Many students are new to dance during the summer months, and a new experience comes with questions for students and parents alike. Here are some ways to prepare your dancer for the big day… their first dance class!
Preparing For Your First Dance Class
If your child is little, preface the event with lots of talk about what it will be like. In the days leading up to their first class, remind them, “Thursday you get to go to dance class! Won’t it be fun to dance with new friends?” Talk about how they will get to move and dance to music and prepare by trying out some moves at home. Remind them that it’s okay to feel a little nervous when trying something new and that you’ll be right there the whole time watching.
Try on dance shoes and clothes ahead of time if you already have them. Especially for littles, this is an important way to help them feel comfortable in a new set of shoes and clothing. If you need assistance with dance attire, feel free to ask any Liberty Dance Center staff member about the dress requirements for your child’s class. You can also refer to the dance studio website at any time for this information.
If your child is older and this is their first class, remind them that they don’t need to know everything the first day. Dance is a skill and any skill needs to be learned. Remind them that their teachers are there to help. Also remind the dancer that teachers are learners, too! The first week or two of class, we get a sense of where our dancers abilities lie and then we create class content to teach them where they’re at as well as challenge them.
If you have a question, never be afraid to ask! All of the Liberty staff members are happy to assist you in any way that we can. Liberty Dance Center is a family and everyone is welcome. We hope your new dancer and your family feels a sense of belonging the moment you walk through our doors.
