The Power of Pre-School Independence in Dance

PreSchool Dance... taking steps in the right direction for your little one

If you're seeking a fun new hobby for your pre-schooler but feel a bit anxious about how they'll adapt, you're not alone. Each week, we receive inquiries from new parents who want their children to try a class but are concerned about how they'll do. Worried they'll be too shy, not want mum to leave and not fully take part. This is completely normal, and we want to reassure you that we often have little ones who start off nervous, but 99% of the time, they end up loving the class regardless of their initial reaction.

SETTLING IN

Our role as preschool dance teachers is to ensure everyone feels at ease. We observe the children and employ various teaching methods or seek assistance from our assistant teachers or older classmates to aid in the settling process. Sometimes, a supportive hand is just what they need, while others may prefer to sit back and observe the activities in the room. During the first week, it might seem like we don't get much response from them; they could be too nervous to participate or a bit apprehensive about the expectations. However, simply staying in class to absorb their new surroundings is a significant step for some of these young minds and should be seen as an achievement, not a shortcoming.

SHOULD I STAY... or should I go? The answer... go! Imagine for a moment that you are starting a new job and you're nervous about the new office. Or you fancy taking up a new hobby, going back to the hockey field after a decade off. Now imagine your parents are watching you while you navigate your new space. However old we are we don't particularly like to be watched while we learn. When you stay with your little dancer you suggest to them that they might need you, therefore that makes them a little more apprehensive. You don't give them space to explore their new environment and get to know their new adult as they feel like they should be with you. And they feel under pressure to 'perform' before they even know what is expected of them. Class isn't a show, it's not a finished product, it's a series of building blocks which will one day result in something spectacular. But until the point where they are ready to 'show off' the work in progress should be respected and trusted as a process.

THE MAGIC... ✨ over your little one's journey in their first term and year in dance their relationship with their teacher, teaching assistant and classmates will develop and they'll start to explore creative ideas and feel safe to express themselves. You can be assured that their confidence will grow and their imaginations will flourish and that once shy little beginner will take their first, perhaps tentative steps into the bright lights of theatre stage and they will SHINE.

CHOOSE hip hop, acro, ballet or musical theatre for youir little one this August and step into dance school knowing they'll be safe, seen and inspired to grow 🌱