Your child’s first dance class can be a super exciting time and as much as we know they will be a little nervous, we also know that you’re a little nervous too. So we’ve put together the following tips to help make your preschooler’s first dance class a success!
1) Be Prepared
The first day of classes can be overwhelming for both the children and parents as well as the studio. From all of the new faces and old friends to greet, it can be a very busy day for everyone involved. Try to take advantage of the studio’s early fitting days so you can make sure your child is dressed appropriately for class and ready to go! Bring along a water bottle and make sure their hair is tied neatly out of their face.
2) Arrive Early
Your little one needs time to explore before going into the studio all by themselves. By arriving at the studio 10-15 minutes early on their first dance day, they have time to meet some new friends, put their dance shoes on and most importantly have a bathroom break too! It is incredibly important to encourage your child to go to the bathroom before class starts so the class isn’t interrupted by the “potty train.”
We don’t want them to miss any of the fun on their first day! Make sure they try to go to the bathroom before class.
3) Talk About It
A few days, or even a few weeks before their first dance class you should start to get them excited about going for their first dance class! From getting their dancewear, explaining why we wear our beautiful dance clothes only for dance, to getting them excited about going into class without you. There are a lot of adjustments that our little ones need to be aware of for their first day. Start talking about soon and always letting them know that you will be just outside the door if they need you!
Now we know it’s not just your little dancer that may be nervous for their first preschool dance class. You may be feeling a little anxious too if this is your first time putting your little one in a class setting. Please be assured that that anxious feeling is completely and 100% normal! As a parent you always want what is best your child and we completely understand that.
Trust us when we say it’s normal if…
- Your little dancer just stares into the mirror instead of at the teacher during class
- Your little dancer jumps and leaps around her spot instead of doing plies
- Your little dancer runs up and hugs the dance instructor randomly throughout the class
Please DON’T PANIC!
All of the above scenarios are completely and 100% normal in our preschool classes. The basis for all of our Teacups classes is fun. Our preschool dancers will learn through games and movement. What might seem like running around and not real dancing to an adult is fundamental to a preschooler’s learning. And they are learning!
We at Footprints Dance Centre invite kids from all across Woodstock and Oxford County, to take part in one of the many dance classes offered to our Teacup Dancers. Registering your 3-4 year old for dance classes with Footprints Dance Centre will be an unforgettable experience, so if you are looking for a positive outlet for your child, contact us today at 519-532-4905.
