How to Teach Little Kids to Dance

Teaching young children to dance can be fun.

Introducing and teaching dance to little children can be an exciting endeavor, but it requires a lot of energy from the instructor. There are great benefits to teaching little kids to dance. They include the building of confidence, stamina, strength and self-esteem. Dance instructors focus on the teaching of the basic steps and movements particular to dancing. The steps taught proceed from simple to more advanced movements based on student progression. Teaching little kids to dance is enjoyable and at times entertaining, but kids must adhere to the basic steps of dance to further progress as dancers.

Instructions

Teaching Young Children to Dance

1. Allow the kids time for free-verse dancing to music. Begin stretching exercises with the kids so they can loosen up after they dance free verse.

2. Teach basic steps of ballet because ballet steps are the foundation of all dance techniques.

3. Place little dancers where they can stand upright and perform plies in different positions.

4. Show kids how to perform tendus, degage, passe and port de bra, which are the basic steps of dance for the legs and feet.

5. Guide kids in completing dance combinations across the floor to include chasse, skips, basic turns and battements.

6. Direct kids in performing combinations that incorporate all of the steps learned during the lesson.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat the lessons three or more times per session.

• If teaching a class, have parents observe lessons to make sure their kids have the interest and desire needed to continue.

• Start kids in a beginner's class.

References

• Shon Ross, Dance Instructor; Founder of Dancer Within Dance Company; St. Louis, Missouri
• Teach Kids How: Teach Your Children How to Dance
• Ballet Terms