For new students, their first dance class is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. It’s a different environment with a new set of expectations. From new teachers to new classmates – it can get overwhelming. Fortunately, all dance students experience their first class at some point in their lives to break through and excel in dance. If your child is just starting their dance journey, this article has tips to boost their confidence and help them enjoy it.
After reading this article, you can help guide them to come out of their first dance class happy and looking forward to the next one!
1. Finding the right mindset.
Setting a positive or open-minded attitude is the most important tip for having a great first class. The right mindset sets the tone for learning and making mistakes. The right mindset understands that everyone starts somewhere, and it’s okay to be imperfect at first. The right mindset offsets performance anxiety and perfectionism.
So how does your child find the right mindset? It takes a village. Between you, their teachers, and the inner dialogue within them, constant encouragement and perspective are key. Talk to them before and after class. Give them words of inspiration and motivation to hype them up. They will, over time, build a healthy mindset. It will help them face challenges in dance class and overcome any physical and mental tests.
2. Do research beforehand.
Knowing what dance style they are about to learn will give your child the proper context and expectations in their first dance class. YouTube and other social media apps make it easy to find videos to reference. They show the basics, technique, and athleticism involved. Setting proper expectations helps them feel more confident on day one.
3. The right outfit is a superpower.
The right dance attire will help your child feel their best in their first class. It will boost their performance and comfort, and potentially help with injury prevention. Clothes that may feel natural and authentic in school or at home may not give them the breathability, flexibility, and confidence needed for dance.
Each dance style has its own unique energy and athletic requirements. For Street Dance and Hip Hop styles, wearing loose and baggy clothing such as a hoodie, sweatpants, and/or an oversized shirt is the best way to go. It adds the character of “cool” to your child’s mindset – and feeling cool matters in Hip Hop. Oh, let’s not forget footwear. We recommend sneakers, running shoes, or cross-trainers. They accommodate for lateral shifts in movement that happen in class.
(Bonus points for wearing a cool baseball hat or a bandana.)
4. The extra gear you don’t wear.
Bringing a water bottle is a must. Staying hydrated boosts energy, supports muscles, and prevents injuries. It regulates body temperature, improves focus, and speeds recovery.
Don’t forget a towel for drying off the sweat. If your child is applying themselves to the fullest, they will be sweaty and may feel uncomfortable. Bringing a towel will help remedy that.
Optional: Depending on the style and choreography, knee pads or wristbands may help prevent injury during floor moves.
5. Warm up and stretch before class.
To prevent injuries, warming up and stretching before class is essential. Most teachers start their class with a dance warm-up and/or a stretch. It’s important to point out that everybody and every “body” is different. Dancers who train for 10 or more hours weekly are always moving. Their bodies progress differently than those who train a few hours a week. Encourage your child to warm up whenever they can.
6. Get to class early.
The early bird gets the worm, as they say. Arriving early to settle in, mentally prepare, and familiarize your child with the studio helps them reduce anxiety. Soon after their first class, your child will find friends to socialize and connect with before each session. This will boost their confidence and mindset.
7. Listen and observe.
Once your child is in class, it’s important for them to pay attention, listen, and absorb as much as possible from the instructor. These instructors guide them to grow as dancers, so respecting their teachings with attention and focus is the most efficient path to improvement.
Speaking of instructors, enjoy this article, "Frescy's Breaking Journey to Self-Discovery," on PULSE alumni, Ryan Everett. His first dance class was at PULSE and now teaches as one of their full-time instructors. He has also taken over as Director of EV (PULSE's junior-level performance groups).
Watching how other dancers perform and carry themselves in class provides valuable insight for your child. When they mirror the positive traits of others in the classroom, they are more likely to reap similar results. If they are bold enough to ask questions during class—even better.
8. Take care of your body post-class.
Congratulations to your child for completing their first dance class! But there are a few more steps in the process afterward. The immediate step is to cool down and stretch after class. Classes rarely discuss hydration, nutrition, and muscle recovery, but they are beneficial to the process. Lastly, we encourage plenty of rest to avoid overexertion, especially for beginners.
For more on the importance of the right dance environment, see "Benefits Your Child Experiences in the Right Dance Environment."
At the end of the day, just have fun!
It may seem like a lot of steps to prepare your child for their first dance class, but it gets easier over time. Their first dance class only happens once. It will build their confidence for future classes. If there are one or two tips we deem essential, we vote for having the right mindset and listening to their teachers. Mastering these steps will result in a more enjoyable experience.
If you are new to PULSE and want to enroll your child in classes, we have many knowledgeable and positive instructors to kick-start their dance journey. From Breaking, Popping, and other Street Dance styles to beginner, drop-in, and performance levels, there are many classes to advance their Hip Hop knowledge and technique. Click on the button below and cultivate your child’s first dance class with the right mindset, teachers, and dance studio!
