Choosing the appropriate dance genre for your child is a significant decision that can profoundly affect their experience and maturation. With countless dance genres available, it can be paralysing for parents to select the one that seems best tailored for their child. Whether your child is a bouncy toddler or a serious pre-teen, this guide can help you make sense of the different options and arrive at a decision.
Understanding Your Child�s Personality and Interests
Selecting the perfect dance style for your child starts with understanding their personality and preferences. Are they the life of the party, or do they have a mellow, more reserved nature? When it comes to the type of activities they enjoy, are they drawn to more traditional, structured settings, or do they lean toward environments that allow for creativity and self-expression? For kids who have an abundance of energy and can't seem to sit still, dance genres that are a little more raucous, like hip-hop, jazz, or tap (maybe even a combination!), could be the best fit. These aren�t the only choices, by the way; they�re just some ideal possibilities for lovably energetic kids.
Ballet
If your child prefers to have a strong focus and likes things to be structured, ballet might be a wonderful option for them. As a classical dance form, ballet requires not only a serious commitment but also a considerable amount of time to learn. But it's arguably the best foundation for any aspiring dancer. While it may not seem to have the proper pizazz for some, ballet certainly carries a potent "wow" factor. Those who have taken ballet have an edge and have certainly developed better posture, lines, and even stage presence; these are all qualities that "wow" judges and audiences alike.
Hip Hop
Hip-hop is for those who like modern, rhythmic music and really want to express themselves physically. It encourages creativity and is great for building confidence. Jazz dance is lively and fun! It combines ballet and tap for a sound that's all its own. It's perfect for those who love upbeat music and dancing just a little "out there." Tap dance is really noisy (in a good way!) and requires a strong sense of rhythm. Despite its appearance, it's a highly structured dance form. Tap is for those who want to make a lot of (good) noise with their feet.
Jazz/Contemporary
The contemporary style of dance is a combination of ballet, jazz, and modern dance. It's more fluid and expressive than these styles, allowing for greater emotional expression through movement. Your child would have to be quite serious about pursuing either a performance or a teaching career to make this a useful "practical" choice. Partner dancing: If your child is interested in formal, fancy dancing with a partner, and your child also has you or someone else who can provide reliable transport after classes to consider these options seriously, then I would think about insisting on this as an alternative step for your daughter.
When selecting the right dance class for your child, take into consideration the types of dances offered in your area. Acquire a solid knowledge of the local dance schools through reconnaissance (online and in person) so you can judge their good reputations�even among professionals�in and out of the dance world. Factor in the experience of the instructors. Dance is an apprenticeship art and learned best from those who have been there and done that. Also think about the time commitment required for each style of dance your child might want to study. Some popular forms take just as much time and energy as ballet, and others, like hip hop, have a demanding street culture to accommodate.