Children's Dance Classes in Canada: What Age to Start, Which Style to Choose and What Parents Should Know
After exhausting other possibilities, many parents begin researching children’s dance classes when their child never sits still, dances in the kitchen, or needs a way to burn energy during the long, cold Canadian winters. Parents quickly realize dance offers children a weekly activity that provides exercise, a creative outlet, and a way to make new friends. Despite these benefits, the different options create a confusing maze. At what age is dance appropriate? What kind of dance classes should their child take? And finally, what do these classes cost?
This guide presents answers to these questions. Written by the team at Gurukul Dance Studio in Calgary, Alberta, this guide provides information using our own class and fee information to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Quick Answer: When Can a Child Start Dance?
Kids can start around ages 3-5. We look for the ability to follow simple directions and the ability to stay with a group for 30-45 minutes. From age 6, kids can handle a more structured class in one style. A child’s fit for the class is far more important than the child’s age.
Benefits of Dance for Kids
The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines recommend that children and youth aged 5 to 17 get an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. Children aged 3 to 4 should get at least 180 minutes of physical activity in a day, with at least 60 of those minutes being energetic play. It’s unlikely that a single class fulfills these guidelines, but children’s dance classes actively contribute to these guidelines, especially during the cold months when outdoor play is not an option.
There are additional benefits to dance other than improving physical health:
- Balance and coordination: Dance uses the entire body.
- Confidence: Kids love showing off a dance routine they have learned!
- Social skills: Kids learn to listen to and cooperate with others.
- Memory: Learning steps and dancing to a beat exercises the brain.
- Self-expression: dance gives kids a way to express emotions in an open way.
What Is the Best Age to Start Dance Classes?
There’s no specific age to start dance classes for kids, but usually children who can understand basic directions, take turns and can follow along with a group can attend class.
Ages 3 to 5:
These kids can start dance lessons and learn basic techniques of dance, like rhythm and movement, and listening to instructions. Kids in this age group can attend beginner classes at Gurukul Dance Studio.
Ages 6 to 8:
As kids get older, they start understanding techniques, and instructors can teach them techniques of various dance styles. At this age, kids can start learning various dance styles.
Ages 9 to 12:
Techniques and choreography start becoming more lengthy and detailed for kids at this age, and various performances can be grouped accordingly.
Teens and Late Starters:
It is never too late to begin dance classes for kids, and beginners of all ages are welcome.
If your kid starts crying or refusing to take dance lessons, it is best to wait a few months and try again.
Popular Styles in Children’s Dance Classes
Styles vary a lot between children’s dance classes, so it’s good to know what each involves. Here’s what Gurukul Dance Studio offers:
- For Hip Hop Dance Classes: high-energy street dance that builds rhythm and confidence to freestyle.
- For Bollywood Dance Classes: Expressive, upbeat choreography to South Asian music that helps your child connect to South Asian culture.
We also teach Kathak, Bhangra & Giddha, and Bollywood fusion. For levels that are appropriate for your child’s age, contact us.
Ballet, tap, and jazz are taught elsewhere in Canada. For more information, contact the studio to inquire about a free trial class.
What to Expect in a First Class
A first class usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. We will start off with a warm-up game, teach your child a couple of new movements, have your child practice the movements in a short routine, and end with a cool-down game.
How Much Do Kids Dance Classes Cost in Calgary?
Fees for children’s dance classes vary across Canada by city, class length, and style, so compare what is included, not only the monthly price. These are the current monthly fees for kids at Gurukul Dance Studio:
|
Classes per week (same dance form) |
Monthly fee |
|
Once a week |
$75 |
|
Twice a week |
$95 |
|
Three times a week |
$130 |
Check our website for any updates, and confirm any applicable taxes with the studio. Also ask any studio about extras such as costumes, performance fees, and dancewear.
How to Choose the Right Dance Studio
When you compare children’s dance classes, ask about:
Look for the following when judging dance school quality:
- Instructor experience with children and any first aid training
- Class size and age groupings
- Floor and space safety
- Teaching style: enthusiastic and appropriate, not pressured
- A trial class before you commit
- Clear fees, schedules, and policies
Wanna know more? Come to Gurukul Dance Studio for a free trial class to witness the change in your child’s interest yourself!
Why Families in Calgary Choose Gurukul Dance Studio
Dance classes in Calgary differ a lot from one studio to the next. Here is what families find with us:
- Small groups and age-wise batches, so each child gets personal feedback
- Instructors led by founder Nisha Chawla, with Palak and Emaan Zaheer Mawani
- Hip hop, Bollywood, Kathak, Bhangra and fusion classes under one roof
- Performance chances at cultural events, community shows, festivals and studio showcases
- A studio with a spacious floor, mirrors, a sound system, parking and a waiting area
- Class schedules for North East and North West Calgary
If you want children’s dance classes with real stage experience, the performance side is a good reason to visit. You can also read what families say on our reviews page and see times on the class schedule.
Group Classes or Private Lessons?
Group classes are social and less expensive. They’re appropriate for the vast majority of beginners. Private classes are more expensive, but give one-on-one attention. Private classes are more appropriate for shy children, those who need to catch up, or those preparing for a showcase. If you are wondering if private lessons are worthwhile to add to your children’s dance classes, read our article to get an idea of the costs and what to expect with private dance lessons in Canada.
Health and Safety Notes
Children can typically start dance class around age five or six, as long as the teaching is appropriate for their age. Training can be intensive, and if done too early and too often, it can put a strain on children’s growing bodies. Be on the lookout for slow, gradual improvements in children’s dance classes. It may be prudent to reach out to your family doctor before enrolling your child in dance classes if your child has a pre-existing medical condition, injury, or asthma. Tell your child to let the instructor know if they feel pain, and do not let your child dismiss the pain as “part of dance.” The information in this article is general and does not substitute medical advice.
Final Thoughts
Children love going to dance classes that are right for their age and interests. Most dance studios allow you to schedule a trial class. We suggest you attend the trial class along with your child, and if you like the class, register your child there. The best children’s dance classes help children improve their skills and build confidence in a safe environment.
Interested? Visit the Gurukul Dance Studio website or contact us to book a free trial class.
Gurukul Dance Studio
Unit 113 3825 34 ST NE CALGARY AB
Phone: +1 587 836 9832
Email: gdscalgary@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child can begin dance classes at Gurukul between the ages of 3 and 5. Younger children are grouped according to age for beginner classes. For more information, contact us.
Beginners can take between one and two classes a week. Attend more dance classes if your child can handle the physical activity and is interested in dance classes.
Absolutely. The small class sizes and the positive reinforcement used by the instructors help children who are shy and uncoordinated gain confidence.
Of course! We offer free dance classes. Contact us to schedule a free dance class for your child!