.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress&crop=entropy&fit=crop&h=220&ixlib=php-1.2.1&q=90&w=330 "Ballet for Kids (Ages 5-9)")
.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress&crop=entropy&fit=crop&h=220&ixlib=php-1.2.1&q=90&w=330 "Hawaiian Dance for Kids (Ages 6-11)")
Discover the Best Kid's Dance Classes Near Me
Kid's dance classes are a fun way for children to express themselves and learn the art of dance. These classes provide a safe and supportive environment where kids can explore various dance styles, develop coordination, and build confidence.
Dance has been a part of children's lives for centuries. From the Maypole Dance of northern Europe to the Chinese Lion Dance to lively Brazilian Samba, children have learned dance as a way to celebrate, communicate, and participate in cultural traditions.
Today, children can learn ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and many other dance genres, allowing them to embrace their creativity and enjoy the benefits of movement and expression. Dance classes for kids not only foster physical development but also promote discipline, teamwork, and artistic appreciation.
Why Kids Should Learn Dance
Children naturally love to move their bodies in rhythm with music. They are full of energy and lack the inhibition that keeps adults off the dance floor. More than just a fun way to burn off steam, dance is a creative journey filled with joy, growth, and self-expression. When children learn to dance, they embark on a path of physical and emotional development that will expand their lives.
Dance boosts children’s fitness, strength, flexibility, and coordination, but it’s so much more than physical mastery. With each twirl, jump, and gesture, they find the freedom to express their individuality and let their spirits shine. Dance fosters confidence, discipline, and perseverance, qualities that extend far beyond the dance floor.
Kids will make new friends who share their love of dance, and become part of a community that promotes healthy movement, teamwork, and creative expression.
5 Ways for Kids to Learn Dance
Dance classes for kids are offered in many communities and online venues. Check out these five ways to learn kid’s dance:
- Formal dance classes at a local dance studio or community center offer age-appropriate dance classes. Professional instructors teach technique, choreography, and dance styles in a structured and supportive environment.
- Live online dance classes offer the live feedback of a teacher, but your child can take classes wherever you are, even if there are no kids’ dance programs in your community. Classes offer real-time dance instructions and a chance to engage with other kids in the class.
- Online tutorials on platforms like YouTube provide recorded dance lessons specifically designed for kids. These videos allow children to learn at their own pace, follow step-by-step instructions, and practice different dance styles from the comfort of their own homes.
- Dance camps and workshops held during school breaks or summer vacations provide an immersive dance experience. Children can learn from experienced instructors, interact with fellow dancers, and participate in exciting dance activities.
- Your child’s school may offer dance programs as part of their physical education or extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to join school dance clubs or participate in school productions, where they can learn dance routines and perform in front of an audience.
In-Person Kid's Dance Classes
Many kids learn best and stay engaged with a live, in-person teacher. They can immerse themselves in the social experience of dancing and move to the music along with their class. It’s helpful to have a close-up look at new dance moves, and a chance to ask questions as they go. In-person courses are a great way to get started and ramp up their skills quickly. Whether they want to learn ballet or hip hop, there’s a class to suit them.
Stepping for ages 6 to 14 at Fit4Dance in Brooklyn, New York is a percussive, highly-energetic art form. It originated with song and dance rituals performed by African-American fraternities and sororities. Stepping uses the body as an instrument, with footsteps, claps, and spoken word producing complex poly-rhythms. Stepping has been described as “one of the most exciting dance forms created in the 21st century.”
Ballet for ages 6 to 10 at Fit4Dance in Brooklyn, New York focuses on ballet technique, proper body alignment, ballet terminology, and musicality. Kids are introduced to the foundations of ballet alignment, basic positions, carriage of the arms, and class etiquette. Dancers learn articulation of the feet and ankles, rotation of the hips (or “turn out”), skips, and jumps. As they progress, students explore challenging barre exercises, turns, leaps, slow balances (adagio exercises), and complex combinations. Fit4Dance is dedicated to bringing quality and affordable dance and fitness instruction to communities that need it the most. They offer a comfortable space where folks can have fun, learn to dance, improve their fitness and health, meet new people, build community, and explore other cultures in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment.
a petits pas for ages 3 to 5 at French Institute Alliance Française in New York City is a gentle and fun immersion experience where your child can become familiar with French through hands-on and age-appropriate activities. Your child will pick up new words and language structures and use them in stimulating activities like arts-and-crafts projects, dancing, games, and stories. Your child’s fluency and confidence in French will grow in this immersive and creative experience. French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) offers New Yorkers innovative and unique programs in education and the arts that explore the evolving diversity and richness of French cultures. FIAF seeks to generate new ideas and promote cross-cultural dialogue through partnerships and new platforms of expression.
Summer Theater Camp at The Children's Acting Academy in New York City invites young performers to take part in the Summer Intensive Theater Program, an introduction to the professional theater world. Professional guest artists lead classes in acting, improvisation, movement, voice-overs, wardrobe, makeup and hair, TV, auditioning techniques, stage combat, singing, and dancing. Meetings with “the pros” in theater, broadcasting, TV, and film provide the students with real-life, hands-on experience in the performing arts. The Children's Acting Academy provides a mix of professional acting training combined with individual instruction and performance opportunities. Students learn to act with honesty and passion and learn concentration and relaxation through sensory exercises and scripted work. Improvisation, speech, and voice are emphasized during every class session.
Kids Hip Hop for ages 7 to 11 and Teen Hip Hop for ages 12-16 at Athletic Garage Dance & BodyWork Studio in Pasadena, California teach kids the latest upbeat dance steps to cutting-edge music. The class is offered at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Kids don’t need a dance partner for this class. Athletic Garage Dance & BodyWork Studio trains dancers in many styles and techniques. They aim to encourage freedom of expression, enable performance skills, foster a community of dancers, strengthen the body, and grow the dancer in mind, body, and spirit, in a non intimidating, and non-judgmental environment.
Ballet for Kids for ages 3 to 4 at Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, California teaches kids the fun of ballet by learning basic positions, steps, and movement. The class encourages the spirit of dance, and kids reap the benefits that ballet can bring in self-confidence, motor skills, friendship, self-discipline, and the joy of dance. Los Angeles City College Community Services offers classes and events for anyone in the community—old or young, resident or not, training for a career, or just looking to have a good time. Offerings are not-for-credit and are 100% supported by fees or donations/contributions.
Pre-Ballet for ages 4 to 6 at Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, California introduces basic movements that will help your child understand ballet and dance. Ballet for ages 7 to 12 at Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, California teaches children poise and grace through the classical art of ballet. East Los Angeles College empowers students to achieve their educational goals, expand their individual potential, and successfully pursue their aspirations for a better future for themselves, their community, and the world.
Tap I for ages 5-9 and Tap I/II for ages 8 and older at Dance Dynamics in Chicago, Illinois specializes in technically refining students’ dancing and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Students experience self-discovery, creativity, competition, and performance. Classes push the boundaries of dance to create the trends, styles, and techniques of the future. Level II class requires dance experience. The studio also offers Intermediate Boys Hip Hop for ages 8 and older and Hip Hop III for ages 8 and older. Dance Dynamics offers small class sizes, personal student-to-teacher focus, and superior technique. They offer dance classes from beginning levels thru pre-professional for children thru adults. Genres include Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Pointe, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Turns and Technique.
Virtual Kid's Dance Classes
Online kid’s dance classes offer all of the energy and fun of in-person classes, but you don’t have to leave home. If there are no kid’s dance classes offered in your community, or you have scheduling conflicts or lack transportation, online classes might be the answer. You’ll need space at home for dance moves, and a device with internet service to access the class. If you don’t see the dance class your child wants, take a look at other ways to boost their creative experience. Acting, fashion, music, and art will enrich their skills and broaden their personal expression.
Virtual Kids' Fashion Camp for ages 11 to 14 is a great five-day summer camp program for young students to express their creativity and grow their love of sewing. They’ll create fun seasonal projects that they will be proud to say they made. This class is for beginners so everyone can follow along and even replicate their projects at home for family and friends.
Kids will learn fashion sketching and mood boards, how to properly thread and use a sewing machine, basic sewing techniques, and terminology, how to sew accessories and clothing, hand and machine stitching & seam finishes, appliqué and trim application, and embroidery. They’ll complete fashion sketches and mood boards, embroidery, a tote bag, and a summer top.
All project supplies are included, but students will need to have a sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, ruler, colored pencils, mechanical pencils, and magazines that can be cut and used for mood boards. The average class size is eight students.
Kids' Advanced Sewing and Fashion Camp for ages 9 to 11 and Kids' Advanced Sewing and Fashion Camp for ages 12 to 14 take your child’s sewing to the next level. They can enjoy this camp more than once with updated projects every session. This class focuses on fashion sketching, design, and sewing clothing and accessories on trend for the summer. Students will learn sewing, fashion sketching, and mood boards, and hand embroidery, and they’ll get to watch a fashion show.
All supplies for projects are included. Students will also need a sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, ruler, colored pencils, mechanical pencils, magazines that can be cut and used for mood boards, and poster boards. The average class size is eight students.
In Online Summer Art and Creativity Camp for Kids for ages 5 to 8, your child will fill up on friendship, laughter, connection, unbounded creativity, and fun. This live, online camp experience is exciting, magical, and connected, all from the safety of home. Engaging, creative online activities for kids and teens of all ages include drawing classes, painting projects, manga, watercolor painting, realism, abstraction, art journaling, collage, mixed media, comics and cartooning, crafts, landscape arts, portraiture, art history fun facts, graffiti, creative lettering, group art games, team spirit, and socializing with friends.
You can register your child for three, four, or five days or half days. You’ll need to order materials from a provided list before the class begins, or use materials you already have. The average class size is eight students.
Private Group Kid’s Dance Classes
Do you want to schedule a kid’s dance class for your party or event? Maybe you want to keep your kids and their friends busy and active with a fun experience. Coursehorse has private group kid’s dance classes and other activities that they can deliver just for you. Keep your young performers entertained and watch as they grow their skills with these exciting classes for kids.
In Virtual Group Magic Trick Workshop, kids get to learn the secrets and theory behind fun, sophisticated close-up magic tricks, so they can start performing magic whenever and wherever they want. Everyone leaves feeling like they were let in on the exciting and secret world of magic. This is a private, interactive workshop led by a professional magician.
You’ll need a deck of cards, loose coins, and a dollar bill. Or, schedule the all-inclusive magic trick workshop with all materials included. You can invite up to 500 people to join your magic workshop.
Virtual Team Olympics will have your kids huddle together with a team and complete creative challenges. They’ll complete a series of team-based, fun, hands-on competitions that will have them laughing as they compete for gold. Your kids will play for silly challenges, like type-racing, Family Feud-style challenges, racing to build the tallest marshmallow towers, creating balloon animals, and playing harmonicas. The class includes a game platform with interactive elements and scorecards for participants. Coursehorse provides all of the props.
Virtual Group Stretching and Alignment is a one-hour class that will teach your child how to increase flexibility in different ways, including techniques used by dancers to expand their personal range of motion and prevent injury. Variations of exercises help movers of all backgrounds and fitness levels safely challenge themselves. Your child will feel their body lengthened, strengthened, aligned, and free to move. Join the class prepared with comfortable clothing, space to stretch, and an optional mat if working on a hard surface. Up to 500 people can participate.
What kid doesn’t love pancakes? In the Virtual Pancake Art Workshop, your child will enter the world of making pancake art. This one-hour class covers everything from making the batter to drawing to eating. Your kid will start with easy shapes like flowers, stars, and letters. Then they’ll work their way up to more advanced techniques, like layering to create darker shades, to make faces, animals, and anything they can think to draw. All they need to bring is imagination.
All ingredients will be shipped to each participant, including pancake mix, one squeeze bottle, one funnel, and one bottle of pancake syrup. You’ll need to provide butter or oil for greasing the pan, a large mixing bowl, a rubber spatula and turning spatula, a whisk, a nonstick pan or griddle, scissors or knife, and four to five kitchen towels. This class can accommodate up to 100 participants.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Coursehorse can create a custom class just for your group or event. Contact them through the Contact Us button on their website. Booking a class with Coursehorse is easy. Just estimate your group size, pay the minimum deposit, and secure your date. You can let them know your final group size up to one week before your class date. You can customize your event further for a $150 fee by adding games, requesting specific questions or a themed game, or adding another event with materials included.
CourseHorse recommends using the Zoom platform for your class, but they can accommodate Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx. Many courses can even come to your office or home space if you’d like.
What Will My Kids Need to Learn Dance?
You don’t need much for your kid to get started dancing, but for lessons, you’ll want to be prepared with a few basics. Remember, every child's dance journey is unique, and the most important thing is to nurture their love for dance while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Comfortable Clothing
Choose clothing for your child that allows them to move freely. Some dance styles have their own traditions, like a tutu for ballet or baggy pants and oversize shirts for hip-hop.
Proper Footwear
Wearing the right footwear helps your child master their dance moves. Ballet typically requires ballet shoes, while jazz or hip-hop may require jazz shoes or sneakers.
Dance Accessories
Some dance styles may require accessories like hair ties, headbands, or dance props. These add to the fun and provide another avenue for expression.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during dance sessions is crucial. Ensure your child has a water bottle to drink from during breaks.
Practice Space
Your child will bring their dance moves home, so set aside an area where they can practice. Clear the space of any obstacles and make room for them to move freely.
Music
Compile a playlist of music to set the rhythm for your child's dance practice. This makes it fun and keeps them engaged as they learn and practice their routines.
Positive Support
Learning dance, like learning anything new, has challenging moments. Provide your child with a supportive and encouraging environment. Celebrate their progress, offer constructive feedback, and remind them to have fun and enjoy the process.
Is It Difficult for Kids to Learn Dance?
With their innate creativity and boundless energy, dance is a natural expression for children. Kids instinctively move their bodies to the rhythm of music and explore ways to express themselves physically. Even so, mastering the movements of formal dance can be difficult, and it’s easier to learn with the help of an experienced teacher. As your child grows stronger and builds a connection with their body, even complex dance movements will feel natural to them.
