The BEST time to start dance
I was quite curious to think what a person (who doesn’t have a dance background) would believe is the ‘best’ age to start dance classes for their child.
So I googled it…. and to my surprise, Google’s most popular answer was between the ages of 7-9 years old [insert all dance teacher’s SHOCK horror!]
I would tend to disagree with Google on this one – and would even go as far to say that if you are starting dance at 9 years old, you are already quite substantially behind.
It is of course not impossible to start dance at the age of 9, however, to be given the best chance at success and to understand the fundamentals of dance so they can be built upon as you grow – you should start between the ages of 2-4 years old. The Petites stage.
Students at this age are like sponges. They absorb everything they are being taught – which is so much more than just the steps. It’s the rhythm and timing, the formations and group work, the different genres and vocabulary that’s associated with them. These Petites are smart little vegemites – that’s for sure.
The obstacles that present themselves when beginning at the age of 9 for example, is that lack of foundational and technical movement that the rest of the class has gained over many years, not to mention the physical requirements of the body; like a level of flexibility and strength. Some novice students who enter at this age may have natural flexibility and/or strength, even a great sense of rhythm – which will serve them well. But, they will be required to work hard, especially in the first few years to really catch up to (and then continue learning) alongside their peers.
Point being – if you have a 2-4 year old who loves to dance and shows interest in music (e.g does ‘the bop’ when a catchy tune is been played), then don’t delay. They are not too young. They are perfect! This is the best time for them to being their journey and instil a lifelong love and appreciate of dance.
And if you are that 9 year old – don’t wait another day longer. Start now. Just know that with a lot of hard work, determination and passion – you can get there too!