Dance is such a great way to help kids boost their confidence. Of course, getting up on stage and performing is great, but there are so many other confidence-boosters in dance!

Performing

Performing is a great way to build confidence. Kids may be nervous and have butterflies in their tummy before showtime, and that’s okay. Conquering their fear and going for it will give them the most amazing feeling of accomplishment!

Mastering Skills

Learning dance technique can be difficult. Oftentimes, it can take months or even years to master skills. Working toward a goal and finally achieving it will make them feel so good about themselves. Saying “I did it!” with a huge smile on their face is proof of a huge boost of confidence.

Self-Expression

Using your body to express yourself builds confidence by providing a creative outlet for kids to explore their artistic abilities. It can be hard to communicate your feelings through words, especially for children. When they are able to use dance to express themselves, it takes the pressure off finding the perfect words.  

Social Skills

Meeting new friends at dance class helps children build their social skills and feel more confident in all social situations. Younger dancers learn things like taking turns and getting along with their classmates. Older dancers learn to be considerate of others and more compassionate towards classmates who may be struggling. Helping a classmate will not only inspire generosity, but also make them feel good about themselves.

Community

Dance is a great opportunity for kids to meet others from different schools and backgrounds who share similar interests. Dancers create a community and do become a dance family. Dancers in a class become a team and work together to make a routine come together. Learning difficult choreography or sharing pre-performance jitters with your team gives kids confidence because they have their team.

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A child’s first dance class is so exciting! They may have their outfits picked out already and are beaming with anticipation. To help your dancer feel ready for their first class, here are a few tips for ensured success.

#1. Tell them what to expect

Make sure to talk to your child about what is going to happen, especially for little ones. Children who feel prepared are often more confident when going into new situations. Say something like: “We’re going to go to dance class today, you’re going to wear special dance shoes, you’re going to meet some new friends, and have so much fun dancing. I’m really excited, are you excited?” 

#2. Be on time

We understand it can be hard with LA traffic, but rushing a child into a new environment when the class has already started can make them feel shy and uncomfortable. Plan to be at the studio early so your child can acclimate to the studio, meet their teacher, and feel ready to go into class.

#3. If your child is nervous, that’s okay

It’s normal to have some nerves when they’re trying something new. Just let them sit next to you and once they feel comfortable, they will join in with their new dance friends in no time! Pushing them to go in only makes them feel more unsure and is counterproductive.

Remember these tips when you bring your dancer to their class, and they will be ready to join in the fun and have a great time dancing their hearts out!

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School transitions can feel a little tricky for parents to manage. Should we take a break from activities and only focus on school? Will my child be too tired after school to come to dance? We know parents may wonder whether or not to take a break from extra-curricular to give their child some space, but it can actually make the adjustment harder for your child. Read on to find out why!

Consistency
We all know kids thrive with structure and consistency. Big life changes like school transitions can cause some stress and anxiety, but keeping everything else in their life consistent brings them a sense of security. School may be different, but home is the same, and their activities are the same. Keeping life the same as much as possible shortens the adjustment period and makes the transition smoother.

Creative Outlet
Dance is such a great creative outlet for children. It’s also great for them to have this release after being in school all day. Children may be feeling anxiety due to life changes and school transitions, and dance is a great stress reliever!

Alternative Scheduling
So you want to keep your child dancing, but are still concerned about their energy level after school? Look into an alternative class time! Weekend classes are a great option, and your child will be energetic and focused. Some schools have early dismissal days, and joining a class on that day will not only ensure your child isn’t over-tired, and gives them a fun activity!

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There is absolutely nothing more adorable than watching a toddler boogie to their favorite songs. Their huge smiles and joy is contagious! They’re having a blast and exploring new movements, but did you know they’re actually learning fundamentals of ballet?

It may seem like we’re just dancing along to silly children’s songs, but there is a purpose for every movement in every song. We are developing the foundations for future dancers. This groundwork will not only ensure they become more aware of their bodies, but will help them grasp ballet technique much faster as they get older. Of course, we’re working on gross motor skills and coordination- “But what exactly are we working on, and what does it have to do with ballet?”, you may ask..

In addition to moving their bodies in new ways, little ones are discovering:

• Levels (high and low)
• Dimension (big and small)
• Dynamics in time (moving with the music)
• Three major types of coordination:
  • Oppositional
  • Parallel
  • Cross-lateral
• The seven movements in dancing:
  • Plier (to bend)
  • Etendre (to stretch/extend)
  • Relever (to rise)
  • Glisser (to slide)
  • Sauter (to jump)
  • Elancer (to dart)
  • Tourner (to turn)

All of this is taught by nurturing teachers in a carefully crafted program designed so that toddlers can understand. They have no idea what they’re learning, and it’s important to keep it that way. It has to be fun- otherwise they won’t be engaged and they won’t learn.

You may think “It’s just ‘The Itsy Bitsy Spider”. Oh, but it’s so much more. That little routine is opening up your child to the world of dance!

Click here to learn more about toddler classes at ABC’s of Dance!

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