Do you have a child at home who has expressed interest in dance class?  Or maybe s/he dances around the house all day (with or without music!)?  Worried that they may be too young or too old to start lessons?  When is the right age to start dance classes?
 

Benefits to Starting Young

For young dancers around 3-4 years old, the most important thing is that they are interested in trying. At that age, they are still developing their coordination and gross motor skills as well as learning to talk, listen and interact socially.  For our littlest dancers, a dance class can be a great way to supplement what they may be learning in pre-school or daycare. And, it’s a great way to instill self-confidence and teach them how their body moves.

We find most children really take to dancing around 5 or 6 years old. That’s not to say it’s the right age for every child, but as this age falls when children start school, they tend to be able to follow simple instructions easier than younger children.

That said, research suggests the most conducive age to begin more serious training is around 7-9 years old. This is usually the time when children have the ability to sit still and pay attention in class and they can connect how their learning translates to their movements. Children mature at different ages, both physically and mentally, so it’s important to think about the individual needs of your own child.

It's Never Too Late to Learn Dance

No matter what age your child is, it's never too late to learn to dance. Just because an activity may not lead to a lifelong career doesn't mean that it isn't an activity that is worth doing both for physical health, social maturity, and fun! Kids of all ages can learn the joy of dancing. 

We find parents of dancers older than 10 who come to us often say “She’s never danced before – is she too old?”  Our answer is simple- NOPE!

The more mature approach your teen or tween has to learning means that they will find it far easier to absorb and understand new concepts than younger dancers so they will often retain the technical knowledge with more ease.  This allows them to focus on the execution and performance quality of the steps!. 

How Do I Know If My Child is Ready for Dance Classes?

Firstly, if you notice they enjoy dancing along to music at home that’s usually a good sign! For young children it’s important they are comfortable spending a short time away from you. Children who can follow simple instructions, for example: moving their body parts, listening and working with a partner or in a group. A good way to test this out with the younger dancers at home is playing a simple game of ‘Simon Says’.

Another great way is to take advantage of our Free Trial class. This way you can make sure that your dancer is able to handle the class for their age and/or skill expectations.  So what are you waiting for? Click here to register for a class and join in the excitement today!