Has your young child just starting taking dance classes and you are not quite sure what your role is or what you need to do to make the experience the best for your child? Here are some great tips:
Learn the Terms
Clothing: You are going to learn about what type of clothes are needed for you child. Often times leotards and tights are the basics for class but check with the studio owner or the studio website to get the basics and the best clothing for different types of dance styles. Don’t be afraid to ask another mother.
Shoes: Different styles of dance require different types of shoes. Basic shoe ware for the younger dancers are tap shoes and ballet shoes. Check with the studio owner or website on the specific types of shoes and what colors of shoes for specific classes.
Hair Styles: What is the best way for your child to have her hair, a bun, a pony? Again check with the studio owner or another mother, but one common standard is to make sure whatever style of hair, keep the hair out of the child’s eyes.
Label Everything
Your dancer is bound to misplace dance shoe(s) sometime during the dance season. The problem is, it looks like every other tiny adorable ballet slipper from the dozens of other dancers. Please put the dancer’s name inside the shoe (not on the outside or the bottom of the shoe) so we can help it get back home safely!
While you’re at it, label their water bottle, jacket, and anything else you can slap a sharpie onto!
Let Them See Your Eyes, Not Your iPhone
We know you want to capture moments of your little one dancing – and we want that too. Take lots of photos before and after class. But during dance class, if your child is dancing for you, put the phone down and look them in the eyes. Clap, cheer and smile.
Dance is a performance art and meant to be appreciated by a live audience, not just for filming. Live in the moment with your little one.
Praise the Process
Remember to give your new dancer lots of love and encouragement. Appreciate the courage your dancer shows going into class for the first time. Being a dancer is hard work and takes a lot of bravery to try new things. The best thing you can tell your dancer is “I love watching you dance.”
Make Some New Friends
Make your time in the dance studio watching and supporting your child a great experience for her/him. But also get to know some of the other dance moms that are experiencing the dance world just as you are. Dance studios are a great place to catch up with existing friends while also making new friendships that last forever.
(this post was republished from 2018)
