Signs Your Child is Ready to Dance: A Guide for Parents

Our family was sitting in red velvet theater seats, waiting for the curtain to rise on our daughter’s first experience at the ballet. The lights shone brightly on the talented dancers dressed in brilliant tutus, the music was enchanting, and as we looked down at our child’s face, it was clear that she was captivated.

Fast forward a few days, that same child was twirling through every room in the house and asking when she could begin dance classes. But was she ready? Were we ready for the commitment?

After considering a few practical points, our answer was a resounding “yes.” If you find yourself asking the same questions, read on to determine if dance classes are right for your child.

Interest and enthusiasm:

If your child loves dancing around the house or can’t resist tapping his or her feet to music, these are signs it might be time to try dance classes.

Attention span:

Can your child focus and follow instructions? Dance classes are structured, so children will be encouraged to further develop their attention span and listening skills. Luckily, our instructors at Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education are pros at keeping things engaging for the younger crowd.

Social readiness:

Is your child ready to start socializing? Dance classes are a great way for children to start working with peers and following the lead of their instructor. TBCDE offers classes that are designed for children as young as 2.5 years old who would benefit from the support of their parent or guardian. This allows youngsters to explore within their comfort zone, and before you know it, they will be ready to take classes on their own.

Age appropriateness:

Think about your child’s age and stage of development. Choosing a class with the right structure is important to consider. TBCDE’s Pre-Ballet program for ages 2.5 to 6-year-olds fosters imagination and creativity, whereas our Preparatory Program for ages 6 and up instills more of a sense of structure and discipline to prepare students to enter our Intensive Program.

Trial classes:

Still not sure if dance classes are right for your child? Give our trial classes a shot. They are a great way to see if your child enjoys it before committing. In addition, TBCDE offers 4-week Summer Dance sessions, which are perfect for dipping toes in before the full commitment in the fall.

Every child is different, so trust your instincts and watch how your child reacts. If he or she is excited and ready to give it a whirl, dance classes could be a fantastic way to explore creativity and get moving. Once you’ve decided to give dance a try, make sure to choose a quality school that will nurture your child’s newfound love of the performing arts.

Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education offers an encouraging atmosphere with a holistic approach to ballet training. Would you like to learn more about dance programs available at TBCDE? Check out tulsaballet.org or chat with one of our friendly staff members.