How Old Is Old Enough for Dance Lessons?

for now i would try mommy and me gyms ... they have simmilar group activities, my sister uses mygym

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Most studios don't take them until they're 3. My daughter was the same way though! I found a little dance class through the City of Denton parks and rec that took 2 yr olds. We did that for a couple months until she turned 3 and could go to a studio. It was a nice intro and she ADORES her dance class now. There are some music and movement classes out there for toddlers though. I think Gymboree might offer something.

I, too, am waiting for my little dance lover to be old enough for dance. (She just turned 3, but is not potty trained, I plan to wait until fall.)

Her grandparents just gave her this DVD. It is not the most exciting DVD, but it is a little dance class on video. My daughters ages 3 and 19 months both enjoy it!

www.imaginetoys.com item #G2362 Dance Adventure DVD $16.95

A.

In order for her to be successful in dance, she needs to be old enough to follow the directions and have learn by showing her. To see what she can do. Try giving her instructions and show her how to do little things. For example: see if you can get her to step from side to side. If she can follow instruction and understand what you are teaching her then jump in, but if she still has a hard time then wait a while. Her attention span has to be huge. Its just what I did b4 I put my daughter in dance.

Your daughter sounds like a joy! My little girl started Ballet lessons last year at age 4. I had been told that she was too young for that, but she absolutely LOVES it. I am sure there is some sort of "movement class" available for your little angel. I am just not sure where, but even the "Little Gym" offers classes to very young toddlers. You probably don't want her in something very structured as far as "do this this way, to this beat," but I am sure a basic movement class should be available somewhere. Good luck to you and if there isn't anything just encourage her at home to show off her love of music.
God bless,
J.

I started at 3 and continued to dance for 16 years.... it is still my favorite thing to do at 41! It has been my experience that 3 is better than 2, and some studios don't start until 4. Until you get her in a class go ahead and dance with her. You get exercise and she'll always remember it. That's what my mom did!

The dance studio we used the child had to be potty trained... that's all.

A. Lynn

Most dance studios will start them at 2 or 3. My daughter is the same way. She is a dancing queen. Now at 4 she has been in dance for 1 year and loves it. She says that she will grow up to be a dancing mommy. They have a dancing video that is interactive and might help. Bella Dancerella Ballet. You can get it at Toys R Us. You might try that. Its about 20.00 to get the set. It does come with a dress up out fit and all. She might be a little young for that though. But, its worth a try...
M.

I say when you are ready and when she is okay with you leaving. My dd also LOVES dance. She started when she was 3 and even now she still loves it and performs to anything for us.

Try Kindermusik! My daughter started at 17 months and it's a combination dance, music, and following directions class, she loved it. She was the youngest one in the toddler class, and she was always in the middle of the group dancing away. At this age, I don't think forcing them to do much more than move around, "ring around the rosie" is advisable. Just let her dance the way she wants to to simply enjoy herself, until she is ready for the more mature dance classes. Just my 2 cents.

The dance studio that our daughter attends has classes for kids as early as 18 months. You can try out a spring or summer session in 07 (they are shorter than paying for a whole year), and see if she likes it!

My two cents, wait until she is potty-trained. We started my daughter @ 3, almost 4 and she's done great. Any younger and I think you would be wasting your money. 5 would really be the ideal age because they are mature enough to actually understand what's going on and put it to use the correct way.

Hi E.,

Most dance studios start as early as 2 (they are sooo cute). My daughter who is 11 is in competitive dancing and she has been dancing since she was 4, dancing is her life, I think she came out of the womb dancing....LOL!

I would suggest that if your daughter loves dancing then I would start her as soon as possible. It also lets them interact with other kids and adults. :)

B.