Preparing For A Successful First Dance Class

As parents, we know how exciting starting a new activity can be for both you and your child. Sometimes the parents are more excited than the kids! Which is why preparing for your first dance lesson is an important step in having a great experience. Our dance programs now teach kids as young as 18 months up to 18 years. Having been in business now for 14 years, we have had the pleasure of watching some dancers start as toddlers and become talented teens. We can help your dancer reach those goals as well. Below are a few tips that will help you take that first step. 

Dance styles we cover in class: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. 

 

Before Class

  • Be sure to come fed and rested: Preschool kids can easily lose focus if they are hungry or tired. Be sure to have a snack before class if your dancer get hangry!  
  • Tell your dancer what to expect: If it’s a parent involvement class, let them know you will be there with them. If it’s a dancers only class (3-5 yrs class), let them know you will be watching from the window. You can let your dancer know the name of their teacher, and show them and show them a picture from our staff page so they start to feel comfortable with where they are going and who they are dancing with. 
  • Arrive early, but not too early: We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes prior to class. It’s enough time to settle in, use the restroom, and get ready for class. If you arrive too early and hang out in the lobby, your dancer may get tired before class even begins. Plan accordingly. Give yourself a few minutes to find parking as well.
  • Use restroom before class begins: With the preschool age dancers we understand that needing to take a potty break mid class may occur. However, if we can diminish that need by using the restroom a few minutes before class, that helps your dancer and the staff greatly. 
  • Register with a buddy! Sometimes all a dancer needs is a friend. Taking classes with a buddy will make them feel more comfortable their first time in class, which will lead to more success down the road. 

During Class

  • Mask Requirements: Dancers 3 or older must wear masks in class, per SM County Guidelines. Kids 2 and under are not required to wear masks. We will enforce these protocols and continue to follow county guidance. Should mask mandates be lifted, we will drop the requirement as well.
  • Bring a water bottle: Teachers will give kids a water at some point during class. Having a water bottle is important.
  • Wear the correct footwear: Check with our staff to see which rotation we are on. We rotate through ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and musical theatre. While the proper footwear isn’t required for this age group, it is recommended. 
  • Wear comfortable clothing: Preferably no jeans, but anything that allows your dancer to move and stretch comfortably. Dress codes do not apply for our preschool-age level classes. 
  • Waiting in the lobby: Our lobby is fairly large. Families are welcomed to watch from our viewing windows or just sit and relax. If you have siblings that will be waiting be sure to bring quiet activities for them to do while they wait. We have a small book collection that kids are welcome to read while they are here. We ask that you supervise your children and not let them play in the hallways out of respect for the neighboring businesses. Our lobby opens 15 minutes before morning and afternoon classes, and closes 15 minutes after classes have ended in both the morning and afternoon/evening times. Generally our lobby is closed from Noon-3pm most days. 

After Class

  • Check in with the teacher: Ask the teacher how they think your dancer did in class. They may have some feedback or advice. Just be mindful if the teacher has a back to back class. They may need to shift their focus to the next group. In that case you can always email the teacher after the class to ask for feedback.
  • Check in with your dancer: Ask your dancer if they liked the class. Ask them their favorite part of class. Let them tell you what the experienced. It will typically take a few visits before your dancer is fully comfortable with the teacher and the group. 
  • Moving Forward: Consistent attendance is key for all age groups, but particularly preschoolers. If you miss class every other week, they will not get the consistency they need to thrive in the classroom. As you go through our rotations, take note of their favorite styles. That way when they get older and move up to our www.PrincipalArts.com program you will know which styles to sign up for. 

Ready to start?

Use the button below to view our schedule and register online. There is a one month minimum requirement to enroll. Free trial classes are currently on hold due to staffing and other back end covid restrictions. We hope to bring these back by the end of 2021.

Want to bring us to your preschool?

We teach on-site at various preschools around the Bay Area. If your school is looking for an extracurricular option, please reach out. info@smallfrydanceclub.com

CLICK HERE FOR CLASS SCHEDULES