Styles of Dance for Kids

While all styles of dance are equally beneficial, it is important to learn what type of music and movements they like, especially as they get older, to determine which style of dance is best.
A variety of dance styles exist, which will make finding a class for your kids much easier. Some of the most popular dance classes for children include:
? Pre-Dance/Music and Movement – Exclusively for young children and their parents, these classes are an introduction to dance and music while allowing young children to become comfortable with body movement and helping them develop coordination and creativity.
Louise Benes, Director of the Louise Benes Dance Company in Richmond Hill for 35 years, starts children at age 3 with Creative Movement classes, which are basic body movements, teaching them how to stretch, jump and become more aware of their physique.
? Ballet – Considered the foundation of dance, ballet uses precise movements and encourages discipline in body and mind. It increases strength, coordination and flexibility. Ballet also requires proper posture that will stay with children as they leave the studio.
Maureen Gelchion at the Astoria Dance Center has been dancing for 27 years and feels it’s most important that kids take a class in something they like, but ballet is a good starting point because they look for proper techniques.
“In ballet, you learn proper posture. Your muscles get developed so your core is so strong it can do whatever is asked of it,” said Benes.
? Jazz – These classes are set to fun, upbeat music and there is much flexibility in the type of movements kids will perform. Jazz incorporates improvisation, allowing kids to use their creativity.
? Tap – This high-energy form of dance requires kids to move their feet and “tap” in time to the music. Tap develops rhythm and memory more than anything. It is fairly easy to get good at the beginner tap steps and, like most things, it gets more difficult the better you get.
? Hip-Hop – These classes are set to popular, current music. Creative children enjoy its flexibility as it incorporates rhythm, memory, creativity, strength, and attitude.
? Ballroom – More popular with kids over seven and teens, ballroom dancing is well known for its cutthroat competitions in styles like the foxtrot and rumba.
? Irish – Irish dancing is famous for its fancy footwork combined with a straight upper body. In this style, all of the movements are performed from the hips down, and classes are generally set to traditional Irish music such as jigs and reels.
? Modern – This style of dance can be thought of as a master’s level jazz class to further develop their coordination and balance. This is a particularly technical style of dance that will help kids develop a more personal style.
? Latin – Usually for kids seven and up, this encompasses the cha-cha, rumba, salsa, and the mambo. Latin dance is great exercise and can teach kids the cultural appreciation of music.
? African – Kids are introduced to African songs, music and drumming during classes. Kids of any age can get involved as there are a variety of levels and types of African dancing from which to choose.