Preparing For Success At Your Hip Hop Dance Class

Taking a hip hop dance class can be an exciting time for any child. As one of the most popular dance trends to emerge, a hip hop dance class offers ample opportunity for movement, social engagement and, most importantly, fun! While a good instructor can truly set the stage for a positive experience, it’s important to note that young students learning this art form should also plan on contributing to their own personal success. What’s the best way to ensure that your child has the best hip hop dance class experience possible? Knowing a few critical must haves before the session begins. Tips For Starting Your Hip Hop Dance Class Off On The Right Foot When getting ready for success at your studio, consider the following tips: Wear comfortable shoes: Fortunately, unlike other dancing genres, a hip hop dance class does not require specialty shoes. Any type of athletic shoe that won’t mark the studio floor will work. As a general rule, stay away from thin canvas shoes as they often don’t offer enough support and cushion. A comfortable, supportive pair of sneakers (preferably ones that are already in your closet!) is all you will need to get off on the right foot. Pay attention to your clothing: Of course, beyond shoes, clothing plays a critical role in the success of any dancing session. Once again, this particular dancing genre often allows students to take items already found in their closets. You’ll need no specialized clothing. Sweatpants and other loose-fitting, comfortable pants paired with a casual top (even a tank or t-shirt) make excellent choices for classes. Many first time students opt to layer comfortable clothing to be able to take off and add on as needed. Go light on jewelry: No matter what type of dancing classes you’re in, it’s always a good idea to minimize how much jewelry you wear. Jewelry can easily break as you’re moving and/or get caught on something, potentially causing injury to you or even a fellow dancer. Stay hydrated: Your little one will surely work up a thirst from all the movement during the session. Bring a water bottle (one that closes tightly to eliminate the risk of spilling) for him to use throughout his time in the studio so he stays hydrated and feels well while training. Want one bonus must-have tip for when your child begins her time in the studio? FUN! Taking classes requires lots of hard work, determination and motivation… but it also delivers ample opportunity for your child to have fun while moving and staying active. Yes, you should encourage your child to work hard and respect his instructor, but encouraging fun is also important. Many parents find that young children can often take the dancing sessions too seriously and get frustrated when they can’t master certain moves; this can set the stage for withdrawing from classes early. By focusing on the fun of the sessions, you’ll be setting your little one up for a positive, socially stimulating experience that may foster a lifelong love of movement.