It's wonderful that parents look for ways to help their child enjoy their dance classes and support their growth in a positive way. We always get asked for some tips on how to do this. So we thought we would share some of the things we share with our parents with you.
So Here are some tips to consider:
1. **Create a Positive Environment:** Encourage your child to view dance classes as a fun and enjoyable activity, rather than a "Must do class". Trust us some kids will retaliate if they know that they are being made to do something, I know I did!
Avoid putting too much pressure on them to perform perfectly. Let them know that it's okay to make mistakes and that learning is a gradual process, don't worry we make sure we reiterate this too.
2. **Focus on their Progress:** Remind your child that everyone starts as a beginner, and improvement takes time. Highlight the progress they've made since they began attending dance classes. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Sometimes so children can be phased by others being better than them in class. Fear not we are trained to make sure students do not feel like this. We don't want you to panic. We reward all students to a healthy level, wether this be termly awards, end of year awards, little sweets, or something special all of our students are rewarded for their little wins.
3. **Individuality Matters:** Emphasize that every dancer has their own journey and strengths. Comparing themselves to others can be discouraging, so help your child understand that they are unique and their growth will happen at their own pace.
4. **Show Interest in Their Passion:** When your child wants to show you something they've learned or a dance move they've mastered, take a genuine interest. This reinforces their sense of accomplishment and pride in their achievements. It sometimes takes weeks for a child to learn something, so please don't instantly dismiss them, unless you are in the car.
5. **Attend Performances and parent participation weeks:** Whenever possible, attend your child's dance performances and parent weeks. Your presence can boost their confidence and show that you support their efforts.
6. **Encourage Open Communication:** Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings and experiences from dance class. This way, they can express any challenges they're facing, and you can provide guidance and reassurance. Also if they don't want to tell you what they did then that is ok too, they will when they are ready.
7. **Help Them Prepare:** Encourage your child to pack their own dance bag. This not only teaches responsibility but also helps them feel involved and prepared for their classes.
8. **Balance Commitment:** While it's important to attend classes consistently, ensure that dance doesn't become overwhelming. Maintain a healthy balance between dance, school, and other activities.
9. **Set Realistic Goals:** Work with your child to set achievable goals for their dance journey. These goals should be based on their individual progress and interests, not on external pressures.
10. **Celebrate Effort:** Praise your child for their efforts and hard work rather than solely focusing on the end result. This promotes a growth mindset and helps them understand that dedication and practice lead to improvement.
11. **Encourage Exploration:** Allow your child to explore different styles of dance if they express interest. This can keep their experience fresh and exciting.
12. **Supportive Feedback:** Offer constructive feedback when your child asks for it, but make sure it's delivered in a positive and encouraging manner. Avoid overly critical or negative comments.
Remember, the goal is to nurture your child's love for dance and help them develop a healthy attitude towards learning and self-expression. By creating a positive and supportive environment, you can play a significant role in making their dance journey enjoyable and fulfilling.
Don't worry if your child changes their mind every so ofter that is normal and ok too. We always keep open communication with parents too, so if you ever feel that you need to see how we can help, just ask. We are trained in helping.
Don't be scared to ask the teacher.
