Modern education focuses on equipping children to achieve their full potential with extended co-curricular opportunities for them to embrace their passions and interests. Creative areas of discipline including dance are definitely on par with the core subjects in science and mathematics. They form part of the bedrock of a broad and balanced education. Regular participation in dancing helps children in the following ways:
- Stay fit and healthy;
- Develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally;
- Build motor and coordination skills; and
- Learn to socialize, interact, take turns, follow instructions and work within a team.
As there are dozens of different dance styles out there, picking which classes to send your child to can be quite overwhelming. Read on for a general genre guide to discover which one is the most compatible with the personality and interests of your child.
1. Creative Movement
Image: MusicTime
While most dance classes only start enrolling older children, little ones can have their first taste of “dancing” in classes that combine creative movement and early musical learning experiences. It introduces them to a wide variety of instruments such as maracas, triangles, drums and tambourines, as well as interactions with puppets, streamers, rhythm sticks and more. This will work in conjunction with dramatic play, games and other activities that strengthen toddler’s flexibility, balance, coordination, spatial awareness, strength, motor skills and other important aspects of development. Parent accompaniment is usually required in these classes.
Suggested Age Group: Newborns to 7 years
Recommended Locations: Allegro Music & Arts, Bright Star Chinese Education, Edenland Centre, Hi-5 House of Learning, Kinderia, Mini & Moments, MusicTime.
2. Ballet
Image: Amare Dance Academy
Ballet has something for everyone to admire. The choreography, the music, even the tutus, tulle and feathers. It is no wonder why many dream of becoming a ballerina and opt for ballet as their first choice when it comes to enrolling for dance classes. It is after all the basic foundation for most dance forms. It is not just the grace and elegant movements that are mesmerizing, ballet training comes with many benefits. The skills demanded of ballet dancers strengthen them physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially, and will transfer practically to other aspects of life. However, younger children should start with pre-ballet classes that introduce them to the bare basics as they tend to have a shorter attention span and weaker bones.
Suggested Age Group: From 3 years
Recommended Location: Amare Dance Academy
3. Ballroom Dancing
It is common perception to associate ballroom dancing with adults but children can also participate and reap the benefits of this highly social activity. Regular practice can improve flexibility, posture and stamina – all great perks children would not get from planting their faces in front of the iPad. Flowing through the motions of the dance moves can lead to better focus and improved memory. Classes can eventually train children for competitive dancing, which is a great confidence builder.
Suggested Age Group: From 5 years
4. Hip Hop
Looking to burn off some energy in your kids? Hip hop dance classes are a great outlet. This energetic form of dancing gets children moving with improvisational street style steps matched with hip hop music. Children can get creative and construct their own combination of movements to the rhythm and beats. Besides being able to keep children physically fit and flexible, hip hop dancing puts a positive impact on their cognitive abilities and self-confidence. Plus, it also helps them meet peers with similar interests.
Suggested Age Group: From 7 years
5. Contemporary Dance
Unlike many other dance styles that are highly choreographed, contemporary dance executes moves freely and spontaneously. Dancers express fluid movements in a combination of different genres including ballet, jazz, modern and lyrical. The fun dynamics of movement and improvisation inspires dancers to be more imaginative and creative. Contemporary dance promotes artistic and emotional expression for children who are naturally a little shy.
Suggested Age Group: From 7 years
6. Belly Dancing
Belly dancing does not just move the belly, it helps improve flexibility and overall muscle coordination as it requires moving the whole body. Some may feel shy to perform the moves, so, by simply participating in class is already a boost in self-esteem. In belly dancing classes, children will not only pick up techniques of a new dance style and benefit from the holistic development it brings, but also have the opportunity to explore the culture of the larger world.
Suggested Age Group: From 4 years
7. Tap Dancing
This art of feet tapping is sure to get the heart pumping, perfect for cardiovascular conditioning. Tip-tap, click-clack, as children practice to master the combinations, they improve agility, coordination and muscle memory. The best part is tap dancing caters to all age groups. As long as children are stable on their feet, they can start tapping away.
Suggested Age Group: From 3 years
8. Musical Theatre
Classes will foster the skills required to be a true performer on stage. Children will learn all aspects of the musical theatre world including dancing, expressive movements, singing, gestures, facial expressions, acting and other performing techniques. In more ways than one, this is a real gem to add in the extracurricular and hobby category.
Suggested Age Group: From 7 years
