. It’s the product of different dance influences that started in the early 1900s. Although jazz can be a classical dance, contemporary takes on this make it appealing even for the younger generations. It uses upbeat songs that will surely engage the attention of your little one. A jazz dance class is filled with leaps, kicks, sideways, shuffling, and shoulder rolling. It’s an excellent choice to channel all the energy of your toddler toward a fun activity.

But knowing whether it suits your child can be tricky. Here, I’ve listed some points why jazz can be the best choice for your child together with some caveats:

How does jazz dance benefit my child?

Like any other dance classes, jazz has its own share of benefits to give to your child. While there are similarities, there’s something unique about jazz that you may love:

Coordination of movement

Unlike ballet where the child gets to move slowly, jazz has a faster pace with movements from the lower and upper body. While the feet shuffle, the arms are doing some hand kicks at the same time. This improves your child’s movement coordination and balance. Agility is another thing here since jazz is an upbeat dance and keeping up with the music is one of the thrills. So is a jazz dance class best for my toddler? It might be.

Coordination would surely be awkward at first, but this is exactly the point why you would prefer jazz. It will help your toddler overcome that lack of coordination. Soon enough, you’ll notice the change in their everyday movement like walking or performing some home tasks.

Don’t worry; jazz classes for toddlers are a bit toned down than what you actually think. The steps are made simpler and the teacher would surely slow down. Besides, your kid is just starting out.

Mimics some sporty moves

A lot of kids aren’t into sports. I, for one, suck at every sport I tried when I was a little kid. If you want to make your child physically active without forcing him or her to do any sport, you can use jazz dance as an alternative. There are jazz steps that mimic some steps in sports including hand kicks and footwork. With that, your child will benefit without experiencing the pressure of playing a game.

However, this doesn’t mean you’re going to send the toddler to daily classes. Make sure that you find a studio that schedules the sessions in between days to avoid exhausting the child. This will keep his or her interest in the routine while keeping him or her excited for the class.

Is a jazz dance class best for my toddler? Jazz is an excellent option to stay away from competition between parents and other kids. Still, it’s important to choose the right studio to avoid this from happening.

Allows music appreciation

If there’s one component of a jazz class that stands out the most, it would be the music. The structure of jazz music is complex, upbeat, and rich. Introducing your child into this genre will help other areas of learning including speech and reading.

A lot of studies have proven that listening to classical music benefits the brain of young kids. However, it’s not only just about the type of music. It’s more of the instruments used and the beat of the song that will impact the child even more. Nowadays, the market is flooded with peppy songs with fake instrument sounds and poorly recorded audio just because it would be used for kids.

Again, this part will also depend on the preference of your child. But as far as I know, toddlers are like sponges. They absorb what they are exposed to. If you start them early with jazz, they are surely going to love it.

Room for improvisation

For the most part, jazz is loved by many due to the improvisation freedom it gives. The same thing goes for dancing classes. So is a jazz dance class best for my toddler? Well, it will allow your child to use his or her imagination and creativity to express him or herself. Jazz have very unique techniques from other typical dances. It’s focused on space, time, and rhythm that even three-year-olds are going to pick up.

I know this sounds too “grownup”. But once you set foot on the studio and see your little one grooving, you’ll know what I mean. Some teachers will allow the children to warm up on the dance style by letting them show their own moves without restriction.

Jazz dance is a good way to see the potential in your child for future dance classes. It can also be a springboard to other technical classes or professional ones in the coming years.

Best cardio routine

To be honest, making toddlers break a sweat isn’t really hard. They keep on jumping and running around the house. But this activity doesn’t offer any benefit aside from making them tired at the end of the day. Like what I said earlier, jazz is an upbeat dance. It’s a good form of exercise for kids without them knowing it. The best part is they get to have fun while pumping up some cardio on the side.

Jazz takes effort due to its aerobic nature. Aside from getting their heart rate up, it will boost their physical stamina, bone strength, and stability. There will no longer be any forcing to take a jog in the morning.

Is a jazz dance class best for my toddler? Enrolling your child in a dance class is an excellent way to distract him or her from spending endless hours on mobile gadgets. Kids tend to have strong attachments to their routines. After the dance class, they would likely keep twirling and shuffling around the house.

Memory boost

Step sequences, timing, and movement use more than one area of the brain. The more that this is exercised and performed, the more that your child’s memory is improving. This is more effective and enjoying to do than forcing them to answer puzzles or to spend time on the mobile phone watching Peppa Pig in different languages.

Dancing jazz will also enhance their concentration. Some kids tend to challenge themselves by nailing a certain move. Also, classes like this will help your child reduce stress from playschool. It’s an excellent way to expose them to more environments while they are young. So aside from making them smart, it jazz will also enhance their social skills.

Social intelligence is a crucial form of knowledge that your child can develop. They will be using it a lot as they grow up and meet new people.

Why not other dances?

Of course, all dances are great for kids. But it depends on their abilities and inclination. You simply can’t expect an energetic toddler to thrive in a much-disciplined ballet class. More likely, you’ll enroll him or her in hip-hop or jazz. Is a jazz dance class best for my toddler? The point here is you have the freedom to choose the dance that you want for your kid.

Still, you can encourage them to be interested in jazz (just in case you’re really bent about it). Pick a jazz music they can relate to, but don’t be too classical. The catchier the sound is the better. But if they want you to turn it off, just do so. You may not succeed at first, but you can always try with another song in the next days.

Also, don’t overexplain the thing to your kid. Toddlers have short attention spans and if you keep bugging them about the dance, they might loathe the activity.

What age is the best time for jazz?

If there are rugby classes for three-year-olds, I can say that starting your kid on jazz isn’t really restricted on his or her age. As long as he or she can stand and follow some instructions, you can bet on a studio near you. Just take note that every dance class will have an age requirement, but I’m sure you can find one that accommodates toddlers and babies.

Aside from the age, knowing when to start your kid on such a dance will depend on his or her personality. There are kids that can focus even at a young age while there are some who can’t. It’s a matter of finding out how well your kid can respond to instructions and stay in the mood while on the class. So is a jazz dance class best for my toddler? Wait, it’s also about you.

Figuring out the right timing for jazz class also boils down to your availability as a parent. If you’re a working parent, you’ll likely prefer classes during your rest days. If there’s a younger baby in the house, you may want to wait until that little one grows a little more before sending the other to the studio.

How is the progression of this dance?

Regardless if you take jazz dance classes as a leisure or competitive activity for your child, it’s a good way to prep him or her for more dances in the future. Jazz dance for toddlers will be instructed to kids as an individual. But as they grow up and master the basics, they will be paired with other children. Recitals and examinations may also take place depending on the class you chose. This part can both be advantageous and disadvantageous for your toddler. Always decide with them in mind.

Remember that jazz classes don’t end in the studio. Teachers expect the kids to practice at home so they can catch up on the next session. As a parent, it’s your job to take over as the instructor and monitor your child. It’s all part of the jazz progression since the step sequences can become pretty complex in the future. At some point, getting your child to practice at home can be a pain in the presence of distractions – TV, gadgets, and more.

How long would a class last?

The duration of a jazz class will vary per studio and program. For toddlers, it’s unlikely that it will stretch for more than one hour per session. As much as possible, teachers would like to keep it brief to preserve the enthusiasm of the child. For beginner classes, it’s usually 30-minute long and could be extended up to a full hour as the program progresses. So is a jazz dance class best for my toddler? In such a short class, I think it would be excellent.

Aside from the time in the studio, the dance instructor would also recommend that your child practices at home for 30 minutes every day.

If you’re thinking about how long it would be for your child to learn jazz, it would be a case to case basis. Some kids learn fast while others tend to warm up a little longer.

Is it affordable?

A lot of parents base their choice of dance on the pricing. It’s totally okay, and if you’re wondering how much jazz dance classes will cost, it might be around $75 to $125 per month. Prices will vary depending on the type of studio, location, and type of program.

Aside from this upfront fee, you’ll also have to spend on dance clothes and shoes. Leotards can cost as much as $50 while jazz shoes can be more expensive at $95. Take note: all dances will require a specific set of attire. Buying dance clothes online can be pricier than getting it from a local shop. Also, you may want to ask if the studio sells the clothes.

After reading this, ask yourself again: is a jazz dance class best for my toddler?

Dance Class Tips Hip-hop Types of Dance

Hip Hop Class For Toddlers, Enrol Him Today!

Post author By admin
Post date July 22, 2018
No Comments on Hip Hop Class For Toddlers, Enrol Him Today!

Have you ever wanted to enroll your son in extra-curricular activities but can’t find the perfect one? Did you get him a guitar before his guitar lessons? Did that guitar end up in storage? How about piano lessons? Did he lose patience after just a few classes? Sometimes, it can be a little frustrating to find the perfect activity for our children. Hang in there, momma. Have you ever considered hip hop class for toddlers?

Some children just have so much energy in them that other activities would not suffice. Some activities are meant for them to adapt in. However, there are other activities where they would thrive if they personally want that. Before introducing your young son to sports, there are other avenues to explore.

Why hip hop class for toddlers?

Dance is the most common of these. Dancing is for everybody – especially for children who have lots of energy in them. There are different kinds of dances but most of them are too technical for our young ones. Hip hop, on the other hand, allows your kid to improvise and get creative in the dance floor. Hip-hop requires a lot of wide range movements. Your son will not think that he is educating himself with a new dance form but may consider this as a form of play. You may not know it yet but these are a variety of reasons why you should enroll your son in a hip hop class for toddlers.

Regular Physical Activity

It is our children’s generation that grew up into the digital age without having to experience what we had back then. No biking around the village or playing baseball in the park. Physical activity is limited. Also, it is a chore for them to do it.

In a hip hop class for toddlers; your son will expose himself to a physical activity that he enjoys. A hip hop class usually runs for an hour. Your son will practice to 60 minutes of cardio. This will highly benefit his heart and lungs. Hip hop dancing will make his muscles, his body, and his upper and lower limbs stronger and more flexible. Get ready because you might want to enroll in one too.

Physical exercise can be a burden to some who were not exposed to it early on. When your son learns the value of physical activity at a young age, there is a huge chance he will carry this when he gets older. We know we want our babies healthy even if they’re not so young anymore!

Better Socialization Skills

When your son’s best friend is his iPad you might want to reconsider his free time activities. Enrolling him in a hip hop class for toddlers will give him a chance to interact with kids like him. At an early age, he will learn how to be more attuned to the feelings of others. He will also learn how to be more compassionate towards his peers.

During hip hop performances, he will learn how to cheer on for other kids. There are lots of activities that highlight competition and winning. On the other hand, hip hop dancing will encourage him to get creative with his friends and explore new dance steps.

Your son will become a part of different social circles when he grows up. There will be his colleagues, college friends, high school friends, or other professionals. It is crucial that he knows how to move around in these circles and socialize well.

Goal Setting

Hip hop class for toddlers is not just all fun and games. It is common that the whole class will have a culminating activity showcasing what they have learned from the class.

If your son enters as a beginner, he will work his way up in order for him to dance like his instructors. Every day that he sees more advanced steps, he will be motivated to practice more. Choreography not only entails his physical skills but will also require him to stay focus during the lessons.

Creative Space

In the present state of our society, art and creativity takes a step back to make room for commerce, the sciences and the likes. However, everybody has a creative side. Kids especially need to have an outlet where they can express themselves and get creative.

In hip hop classes, your son will have a safe, creative space where he will be able to take his mind off of school and worrying about getting perfect grades. He can dance and use his imagination without worrying if it fits the conventional.

During hip hop class, he will have a chance to be experimental through dance. He has a chance to break molds and conquer barriers. When children do not have a limit to what they can do, it opens up a lot of opportunities for them when they grow up.

Culturally Diverse

Hip hop dancing has been on the rise in the 70s and it is only getting more popular. Even street wear has been going into huge fashion houses. Hip-hop dances became popular in the streets but it was developed by classically trained dances who want to break conventions.

If your son is exposed to this level of creativity, he will discover its origins such as African dances, funk, and jazz dancing. He can even get inventive through free styling. By default, you will also get to see him break, pop and lock!

If your son is introduced to this dance with culturally diverse origins, he will learn to respect other people’s cultures. Discovering and respecting other’s people’s cultures is crucial in growing up as a civil person. He will learn to respect differences and celebrate them, as well.

Ready to take on hip hop?

Are you ready to take on the challenge and set your son to hip hop class for toddlers? If so, worry no more because there are more benefits for his well-being that will follow through later. Do you know to to prepare in the mornings to maximize these benefits? For now, you can put that guitar and piano you have in storage. Let him sweat it out first through hip hop. Make sure his outfits give a mad representation of the 90s!

Dance Types Mommy and Me

Mommy And Me Dance Class: Should You Enrol Your Child Into It?

Post author By admin
Post date July 5, 2018
No Comments on Mommy And Me Dance Class: Should You Enrol Your Child Into It?

Is your toddler experiencing separation anxiety? If so, this will probably turn dance class sessions into a fit of crying and tantrums. This is the reason why the mommy and me dance class is offered in different studios and companies. It allows the child to learn and interact with other people together with a guardian. Being called mommy and me, this doesn’t mean that only moms can join their little ones. Even dads and official guardians can groove with the toddlers.

A mommy and me dance session is usually a ballet-based routine where kids up to the age of four can join. It’s used as an introductory class for toddlers so they can adjust and improve their motor skills before joining a bigger dance class. A mommy and me class is also a great way for teachers to build the trust between their young students. And as the little movers got used to the setup, they can now join other classes without a guardian.

So what exactly is a Mommy and Me Dance Class?

A Mommy and Me dance class is where a parent or guardian joins a child in his or her dance lessons. Take note that not every dance class can be a mommy and me type. Studios offer a separate session for this where the adult will also dress up for the class. Since this is usually a ballet class, guardians may also be required to wear leotards, tights, tutus, tap shoes, leggings, and the likes. This depends on the requirements the studio imposes.

It’s important to remember that this isn’t just an observation interaction. Guardians are expected to dance along and be part of the program. Although not all parents are willing to take this extra mile, doing so will bring benefits to your child.

Aside from ballet, a mommy and me dance class could also be in jazz, ballroom, hip-hop, and other modern types. It depends on what the studio has to offer.

Who can join?

Again, this depends on the studio where you plan to enroll your child. Some studios can admit a child as young as one to four years old. Basically, anyone from that age bracket can join. If you’re lucky, some dance studios can accommodate older kids of about six years.

A dad, mom, uncle, or aunt can join as long as they are the consented guardian of the child. As long as you’re willing to move and your child likes it, the two of you can join the program.

Where can I find a class?

There are studios like XtremeDance in Florida, Bella Ballet in Maryland, and Miller Street Dance in North Carolina that offer this class. There are dozens more in different cities and states that you can explore to see which one is nearest your area. Just remember that each dance studio will vary in lessons and length of classes.

Simply searching online will give you endless options for the type of class and school you can enroll in. You’re free to compare the lessons and package as well as the fee. If you have the time, it’s best to contact them and see what the studio can offer.

What should I prepare for?

-The outfit

Remember that this mommy and me dance class will require a set of outfits for of you and your child. Some studios have a schedule on what to wear depending on what class you enrolled into. Be ready to wear leotards, leggings, tutus, and different shoes if need be. This is all part of your child’s development, after all. You’ll surely have fun as well once you see your little one learning new things.

There’s nothing to worry about wearing this stuff since all the parents in the class will do the same. You can also use this class to unleash the inner dancer in you.

-The mood of the child

Above all, it’s important that your little kid wants to go to the class. It’s hard to determine this for a one-year-old. However, you should come up with a routine that will perk the toddler up before heading to the dance class. You can start by giving her a reward for being a good dancer in class. It’s important that you introduce the dance with a very encouraging approach.

When tantrums and crying starts, you should have a backup plan to get things going. A little pep talk or a promise of a reward afterward would work.

-Fees

Each mommy and me dance class will have varying fees. It’s usually based on the total package of the dance lesson that can last for a few weeks and about 30 minutes per session. Some studios charge $40 for a 30-minute session but remember that this can vary on the location and how upscale the studio is.

Some studios may offer a discount if you’re enrolling more than one kid or if you’re availing a family package. Usually, the fees shouldn’t be too pricey if the class is composed of many students. Anyway, you can canvas from different studios before choosing one.

What are the benefits of joining this class?

-Holistic adjustment

One of the top benefits of joining your child in a dance class is you get to guide them in the adjustment period. In such a young age, they would probably have issues interacting with other children and adults. With you grooving with them, they would have an easier time following the teacher’s instructions. You will also prevent the occurrence of separation anxiety when the child is enrolling in an independent dance class in the future.

Studios offer this class so parents or guardians can help their child develop a sense of community. This is aside from the other benefits listed here.

-Bonding time

If you’re a full-time parent, enrolling in a mommy and me dance class is a good way to bond with your child. It’s an excellent change from the usual home-bodied routines many parents have nowadays. Aside from developing your child skills, you also develop their attachment to you as their parent. This has a direct impact on their relationship with you as they grow up.

Your child will find it happier to be with mommy or daddy since you are joining them on their activities. Dads who are always tied at work can take this opportunity to develop the emotional bond with their kids.

-Role model

When you take the lead, your child will look up to as their role model. This makes the job of the dance teacher easier. As the adult, you’re expected to be the second in line when it comes to encouraging your baby to follow the steps and sequences taught in class. As you know, a handful of kids left alone with a teacher or two can be quite difficult to handle.

Being a role model to your child develops a deeper connection between the two of you. Even if the program is only weeks-long, it’s enough to set yourself as an example.

-Progress monitoring

Are you worried that your child isn’t learning enough at the dance school? Joining the mommy and me dance class would be your chance to monitor the progress of your child first-hand. You’ll see where your kid is lacking in terms of following directions, motor skills, and attention. This is the part that you’ll work out with the teacher and at home.

This is a way to see how your child is coping with instructions and how he or she performs within a group. It’s a reference for the behavior and abilities of your child.

-Improving child skills

If there’s one benefit of dance classes, it would be improving the motor skills of a child. The reason why studios are starting with the age as early as 1 is to allow your child to enhance his physical and mental reflexes. Dancing develops the muscles of a child and it also helps establish a longer attention span as well as discipline. All these benefits will manifest during his or her daily routines.

Another big thing is building your child’s confidence. If you want him or her to grow up with a high self-esteem, a dance class would be an excellent avenue.

-Interaction and relationships

At a young age, a mommy and me dance class will help a child develop his trust in other people. Children can have trust issues and they rely on their parents’ approval if the person should be interacted with. With a parent or guardian present, it would be easier for the child to develop friendship and adjust to the student-teacher setup.

You also get the chance to guide your little one when addressing adults or interacting with other children. As you know, ages 1-7 are the crucial phase of developing a child’s personality.

What are the considerations I should weigh first?

-Location

Choosing a studio near your place is preferable. Children can lose interest if you have to drive them within a long distance. It’s also tiring and difficult to sustain if the studio is in a different state or city. A nearer studio will save you time which you can spend doing other things at home or work.

Also, a local dance studio will allow your child to interact with the people he will be seeing as he grows up. Some of the kids enrolled in the class could be his classmates in the future. Letting them meet at an early age will make schooling a much worthwhile task.

-Environment

Is the studio child-friendly? Is the teacher patient and gentle enough? Looking for the studio with these two characteristics (at least) will make the class worth enrolling. Toddlers can easily lose interest if they find the environment menacing or boring. It might not also be comfortable for you as an adult if the environment of the studio isn’t tailored for parent and child interaction.

Having a studio with hands-on and cooperating parents will be a nurturing experience for you and the little one.

-Schedule

If you’re working, it’s important that you first consider the schedule the studio has for the mommy and me dance class. Most of the time, there are classes all week long, including weekends, where you can squeeze in the session with your child. It’s important that you finish the program since asking a guardian to substitute might sabotage the child’s progress. You might also miss some twirls and grooves which will be hard to catch up during the next session.

Choose a schedule that’s suitable for you and your child.

-Curriculum

Does your kid love ballet? Hip-hop? Ballroom? Remember that choosing one should depend on what your kid wants. They should be willing to finish the class based on their interest. Forcing them to take ballet if they want hip hop would only result in tantrums. That’s the last thing you would like to happen during a mommy and me dance class.

Checking if the curriculum is geared towards child development is important. Will it give your little one new skills or it will just cover the same stuff your child already knows? This is also an important factor to consider to make the most out of the program.

-Commitment

Ask yourself this question: Can I commit to this program and finish it with my child? Acing all the classes with your child is important. A substitute guardian during a busy day would give your child a sense of defeat and insecurity. So before enrolling him or her in a certain class, make sure that you or another guardian can be there all the time.

Now that you know the benefits of a mommy and me dance class, you can consider this as your child’s next summer activity. It allows a toddler to learn new things while grooving and making new friends. Above all, it gives you the chance to connect and bond with your child even at a very young age. Do you have thoughts about this? Let us know below!