Parents often ask “how many dance classes should my child take?” The answer is it really depends on your child’s age and interest level. Children as early as age 18 months respond positively to dance, music and play, especially in a fun, structured setting. If your child enjoys taking dance class once a week, adding a second could be beneficial. Here’s why:
• More Styles. Greater Improvement. Exposure to a wide variety of dance styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical or hip hop on a weekly basis helps children learn different ways to move their bodies. For example, a ballet or lyrical class might enhance a child’s grace and fluidity while a jazz, tap or hip hop class might improve their ability to count to the music or move more sharply.
• Learn From Someone New. All teachers have their own styles and focus on different things. By taking a second class from a different teacher, your child can learn new skills and avoid getting bored.
• Practice Makes Perfect. Okay, nobody’s perfect. But everyone knows that in order to see true progress in any skill, it takes practice.
Dance class two or more times a week builds a solid foundation of technique, strength and muscle memory for dancers. It also helps them feel more confident once recital day rolls around. And let’s not forget the obvious – it’s creative and high energy! So if dance is one of the firsts on your child’s interest list, don’t think twice about signing up for that second one.
