Various Types of Dance Classes

Dance offers multiple benefits for children in being an organic method of self-expression that boosts confidence and personality. Music is a key part of this self-expression, because of how its rhythm and beats influence our bodies to move and unleash emotions.

You must consider the style of dancing your child would best enjoy when selecting beginner dance classes for them, as well as which style could help them capitalise on self-expression. Technique is another core part of dancing that ensures we feel in touch with our bodies when moving while also avoiding injuries.

Finding Your Child’s Preference with Introductory Classes

Selecting your child’s extracurricular activities is not that easy.

Not only is there the challenge of finding the right teacher and school, but you also have to choose an activity compatible with their interests, age and abilities.

Dance is an amazing discipline for your child to take on, that is of course if they enjoy dancing.

The many different types of dance classes let children be physically active, while also developing their artistic side.

The nature of dance is diverse, offering different types of dance classes and styles to select from such as flamenco, Zumba, classical dance, modern jazz, hip-hop etc.

So, how should you choose?

Allow your child to experience different types of dance classes and choose for themselves, so that they maintain interest and commitment to the discipline of dance. This can be done by dancing along with them to various music styles and let them tell you which one they found the most fun.

It is of great importance that whichever discipline you introduce to your child, they willingly agree to partake in it and have a role in the decision-making.

If a child is forced to participate in an activity they dislike and find unenjoyable, it can hinder their confidence and negatively influence their well-being.

When suggesting activities to them, bear in mind that the goal of an extra-curricular is to enhance their confidence and well-being.

Trial classes are a great way to introduce your kids to dance and test the waters to see which dance styles and class dynamic is most enjoyable for them. They could just need some time to explore a different style. Remember that you and your child might not find their perfect match right away, but be assured it is going to be rewarding once they do.

Beginner dance classes are offered to children of primary school age, because it is at this age that they keep up with a class for an hour minimum and have a better understanding of their bodies.  Enquire with local dance academies and think about private dance lessons as an option, if you’re wanting to get your child involved in dance sooner.

Introductions to Dance: The Earlier, the Better

Much like other disciplines, it’s ideal to begin dance classes from a young age. The objective of this is to aid them with grasping the concept of moving their bodies around particular spaces. Dance exercises help your child learn self-expression, rhythm, moving in time as well as autonomy.

The objective of beginner dance classes is to familiarise themselves with moving their bodies and channelling energy while keeping balance and rhythm.

Dance classes also help them maintain focus, be considerate of their peers and follow a teacher’s instructions. Dance consists of empathy, music and concentration, and not just movement alone. Through familiarising themselves with music during dance classes, children are introduced to diverse musical styles and instruments. Dance provides children with foundations from which to grow their sense of creativity and artistic abilities.

The elements mentioned are the vital building blocks if one is to ever pursue a career as a professional dancer.

Modern Jazz: Following in Their Idols’ Footsteps

Since the 2000s, Modern Jazz has been a favourite for children or teenagers wanting to mimic their best K-pop stars' dance moves. Not only do learners and teenagers have an interest in learning innovative choreography that mirrors their celebrity idols, they now also want to invent the next big TikTok trend.

Modern Jazz centred dance classes allow more room for creativity and improvisation. For smaller dance groups, students alongside their teacher will select a song to apply dance moves matching the rhythm that they’ve already learned, to develop new routines.

These types of dance classes generally have students with a good skill level, who would then progress to urban, hip-hop classes that are more challenging via technique.

A tutor is a great option for children wanting to develop outside of classes from dance academies and get one-on-one guidance for improving techniques.

As for Classic Ballet Lessons?

Classical ballet lessons usually first come to mind whenever the topic of dancing classes comes up. This is a result of stressing the importance of starting classical ballet lessons early to prevent future obstacles, due to its demanding nature.

The strength and flexibility required for classical ballet lessons, make this technical dance style easier to learn at a young age. It is extremely tough to keep up with the requirements later on in life, say as a teenager, because these fundamentals have to be developed from a young age. It is ideal to start your child at ballet lessons as soon as possible, if it is the style they enjoy and show interest in.

Other Original Dance Styles

Dance is used for self-expression in every culture, making it a diverse and culturally rich subject.

Many dance academies and dance associations teach less generic styles of dance. It’s worth looking into - who knows, your child could have a passion for Tap or African Dance!

African Dance

African Dance is a good choice for energetic children, because it is dynamic in its movements utilising the whole body to tell a story. This opens a door for your child to expand their knowledge on the culture, its origins and to embrace percussion.

Capoeira

The Brazilian style, Capoeira combines dancing with martial arts, building your strength, flexibility and balance. The dancers face opposite each other performing a rhythmic and percussive battle, without actually hitting the other.

Irish Dancing

Concentration and fitness are pre-requisites for Irish dancing. Irish dancing is worth a shot if you believe your child could be capable of it.

Tap

Tap dancing switches up percussion and can even incorporate acting, making it lively and enjoyable. This would be a great fit for children whose preferred artistic expression would be more avant-garde. 

Where to Locate a Dance Class?

It’s possible that dance classes could be part of your child’s school curriculum, otherwise, you can locate beginner dance classes at dance academies or studios. You could also try a tutor from Superprof to organise one-on-one lessons for your children anywhere in South Africa.

Group tutorials, face-to-face private tutorials and online classes are offered by many of Superprof’s knowledgeable and skilled dance tutors. There are pros and cons to each sort of tutorial. Use your own discretion when navigating different types of dance classes, which works best for you for what the dance lessons cost and your child’s learning style.

While all methods allow you to access different types of dance classes, each type of tutorial method varies per what their dance lessons cost. For example, one-on-one classes offer more value for money but per hour the dance lessons cost the most.

The most affordable option is online tutorials, although the teacher’s efforts could be compromised if the child is unable to keep focus.

Dance lessons cost less when they are done in a group. Group tutorials offered by dance academies also provide a social aspect for the child, which generally makes the experience of learning a skill more enjoyable for them.

Superprof helps you locate a compatible tutor, while you bear in mind your child’s needs and the factors determining what dance lessons cost. The free introductory class offered by Superprof tutors helps you explore teachers to find your child’s perfect fit. Simply search kid dance class near me, and you'll discover numerous choices on our platform.