It’s both frightening and thrilling to start a dance program for the first time, especially if you’ve never done it before. Do you want to make sure your child(s) is adequately prepared for their dance lesson but aren’t sure how? This article will describe seven tips that individuals should take into consideration before beginning new dance programs.
Wear the Appropriate Attire
Most likely, your child is not going to be comfortable wearing jeans or a heavy fleece sweater to dance. Make sure your child has appropriate attire that they feel comfortable dancing around in. You will want to avoid clothes that are too tight or constricting, as they will make it difficult to dance.
If your dance school does not require a uniform or have a specific dress code, some ideal dance clothes for children can be:
- Simple t-shirt and sweats
- Short dance skirt, as long as it doesn’t impede stretching or dancing exercises
- Tights or a leotard
For footwear, it depends on the dance program your child is enrolled in. For example, you’ll need ballet slippers for a ballet dance program. If your child’s dance class also does not have any special requirements for footwear, have your child wear comfortable shoes like sneakers.
Wear Your Hair Up
If your child has long hair, have them wear their hair up during their dance classes. When hair is tied up, it is pulled away from the face and neck, keeping it out of your child’s face so they can focus on dancing.
When your child has their hair up, they are also able to focus better on the task at hand without anything obstructing their view.
Prepare a Dance Bag
When preparing your child for their dance program, preparing a bag of essentials is always a good idea. Here are some of the most important things to put in your child’s dance bag:
- Dance shoes or sneakers
- Water bottle
- Towel
- Extra pair of dance clothes
- Extra hair ties
If your child is enrolled in a dance program that takes place outside, sunscreen and a hat are also important to bring as they will need them for protection from the sun.
Eat a Healthy Snack before Dancing
Your child needs energy to dance, and food is the source of energy they need. If they have low blood sugar, they will feel tired and weak, which is not ideal when they are trying to learn new dance moves. And if they fuel their body with unhealthy foods, they will not only feel tired and unmotivated, but they will also be more susceptible to injuries.
Dance classes can be strenuous and require a lot of energy, so it’s important that your child arrives at their classes well-rested and fuelled with healthy foods.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to keep your child hydrated when participating in any physical activity, especially dance. If they are dehydrated, they will be more likely to feel tired and lightheaded.
Dehydration can also lead to cramps and other muscle injuries. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids both before and after their dance classes.
Stretch before Dancing
There is no exemption for stretching before dancing. Stretching will help your child to loosen up and help prevent potential injury.
Here are a few good general stretches for dancers:
- Hamstring stretch
- Dynamic bridge movements
- Leg and hip swings
Because stretching is an important aspect of any physical activity, your child should never skip this step before dancing.
Set Goals
Goal setting is great when starting something new. You have already accomplished the goal of signing your child up for a dance program, now it’s their turn to set some goals to work towards within the dance classes.
It’s critical for children to set personal objectives before beginning dance lessons. Dance classes can be a fun and rewarding experience, but they can also be challenging and scary. The goals you help them set will help them work harder and have more fun during their classes.
Register Now for Performing Dance Arts’ Dance Programs
Ready to register your child in their first dance program or a new dance school? Performing Dance Arts is just the place.
Our children’s dance classes in Toronto are designed to help your child do what they love—dance—while improving their skills and learning new moves along the way.
If you’re looking for one of the best dance studios in Ontario, then contact us today to register your child or learn more about which type and program are best for them. We provide dance lessons for all skill levels and ages so there will be something for everyone.
