It seems like just yesterday that your baby took her first steps, so can she possibly be ready for a toddler dance class? Absolutely. In addition to busting her own moves at home in spontaneous bursts of toddler dancing, little movers and shakers are capable of (fairly) complex choreography by the time they hit 18 months. (That’s why there are plenty of schools or dance studios that offer dance classes for two-year-old.)
So why is it worth enrolling your itty-bitty boogier? Toddler dance classes are a great source of exercise, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Plus, they’re great for getting your growing gal used to group situations (especially if she’s not in day care or preschool). What’s more, dance classes for two-year-old as well as toddler music classes tap into children’s innate love of all things music. Here’s what you need to know before you invest in a tutu (or two).
Choosing a Class
First, get recommendations from other parents you know or from WTE members in your local group. Once you have a few solid options, call the schools to learn a bit about their dance classes for two-year-old. Remember: At this age, it’s all about fun, fun, fun, so avoid classes that emphasize technique or expect their smallest students to learn full routines. Steer clear of toddler dance classes that require students’ participation in recitals (and buying the costly costumes that go along with them). Plus, check out the policy on absences and makeups — you might miss a class because your little one is sick or just because she’s fast asleep and you don’t want to wake her up. Your tiny dancer should spend class time playing movement games and picking up a few basic terms (like “tippy toes”). It doesn’t much matter if you choose tap or ballet or “creative movement” — she can always pick a specialty later.
More Toddler Activities
Also ask how parents (and other caregivers) are involved in the class. Toddlers under two-and-a-half do well in mommy-and-me programs (also called caregiver-accompanied classes), where you, your partner, or a sitter take part. Older toddlers can thrive in small classes in which the teachers are the only grown-ups in the room, though many dance studios allow you to watch your pint-size performer through a waiting-room window. The benefit of these “separation classes” is that children get the chance to learn more independently, which paves the way for formal dance education later in life. When you’ve zeroed in on a school, visit the class space before you sign up your child. A good toddler dance studio will be clean, well lit, and large enough for a group of active two-year-old. Try to catch your child’s prospective teacher in action. Does she seem great with kids, in control, and generous with her smiles? Does she seem to be enjoying herself? At this stage, these qualities are way more important than a professional ballet résumé.
Gearing Up
Luckily, toddler dance classes don’t require you to buy too many extras, unless you end up in a toddler dance class that has a show at the end (then you may be asked to buy an expensive costume). The dress code varies from class to class, so ask what you need before you enroll. More traditional dance studios tend to have students wear leotards and tights, while more casual programs let the wee ones wear whatever’s comfy. The most important thing, of course, is that your dancing queen can really move around in her outfit.
Enrolling Boys
While gender stereotypes do still exist, most kids’ dance instructors agree: Toddler dance classes are for girls and boys, so give your budding Billy Elliot the chance to learn some smooth moves while he’s still young.
Calling It Quits
If your critter really seems to hate going to the dance classes for two-year-old or refuses to participate while she’s there, don’t force the issue. She might not be ready yet, so give it another try in six months or so (and be open to the fact that she might not ever like this type of activity). Many schools offer at least a partial refund and even if not, what you don’t save in dollars you can save in tears and tantrums — the truest triumph of any toddler mommy’s life.
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