Dance classes can be a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for your kids – but which type of dance should they study? With so many styles, you can help make this decision easier by considering your child’s unique situation and each dance form’s benefits. There’s no right or wrong dance style – what resonates with your child is always best.
Ask them what style of dance they’d most like to learn, and ask why that style interests them to get a feel for what they want to get out of class. If your child isn’t sure, this guide can help you navigate the process and select the dance style that best suits them.
Best Dance Styles for Kids: Understanding Your Child’s Interests
The first step in choosing the best dance style for your kids is understanding their interests. Pay attention to the types of music and movement they are naturally excited by.
If your child loves energetic music and fast-paced activities, they might enjoy styles like hip-hop or jazz. If they prefer structured environments and lean into classical music, ballet might be a better fit.
Here are some steps to help you understand their interests.
- Watch how your child reacts to different types of music and movement. Notice if they show excitement or interest when they see certain dance styles.
- Show your child various dance forms through videos, live performances, or community events. Ask them if any style stands out to them the most.
- Talk to your child about their preferences. Ask them what they like or dislike about different dance styles they’ve seen.
Exploring Popular Dance Styles
Each dance style has unique characteristics and benefits. Here’s an overview of some popular dance styles and what they offer:
1. Ballet
Ballet is a highly structured and technical dance form that emphasizes grace, discipline, and precision. It involves movements like pliés, pirouettes, and arabesques.
Benefits
Physical: Improves posture, flexibility, and strength.
Cognitive: Enhances memory and focus through the learning of complex choreography.
Emotional: Boosts self-discipline and perseverance.
Ideal For: Kids who enjoy structure, classical music, and a disciplined approach to dance.
2. Hip-hop
Hip-hop is an energetic and expressive dance style that includes moves like breaking, locking, and popping. It often features freestyle movements and is performed in fast-paced music.
Benefits
Physical: Increases cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and agility.
Cognitive: Encourages creativity and improvisation.
Emotional: Builds confidence and self-expression.
Ideal For: Kids who enjoy fast-paced, rhythmic music and like to express themselves freely.
3. Jazz
Jazz dance is a high-energy style that combines elements of ballet and modern dance. It includes movements like kicks, leaps, and turns, often performed to upbeat music.
Benefits
Physical: Enhances flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Cognitive: Develops musicality and rhythmic awareness.
Emotional: Promotes confidence and performance skills.
Ideal For: Kids who enjoy lively music and expressive, dynamic movements.
4. Tap
Tap dance involves creating rhythmic sounds with the feet using tap shoes. It combines elements of rhythm and coordination.
Benefits
Physical: Improves coordination, timing, and balance.
Cognitive: Enhances rhythm and timing skills.
Emotional: Encourages focus and discipline.
Ideal For: Kids who enjoy making rhythmic sounds and have a good sense of timing.
5. Contemporary
Contemporary dance blends elements of ballet, modern dance, and jazz. It emphasizes fluidity, expression, and improvisation.
Benefits
Physical: Increases flexibility, strength, and body awareness.
Cognitive: Fosters creativity and innovative thinking.
Emotional: Promotes self-expression and emotional exploration.
Ideal For: Kids who enjoy expressive movements and a blend of different dance styles.
Matching Dance Styles to Your Child’s Personality
Your child’s personality can also be essential in determining the best dance style for them. Consider the following personality traits and how they align with different dance styles:
Energetic and Outgoing
Children who are naturally energetic and enjoy being in the spotlight may thrive in styles like hip-hop, jazz, or tap, where they can channel their energy into dynamic movements and performances.
Creative and Expressive
If your child loves to express themselves through movement and has a vivid imagination, contemporary or modern dance might be a perfect fit. These styles allow for creative exploration and emotional expression.
Disciplined and Detail-Oriented
Ballet is an excellent choice for children who are meticulous and enjoy structure. The disciplined environment and attention to detail in ballet can be very satisfying for them.
Rhythmic and Musical
If your child has a good sense of rhythm and enjoys making music with their movements, tap dance can be a fun and rewarding option. The rhythmic aspect of tap dance aligns well with their natural inclinations.
Dance Lessons in the Fresno, CA Area
At America’s Kids In Motion, we offer dance lessons in Clovis, California, swimming lessons, ninja lessons, gymnastics, and more — all under one roof.
We teach several styles of dance with lessons led by experienced instructors, and we offer a wide range of scheduling options to accommodate busy families. We provide dance lessons for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age beginners in the early years, as well as a dance conservatory for upper-level school-age dancers. This pre-professional program offers technique-based classes at the highest level in Fresno.
Contact America’s Kids In Motion today to learn more about our dance classes.
