How to choose the appropriate dance class
Whether you're a beginner or partially trained, a parent of a talented child or a young adult looking for a performing arts' career, choosing the appropriate classes and instructors to nurture your talents is crucial.
Before seeking out a dance class for yourself or your child, consider the following:
1. Why do I want to take dancing?
For many parents, dance lessons are a logical choice for active children who enjoy moving to music. Young children may even express the desire to become ballerinas and taking classes will introduce them to the world of dance. For others, dance classes may provide physical activity, an outlet for creativity and a social environment (especially for those not yet in school). Dance classes for children should, first and foremost, be fun. If a child displays a level of excellence above the expectations for their age etc., teachers may suggest competitions or other more "serious" means of study.
For those older students, dance classes may be necessary to successfully audition for post high-school, performing arts' programs. Anyone looking at a career in the musical theatre industry (or many other entertainment aspects) should seriously consider taking some dance classes.
The benefits include:
physical - flexibility/toning/cardiovascular
rhythmic - ability to move the body to music
creative - a way to express oneself
teamwork - learning to work as part of a group
confidence - posture/comfort in being in front of others/performing
social - friendships with others who enjoy the same activity/friendships outside of school
2. What type of dance interests me?
For little ones, there are programs specifically for young children that incorporate creative movement to music. Young children also enjoy tap and jazz classes geared to their age levels. Ballet is wonderful for posture, technique and building a sound foundation but it must be done correctly for these benefits to take place.
Older students who are choosing a dance class for fun should pick something that is of interest to them. Hip hop/street dance is very popular with teens as well as jazz.
Those students considering a career in musical theatre should take as many different dance disciplines as possible.
DANCE DISCIPLINES TO CHOOSE FROM: These are the main ones...
Tap
Jazz
Ballet/Pointe
Lyrical
Modern
Hip hop/street
Musical theatre
National (Celtic/Italian/Ukrainian/Scottish etc etc)
3. What do I hope to achieve by taking the class?
When signing up young children, consider that dance should be something fun for them to do. If they are not enjoying taking the classes, they shouldn't be forced (even if they are very talented).
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