Do you have realistic expectations of your child’s first dance class?

The first dance class can be nerve-wracking for both the young dancer – and their parent! But put the panic on hold: here are five tips to help you get ready for that all-important first class.

Behavior expectations in parents feel

Sometimes parents feel as though their child isn’t ready for their first class. Other times the adult experiences embarrassment it looks as though their child isn’t listening in dance class. Please stop worrying and remember we are teachers!
We are ready for your child to have fun and learn in dance class. More often than not, a child may look like they aren’t listening, but in reality, they simply just don’t know the structure and expectations of the class yet.  For our littlest dancers, this is often their first structured class so there is a lot of newnesses… Be patient and know that this is all a part of the learning process.

It takes time for dance classes

Too often parents walk away from the first dance experience because their dancer seemed shy or showed some tears. It is normal for it to take a few dance classes before the new dancer feels comfortable and fully engaged. Only after a few classes will you be able to form a proper assessment.

Yes, tears are normal…

Especially for Tiny Movers, which is the first big girl and boy class where parents stay outside the studio. Tears can – and will – occur at any stage of the class. Know that this is to be expected. It’s all part of the learning process.
Our teachers are experienced and are used to working with young children – and tears! It’s okay, just keep movin’ and groovin’.  Dance to EvOLvE teachers also have a lot of experience working with separation anxiety – yours and theirs – so please listen to our suggestions.

Typically we recommend that parents refrain from entering the dance room. (Once in the room with your dancer, it is hard to get you out again.)  If your dancer isn’t ready yet, that’s okay. We encourage you to stay with your dancer at the doorway, just outside of the studio but close enough to observe the action.  Even better? Get ready and slowly start doing dance moves together from the doorway so as to help engage your child. Our teachers will tell the dancer they are welcome to come and join the class at any point, and will continually welcome them in. Again, this gives the new dancer the choice to participate when ready so that the experience isn’t scary or intimidating.

How to get ready for dance class

Parents also worry that their dancers won’t be ready because they haven’t taken a dance class before – or else are starting in the middle of a semester. No worries! Our teachers are used to having new dancers join, so relax… and trust us. Our teachers will get your little one up to speed in no time – at that age, children pick things up super quickly.

Practice makes the perfect dancer

It is always great fun to practice the dance moves they have learned at home – it’s also a fun (and free!) way to bond as a family!