Steps to Independence - How can I prepare my preschooler for their first dance class?

Your little one is growing. They're becoming more independent. They're ready to explore, play, and make new friends in new settings. How exciting! And yet, there can be some anxiety around independence too. Perhaps from your little one. Or, perhaps even from you. That is all normal and part of the process. You are not alone! At Dance and Grow, we've been helping young 3's and 4's acclimate to a dance class setting for many years! And while each child is unique, we have found some techniques that work consistently to help ease the transition from a caregiver to a new space and and a new teacher.

BEFORE YOUR CLASS BEGINS

• Talk about what will happen at dance class. Let your child know what to expect. "We will go to the dance studio and meet your teacher and some brand new friends. When it's time to start dancing, I will wait for you with the other grownups. You will dance, and sing, and play, and have SO much fun with the teacher and other kids! When class is over, I will be waiting for you and you can tell me ALL about it."

• Check out the "About Us" section of our website. You can show your child a picture of their teacher and let them know the teacher's name.

• Choosing special class attire and shoes can be a fun part of the process and build excitement.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS

• Bring a comfort item. Children can bring a "comfort item" with them to class such as a small stuffed animal. Encourage your child to leave their comfort item with you while they go into class. "I'll hold Teddy safe and warm for you and you can give him a big hug when you are done with dance." If your child is exhibiting any anxiety, have them bring their comfort item into the dance studio where the teacher can place it in a special spot to watch us dance. And, if your child is more comfortable holding the item throughout class, that is fine too! (Often times, at the end of our dance classes we place our "special guest" Teddy Bears and other friends on the floor and we practice leaping over them!)

• Wear a special outfit. When getting dressed for dance class, have your child help you choose a favorite color that makes them happy or a superhero cape that makes them feel brave or a tutu that makes them feel like a ballerina. Comfort is key, so be sure your child can move easily and they feel good.

• Make a plan. Have a snack and a rest ahead of time (if possible.) ;) Be sure to arrive about 10 min. early to acclimate your child to the space. Take your child to use the restroom before class begins.

• Stay positive and encouraging. If you are calm and confident, your child will be too! Set some time for kisses, cuddles, and a quick "See you soon."

• Remember that some tears are normal. If your child displays any anxiety, our staff will work with each child on a case by case scenario. A few tears are normal and typically our instructors are able to smooth things over and comfort a child within the first few minutes of class. Our goal is for each child to come into the dance studio independently, without a grownup. However, the instructor may ask a caretaker to join them inside the dance studio if a child needs further assistance and comfort or if it's necessary to move the class forward. It can take a young 3 or 4 year old a few weeks to feel totally comfortable in a new setting with a new person, so our approach is warm and accommodating.

• When class is over Be sure to share with your child how proud of them you are! Ask your child to show you some of the things they learned in dance class. They can pretend to be the dance teacher and you can be the student. While they may not recall everything we explored in class, they are sharing their experience with you and you are validating it.

THROUGHOUT THE DANCE SEASON

• Communication is key! Your Dance and Grow instructor will be sure to touch base with you each week regarding your child's participation and plan to work towards independence and confidence!

• If your dancer is fully participating - Wonderful! They are gaining independence, an important milestone in their development.

• If your dancer is engaged in observing - Fantastic! They are learning valuable dance class content through visual and audio cues and are acclimating to the new environment independently. They will be participating physically in their own time.

• If your dancer is disengaged in the space - They may need a comfort item or even a caretaker to accompany them into the space a few times before developing more independence. But, don't give up! Work with your instructor week by week to create a feeling of calm and security for your little one and they will join in on the fun in their own time.

• If your dancer still won't come into the space or is emotionally overwhelmed after several tries - Try a "Grownup and Me" style class. This caretaker and tot class is the perfect way to ease into an organized activity in a new environment. And, don't give up on an independent class in the future! Your child will be ready in their own time.

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