Choosing the Right Dance Style for Your Child

Dance is more than just a sequence of movements; it’s a form of expression, a boost in confidence, and a foundation for discipline. It allows many children to channel their energy, emotions, and creativity. As they twirl, jump, and glide, they learn the techniques and about themselves and the world around them. Many dance styles available today often leave parents in confusion. Which style aligns best with their child’s personality? Does the child have a flair for the classics like ballet or the rhythm of a tap dance? Or perhaps the modern beats of hip-hop or the storytelling prowess of cultural dances?

But here’s the good news: this journey of discovering the right dance style for your child can be both enlightening and exciting. As you read on, you’ll gain insights that will help you make an informed decision, ensuring your child’s experience with dance is both fulfilling and enjoyable.

Understanding Your Child’s Preferences

Every child is unique, with their own set of inclinations and dispositions. Recognizing and respecting these preferences is the first step in choosing the right dance style.

Observations at Home: Note how your child moves when they hear music. Do they have graceful, flowing movements, or are they more energetic with sharp, defined moves? These initial observations can hint at which dance styles might resonate with them.

Their Favorite Music: Often, children gravitate towards dance styles that align with their favorite type of music. A child who loves classical tunes might enjoy ballet, while one who’s always tapping their feet to pop hits might find hip-hop or jazz more appealing.

Ask Them: Sometimes, the most straightforward approach is the best. Sit down with your child and discuss the various dance styles. Show them videos or pictures to gauge their reactions. Their excitement for a particular style can be a clear indicator.

Exploring Popular Dance Styles for Kids

With countless different types of dance styles out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular ones for kids:

Ballet

Ballet dance emphasizes grace, poise, and discipline, often considered the foundation of many other modern dance styles. It’s ideal for children inclined towards structured, flowing movements and an appreciation for classical music.

Jazz

Energetic and fun, jazz dance is all about expressiveness. With its roots in African and Caribbean dance traditions, it’s evolved to include a range of movements set to popular and show tunes.

Hip-Hop

Born on the street dance, hip-hop is about free movement, rhythm, and individuality. If your child loves to move to the latest chart-toppers and has a flair for dynamic moves, this hip-hop dance might be their style.

Tap

Tap dancing is a dance form that’s as much about sound as movement. It teaches kids rhythm and coordination. It’s perfect for those who enjoy making noise with their feet and moving to beats.

Contemporary

A blend of ballet, jazz, and lyrical, contemporary dance styles emphasizes storytelling and emotions. It’s an excellent choice for kids who love expressing themselves and interpreting music uniquely.

Cultural Dance Styles Worth Considering

While many popular dance styles have their charm, diving into cultural dances can be an enriching experience for kids. It teaches them dance techniques and offers insights into diverse cultures, traditions, and histories.

Flamenco: Originating from the Andalusian region of Spain, Flamenco is a passionate and fiery dance form. Characterized by its footwork, hand claps, and expressive movements, it allows kids to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and music.

Bharatanatyam: One of the oldest dance forms from India, Bharatanatyam is a classical dance rich in traditional folk dance and storytelling. With its intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions, it teaches kids the art of narrating tales through dance.

Irish Dance: Known worldwide, especially due to shows like Riverdance, Irish dance is lively and emphasizes footwork. Its rhythmic beats and quick steps make it perfect for kids who love energy and coordination.

Samba: This Brazilian dance is about rhythm, joy, and festivities. Often associated with the famous Rio Carnival, Samba offers kids a chance to experience the vibrant culture of Brazil, emphasizing beats, movement, belly dance, and celebration.

African Tribal Dance: Rooted in the rich traditions of various African tribes, this dance form is all about community, storytelling, and connection with nature. The powerful drum beats, energetic jumps, and communal spirit make it a unique experience for kids.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dance Style

Selecting the right dance style for your child isn’t just about what’s popular or visually appealing. It’s about aligning the dance form with your child’s interests, capabilities, and goals. Here are some crucial factors to mull over:

Physical Demands: Each dance style has its own set of physical requirements. Ballet might focus on posture and flexibility, while hip-hop dance styles can be more about strength and agility. Assess your child’s physical strengths and preferences to find a suitable match.

Class Availability: Not all dance styles might be readily available in your locality. Before setting your heart on a particular form, check the local dance schools or community centers to see which classes are accessible.

Performance Opportunities: Some kids love the spotlight and thrive on stage, while others prefer the learning process. Explore the recital, competition, and ballroom dance, and showcase opportunities associated with each dance style.

Cultural and Personal Resonance: As highlighted earlier, some dance forms resonate deeply with cultural roots. If fostering a connection with cultural heritage is essential, styles like Bharatanatyam or Flamenco might be more fitting. On the flip side, if your child leans more toward contemporary culture, hip-hop, swing dance, or jazz styles could be more apt.

Duration of Commitment: Certain dance styles demand a longer commitment to truly master. If your child or family prefers shorter-term engagements or trial periods, this is a factor worth considering.

Cost Implications: Dance classes, costumes, shoes, and recital fees can add up. While passion and interest are paramount, it’s also practical to consider the financial aspect when choosing a dance style.

The Importance of Experimentation

In dance, just as in life, exploration and experimentation are key. Dance is as much about self-discovery as it is about learning steps or techniques. Here’s why it’s vital to encourage your child to dabble in various dance forms:

Broadening Horizons: Experiencing multiple dance styles allows children to appreciate the vastness and diversity of the dance world. It exposes them to different cultures, music, and storytelling techniques, enriching their understanding.

Identifying True Passion: Sometimes, it’s only by trying out various forms that one discovers where their true passion lies. Your child might start with classical ballet but find their heartbeats for tap. Experimentation can lead to that eureka moment.

Developing Versatility: Being trained in multiple dance forms enhances versatility. A well-rounded dancer can adapt to different choreographies, making their approach more flexible and innovative.

Building Resilience: Not every dance style will resonate with a child, and that’s okay. Trying out different styles and moving past the ones that don’t click can teach resilience and the importance of persistence.

Fostering Social Skills: Each dance class offers a new social environment with its own set of students and teachers. Experimenting with various classes can enhance a child’s social skills, making them more adaptable and open.

Conclusion

Dance is a beautiful blend of art, emotion, and expression. As parents, guiding our children through dance is not about finding the most popular or prestigious style but discovering what resonates with their hearts and spirits. Whether they gravitate towards the structured elegance of ballet, the rhythmic beats of tap, or the cultural stories of traditional folk dances, the journey is bound to be transformative. Kew School of Dance has various dance styles that your child can choose from. Remember, the goal is not perfection but passion. Encourage exploration, be supportive of their choices, and watch as they learn dance steps and valuable life lessons along the way. Happy dancing!