So you think your kids can dance? Or they just like to Move it, Move it? Then you may want to “tap” into your kids dancing potential. Ballet might be the natural first step for dance lessons, but if your kids are looking for something more up-to-date, hip-hop might also be for them. Here are some things to think through before enrolling your kids in dance lessons in Des Moines.
Hits
Dance provides many mental and physical benefits to kids. Several recent studies show that dancing improves brain function on a variety of levels. Dancers maximize cognitive function and muscle memory through practice. Dancing also helps improve balance and coordination. Dancing teaches kids the importance of practicing and working with others in order to perform together. And kids who dance, especially ballet, tend to be more active than other children, even those who are involved in sports. Dancing is also great for shy or tentative kids as they learn to perform in front of others.
Misses
Dance is more popular now than ever. Due to its popularity there are several dance studios that provide lessons in Des Moines, which can be good and bad. Before enrolling your child at a studio do some research, visit a class and find out what their teaching philosophy is. Many dancers are learning bad technique, which is hard to correct as a child ages. And, we’ve all heard some horrifying story about a “dance mom”. Dance can be very competitive. As kids age or join competition teams, they will have to audition for their spots to perform.
Best For
Dancers come in all shapes and sizes and there are several different styles of dance to pick from. Do you have a budding ballerina, a tap dancing dynamo or perhaps a hip-hop boy on your hands? If you think your kiddo would like to take dance lessons, chat them up to determine the dancing styles and type of dance they are interested in.
Kids dance classes and lessons include:
- Ballet
- Tap
- Jazz
- Hip Hop
- Modern
- Lyrical
- World
- Folk
- Ballroom
- Swing
- Musical Theatre
- and many more
Time Commitment
Younger Kids: Beginner dancers typically attend a half hour to hour lesson once a week. Most dance studios also present at least one if not two recitals a year that your child will need to perform at.
Older Kids: Intermediate and advanced dancers typically attend an hour to two hour lesson a few times a week. If they dance competitively they will have additional practices. They will also have several performances throughout the year and at least one studio recital to perform at.
Props
- Dance Shoes (will need more than one pair for different styles of dance)
- Costume (for recital or competitions)
- Practice Clothes (leotard, tights and other accessories)
- Competition Items (Team Uniform, Rolling Carts, Make-up, etc.)
Cost
Non-Competition:
- Registration Fee: average $25 (may be a one-time or annual fee)
- Lessons: start at $10 per class per week (will depend on number of classes enrolled in)
- Shoes: $25+ (can look for used shoes)
- Costumes: $25+
- Practice Clothes: $5+
Competition: (In addition to costs above)
- Competition Lessons: start at $10 per class per week (will depend on number of routines participating in)
- Competition Fees: $25+ (annually)
- Competition Items: $25+
- Travel Expenses: $100-$500 average per event
Please keep in mind that most people ease into dancing. As with anything, as your child progresses, only your family can choose what you will spend in relation to your child’s specific goals within the sport whether competitively or recreationally.
Local Places to Take Dance Lessons
There are several dance studios scattered across the metro. A handful are listed below. Schools/Community Education and city parks and recreations departments also offer dance lessons for younger kids.
Advanced Dance Academy – Ankeny
Betty Hill Dance Studios – Windsor Heights
Brekke Dance Center – Grimes, IA
Dance Without Limits – Des Moines
Iowa Ballet Academy – Urbandale
Johnston Dance Academy – Johnston
Pat Barton Dance Studio – Altoona
The Pointe Academy – West Des Moines
Westside Dance Academy – Waukee
What are your experiences with children’s dance lessons in Des Moines? Share in the Comment section below.
