Dancing lessons for your toddler - when did you start them?

[ladybird11]

Title is fairly accurate of what I'm wondering...

I'm enquiring about dancing lessons for DD - she seems to love jiggling around and swaying to the beat of tunes in front of the TV when they're on - but I'm not sure if she'll get an attack from the 'shy monster' the moment we step foot in the door.

I'm only looking at dance lessons through 'The Fairies' Dance studio - not ballet, tap or anything just yet, she'll be three in January.

Please share your experiences.

[skybie]

we trialed DD1 at 3.5 yrs old at a dance class, small group only abt 8 of them but she hated it and got scared.
like ur DD loves dancing at home and to the telly, but wouldnt have a bar of an actual lesson, but thats cool, we might try again at maybe 5.
see if u can take her to one lesson as a trial to see if she likes it or not, we didnt have to pay for ours, so hopefully it will be the same for you guys

[*Ali*]

At DD's dance school they dont take them untill 3.5 as they don't think they are ready. DD goes to a really laid back dance school where there is not a big focus on costuming and concerts etc, which I really like as I am not personally into the whole makeup, expensive dance outfits etc for little girls.
Maybe if you want to trial her in some kind of dance you could look for a kindy dance program- where they get to do the dancing and music etc, without the pressure of the concerts.

[Shanti]

Aw, how cute. DD loves dancing in front of the tv to her favourite show "The Fairies" !! and also as she listens to The Wiggles and other favourites.....

I am thinking about getting her into a little girls dancing school when she's probably 3 or 4, maybe even 5. Depends on what's in my area.

[onthefly]

I've been wondering about finding a class for DS after he's 3. Maybe 3.5-4 or older is a better age? I saw one kindy dance place advertised that starts from 3...
I just thought he'd have fun - he can do concerts and things later on when he's a famous ballet dancer (no pressure son)

[Fleur]

Panda used to take the toddler group at Physie. The really little girls (2.5 - 3.5) didn't go so well, they just don't have the attention span. But if you can find something that's specific to their age group & doesn't require them all to be doing a certain thing at a certain time, go for it! I think the best thing at this age is to throw on some music & let them go for it

[Rouge]

DD started at 3 and did two years of Ballet. Interestingly if anything it did teach her good posture. People comment even now that she has a dancers posture, and she was only 3 and 4 when she did it. She wishes now she had continued, but at 4 she wanted to give it up. I feel bad that I let her too...

There were a few shy kids, but they really came into their own over a few sessions. If the teachers are good it shouldn't really matter. Goodluck!

[CrazyLady]

maybe look at Kindermusik classes? They're a fun style rather then a structured "you MUST do this" style. Is that something along the lines of what you wanted? They do instruments too

[sangie]

DD started just before 3.5yrs and she's loving it. I've put her in a general kinder dance class which is a bit of everything (jazz, ballet, modern etc). Ages are 2.5 - 4 and it's a very cruisy no-pressure class. See if you can do a trial lesson somewhere, most places offer one for free!

[shellbell3]

DD1 started about 3, we did a "mummy and me" class first, can't remember now who thru but mums or dads join in the class, kids loved it. Then she went onto a fairy ballet class. She's not very graceful tho, lol!

[Amaunet]

My DS does a baby fun dance class. It's for 15 months to 3 years and parents stay and watch/join in. My ds is very shy so I join in a lot they do jumping, skipping, action songs, play tambourines etc. It's only 30mins and pretty good.

[Nai]

DD1 started a week before she turned 3 and she loved it - she was the lead in the end of year concert and she was the youngest in her class. She is still doing it and will probably continue. We are currently doing it through Kinderballet. DD2 and I will start doing the 'Mummy & Me' classes next year as she already joins in with DD1's class and can the full warm-up that they do, she has all the actions down pat and she is only 21 months She really loves music and dance so I think she will be fine as she already knows what to expect.

[ladybird11]

I recall doing Ballet myself at either 3 or 4 - apparently the concert was a scream! Hahaha!

I hope we can get in for a trial class, and I'll see how DD goes; I don't think 'The Fairies' are too structured, so it may be a good starting point. However if she really gets into it then I might look for something a bit more structured for her - as long as she's happy and enjoying herself is my main priority.

She's done Kindergym - and they had a bit of music and moves which DD picked up quite quickly - I just love her excitement when we drive past this fairy place, its so cute.