With so many dance styles available, choosing the right one for your child can feel overwhelming. Each style offers unique benefits and appeals to different personalities. This guide will help you understand your options and find the perfect match for your little dancer.
Ballet
What It Is
Ballet is the foundation of all Western dance forms. It emphasises proper technique, posture, and grace through structured movements and positions.
Best For
- Children who appreciate structure and discipline
- Those who enjoy classical music
- Kids with patience for gradual skill development
- Dancers interested in pursuing any professional dance career
What to Expect
- Focus on five basic positions
- Emphasis on proper alignment and posture
- French terminology for movements
- Progressive levels from pre-primary through advanced
Physical Benefits
- Exceptional flexibility
- Strong core and leg muscles
- Excellent posture
- Grace and poise
Jazz
What It Is
Jazz dance is energetic and expressive, combining elements of ballet with contemporary movements set to popular music.
Best For
- Outgoing, energetic children
- Kids who love popular music
- Those who enjoy variety in their dancing
- Children who like to perform
What to Expect
- Dynamic, high-energy classes
- Choreography to current music
- Focus on showmanship and expression
- Combination of technique and style
Physical Benefits
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Flexibility and strength
- Coordination and rhythm
- Stage presence
Hip Hop
What It Is
Hip hop encompasses various street dance styles including breaking, locking, and popping, set to hip hop music.
Best For
- Children who love contemporary music
- Those with natural rhythm
- Kids who enjoy freestyle movement
- Children who want to feel "cool"
What to Expect
- Fun, high-energy atmosphere
- Current music and trends
- Focus on individual style
- Group performances and battles
Physical Benefits
- Full-body workout
- Improved coordination
- Core strength
- Cardiovascular health
Creative Movement
What It Is
Creative movement classes introduce young children to dance through imaginative play, music, and basic movement concepts.
Best For
- Children ages 2-5
- First-time dancers
- Kids who learn through play
- Those not ready for structured classes
What to Expect
- Games and imaginative activities
- Basic rhythm and movement
- Social interaction with peers
- Introduction to dance concepts
Physical Benefits
- Gross motor development
- Body awareness
- Basic coordination
- Love of movement
Contemporary
What It Is
Contemporary dance blends ballet and modern dance techniques with emotional expression and creative movement.
Best For
- Older, more experienced dancers
- Children who are emotionally expressive
- Those interested in artistic dance
- Dancers who've mastered basics
What to Expect
- Expressive, flowing movements
- Floor work and partnering
- Creative choreography
- Emotional storytelling through dance
Physical Benefits
- Flexibility and strength
- Body control
- Artistic expression
- Movement versatility
Tap
What It Is
Tap dance uses metal-tapped shoes to create rhythmic patterns and sounds, combining dance with percussion.
Best For
- Children who love making noise
- Those with strong rhythm
- Kids who enjoy musical theatre
- Detail-oriented learners
What to Expect
- Focus on rhythm and timing
- Progression from basic to complex steps
- Learning to create music with feet
- Fun, upbeat atmosphere
Physical Benefits
- Leg strength and endurance
- Ankle flexibility
- Coordination
- Cardiovascular fitness
Acrobatic Dance
What It Is
Acro combines classical dance techniques with gymnastic elements like handstands, cartwheels, and flexibility.
Best For
- Physically adventurous children
- Those interested in gymnastics
- Kids with natural flexibility
- Energetic, fearless dancers
What to Expect
- Tumbling and flexibility training
- Dance technique combined with acro skills
- Progressive skill development
- Safety-focused instruction
Physical Benefits
- Exceptional flexibility
- Upper body strength
- Balance and coordination
- Body control
How to Choose
Consider these factors when selecting a style:
Your Child's Personality
- Structured and disciplined: Ballet or tap
- Outgoing and energetic: Jazz or hip hop
- Creative and expressive: Contemporary
- Adventurous and physical: Acro
Your Child's Age
- 2-4 years: Creative movement
- 5-7 years: Ballet, jazz, or tap basics
- 8+ years: Any style, including contemporary
Your Goals
- Professional dance career: Start with ballet
- General fitness and fun: Any style they enjoy
- Performance opportunities: Jazz or musical theatre
- Self-expression: Contemporary or creative movement
Try Before You Commit
Many studios offer trial classes. Take advantage of these to:
- See how your child responds
- Observe teaching styles
- Experience the studio environment
- Ask questions
Multiple Styles
Many children benefit from studying multiple styles:
- Ballet provides excellent foundational technique
- Adding jazz or hip hop provides variety
- Contemporary develops artistry
- Tap builds musicality
Our teachers can help guide you towards the best combination for your child's goals and interests.
Still unsure? Contact us to discuss your child's interests, or browse our class schedule to see what's available.