Do you have a child who has been showing an interest in dance as of late? Do you often catch them dancing in the house, humming to their favorite music and allowing their creative spirit to shine? Any time your child shows interest in an activity or hobby this is a great opportunity for parents to connect with them, encourage them to pursue their passions and help them in any way possible. Here are some of the ways you can help your child explore their love of dance and take it to the next level.

Help Them to Research and Learn Various Styles

Dance is a broad category as many different styles exist. Your child may express an interest in dance, but that doesn’t mean they know what their favorite style is or even the options out there. A great place to start is by helping them to research and learn various styles of dance.

Some of the most common dance styles that the two of you can explore are:

  • Ballet
  • Hip Hop
  • Ballroom
  • Jazz
  • Contemporary
  • Tap
  • Modern
  • Country and Western
  • Swing
  • Highland

Make sure that you physically visit the dance studio Singapore and check out whether your children like what they see or not. If you take them to the different studios, they will have an idea of what to expect and form their opinion about the various dance forms. Make sure that at the end of it all, you are taking an informed decision and considering their interests and preferences.

Keep in mind, there is no reason they have to stop at just one style that they like. It’s very common for professional dancers to enjoy several different styles. Some even have crossover features and moves. You can even check out some lesser known dance styles. For example, Brazilian Zouk dance is gaining popularity worldwide, and offers something new to try.

Many professional dancers state that ballet is one of the most important foundations to learn, as it helps dancers to excel in various other styles as well.

Enroll Them in a Dance Class

Now that your child has learned more about the various dance styles, they can probably pinpoint one or a couple that appeals to them. From there you can search for local classes that you can enrol them in so they get the instruction they need. Learning at home is fun and creative, but if they want to dig deeper into their passion it’s important to get formal training. If they enjoy their class, they can continue and advance through the levels. They may eventually want to switch styles and try something new too.

Give Them Enough Time to Practice

Just like with anything, practice makes perfect, so while they are learning a particular dance style you need to give them time to do so. This means that you’re not filling their schedule with other obligations, responsibilities, social activities, and so forth. If dance is important to them, they need the time to practice. This shows you take it seriously too and respect their passion and hobby.

Your child may make friends in their dance class and want to practice with them. Again, give them the time to do so. Creative expression is important for the mind and body, and dance is an incredible form of creative expression.

Book a Professional Dance Studio for Rehearsal

Now that they have the basics mastered, why not give them a chance to feel like professional dancers? Renting a dance studio is a great way to show kids you are invested in their hobbies and passions and give them the confidence boost they need. The perfect dance studio to rent should be fully equipped with essentials such as floor to ceiling mirrors, sprung flooring, an excellent sound system for their music and a ballet barre. This will far exceed any practice space they may have at home, and give them a taste of what it must feel like as a professional dancer in training. The more invested they get in dancing, the more you can expect the desire for studio space to grow. Even if it’s just a monthly or weekly rental, it can do wonders for their skill level.

Encourage Them to Compete

Another aspect of dance is the competitions. If your child chooses, there is never a shortage of dance competitions and shows to join. This can be a great way to push them further, allow them to perform in front of an audience, learn new skills and make some fabulous friendships. It’s important to note that the competitions can be cutthroat the higher up your child goes, so it’s also an important lesson in confidence and never giving up – even if they aren’t out there winning every competition.

The Family Needs to Be Actively Supportive

The final tip is that the family as a whole needs to be supportive of their passion and love of dance. This means showing up at practices, shows and competitions, getting involved at home, asking questions, and providing them with pep talks when needed.

If your child is showing an interest in dance these tips are a great way to get involved, encourage the hobby and let their creativity shine. This could be the start of a lifelong passion for them, and you never know where dancing will lead them.