When to Sign Your Daughter up for Dance Class

October 5, 2017

There is nothing cuter than a baby ballerina. Am I right?! If you have a 2 year old daughter, chances are she probably loves to twirl and dance around the house so how do you know if she’s ready to attend a formal dance class? Or your 7 year old saw Nutcracker for the first time and sparks a sudden interest in becoming a ballerina, but are you ready for the time and financial commitment to put her through endless hours of classes, rehearsals, and performances? I’m going to break down some frequently asked questions I get as a former dancer, current teacher, and mom of little girls who love to dance.

What age can/should I start my little girl in dance?

Children as young as 1 1/2 year olds are able to start attending dance classes; typically as a “mommy and me” class. This is a great way to introduce your daughter to dance while being involved in the classroom right along with them. It’s fun to laugh and be silly with your daughter while helping them feel comfortable in those, oftentimes, large studio spaces.

Along with “mommy and me” classes, most studios offer classes to 2 year olds as well. This is typically their first official “grown-up” experience without mom in the room. Not a lot of technique is taught at this age for obvious reasons of them being so young, but it is a great age to start to learn how to follow directions from someone besides mom and dad. It’s good for them to dance and play while doing so alongside other friends their own age. It is wise to be sure your daughter is potty trained before attending these classes so you won’t have to worry about accidents or stinky diapers while they are away from you in the classroom.

What should I expect from dance classes for my little girl?

From ages 2-7 the structure of dance class is and should mostly be locomotor movement exercises, light stretching, and free dance. It’s important for them to have the time in class to move how they interpret music and become familiar with musical beats and tempos. They should only dabble in more strict exercises involving turnout with plies, tendus, grand battments, etc. (See the definition of these ballet terms here.) Once the child reaches age 8, their body and mind is ready to take on a little more technique and structure in class. Age 8 is a great time for young girls to start more in-depth ballet training if they still show an interest in and love of dance.

Finding the right studio

If you are ready to sign your daughter up for class, the best way to choose a studio is to talk to other moms in the area to find out the best one for you and your daughter. Look for organization, ask about pricing and fees up front so you know if it fits in your budget, and see what kind of dancers the older ones have developed into. Each studio has different focuses and strengths so pick one that reflects the experience you want your child to have; competitive vs non-competitive and ballet based vs more well-rounded in all genres of dance. Not all studios and teachers will work well for your child so don’t be afraid to switch studios the following season if it isn’t the right fit.

Love and Support Along the Way

One thing to note is not all girls will want to continue to dance in the future. While it’s important to encourage extra curricular activities, it’s also beneficial to introduce them to multiple sports, activities, and music classes to see what they are genuinely interested in. Dance, especially ballet, is not for everyone. It does require a lot of dedication and hard work, both from the students as well as the parents. If dance is the path your daughter chooses to pursue, be prepared to always encourage and let them know they have support from you in all of their classes and performances. Dance is a great way for young girls to build confidence. There is no greater reward from all of that hard work in the classroom to be on stage in a sparkling costume with so many loved ones in the audience cheering them on!