I remember the day I picked up my little girl who was 3 years old at that time, from her ballet class. She said “ maman I want to dance till the age of 100”. She danced till the age of 12. I would like to help you to find a way to support your child in the dance jouney.
Watching your child thriving in dance is a rewarding experience. As a parent, we play a crucial role in feeding their passion and helping them shine. Here’s a guide to support your child’s dance journey, from practice sessions to performances.
1. Create a Supportive Home Environment:
- Positive Reinforcement: Encourage their efforts. At this stage, particularly if your child starts at a young age, enjoying their activity is what matters the most. When they have fun they commit better. Also celebrate their progress no matter how small. Focus on their enjoyment rather than just the end result.
- Designated Practice Space: If possible, create a dedicated space for them to practice at home. Even a small area with a clear floor and a mirror can make a big difference. At home our children allow themselves to make mistakes away from the judgment of their peers. It is another safe space for them to express themselves.
- Respect Their Schedule: Understand that any sport’s activity or art activity requires time and commitment. Help them balance their dance schedule with schoolwork and other activities. Set up a realistic schedule, not too challenging but ambition enough to guarantee even a small progress.
- Listen and Communicate: Regularly talk to your child about their dance experiences. Listen to their concerns, celebrate their successes, and offer encouragement. It is highly recommended to help our children to reflect on their journey following small steps. We can lead the way in order to make it safely avoiding perfectionism or guilt or lack of confidence.
2. Support Their Practice at Home:
- Help with Choreography: If they’re learning a routine, help them remember steps or play the music for them. You can for example record them as many times as possible or Play the music in the car.
- Encourage Regular Practice: Remind them to practice regularly, but don’t force them. Make it a fun and enjoyable part of their routine. The moment you force them the joy might stop.
- Provide Feedback (Constructively): If they ask for feedback, offer constructive criticism. Focus on specific areas for improvement and always mix your feedback with positive comments no matter what.
- Create a Practice Routine: Help them establish a consistent practice routine that fits their schedule. Avoid being highly demanding. Make a routine that is sustainable to both of you parents and child. Non-realistic routines tend to exhaust you and exhaust your child and might be forced to stop everything. Also consider your and your child’s mental health. Try to find the balance between consistancy and fun.
3. Prepare Them for Performances:
- Attend Rehearsals: If possible, attend rehearsals to show your support and get a sense of the performance. Very often, the way we look at our children matters to them more than their trainers look. They need to know that what you care, you see them and you are proud of them.
- Help with Costumes: Assist with costume fittings and alterations. Make sure they feel comfortable and confident in their attire. The costume is a big part of the deal in dance. Help your child to be comfortable and confident to express themselves through the costume and through the dance.
- Manage Pre-Performance mindset: Encourage them to take deep breaths, visualize success, and focus on enjoying the moment. You are going to play the role of “ life coach for them”. Statistics showed that breathing and positive self-talk impacts positively our productivity.
- Provide a Healthy Diet: Ensure they eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated, especially on performance days. It is true that a healthy diet is a lifestyle, so the earlier you start, the better it is.
- Get Enough Rest: Make sure they get plenty of sleep before performances. Rest and recovery are also part of the deal in every sport or practice journey. Rest actually amplifyes results. Encourage them to take breaks and prevent Burnout.
4. Be a Supportive Audience Member:
- Arrive Early: Get to the venue early to avoid stress and find good seats.
- Cheer and Applaud: Show your enthusiasm and support by cheering and applauding for all the dancers, not just your child.
- Avoid Distractions: Turn off your phone and refrain from talking during the performance. Avoid talking to your child or waving during performance.
- Take Photos and Videos (Respectfully): If allowed, take photos and videos to capture the memories. But be mindful of other audience members and avoid using flash photography.
- Congratulate Them After the Show: Express your pride and admiration for their performance. Focus on their effort and enjoyment rather than just the outcome.
5. Foster a Love for Dance:
- Attend Dance Performances: Take them to see professional dance performances to inspire them and expose them to different styles. This can start from seeing their friends performing too. Or watching documentaries about dance. Or watching performance on TV if it’s hard for you to go to the theater.
- Enroll Them in Workshops and Masterclasses: Encourage them to participate in workshops and masterclasses to learn from experienced dancers. If it’s difficult to do it physicly, digitally is also possible.
- Expose Them to Dance Media: Watch dance films, documentaries, and online videos together. They can follow their best performers on social media.
- Celebrate Their Passion: Show genuine interest in their dance journey and celebrate their accomplishments. Show you are genuinely proud of your child.
But the best advice we might give you is to respect their choices at the end of the day. Let them decide how far they want to pursue their dream as a dancer.
On Sporology you can find a wide range of dance listings for children and adults. Here are some of our recommendations:
Turning Pointe Dance Studio
This is an amazing school dance in Abu Dhabi. They start from the age of 3 years old. They provide classes in six different types of dance. Their Students have the opportunity to perform in several shows throughout the year. Part of their training, besides internationally accredited examinations through the RAD and ISTD is to perform in professional theatres in front of large audiences, this helps to develop their dance confidence, style and projection.
Diverse Performing Arts Center
Diverse currently trains over 1000 students and offers regular workshops with international choreographers and teachers, holiday camps and competitions. Diverse currently has multiple alumni students attending professional colleges.
Dance Horizons
They have developed their own unique music and movement program for kids ages 3 – 4. Students are trained for the Royal Academy of Dance examinations from 5 years old to professional level. Apart from training in classical ballet, they offer dancing classes in different disciplines including jazz, tap, street and others.
The Ballet Centre
It is founder in 1985. They train students to perform since they start. They are also known for their performences. They have a world class dance studio with experienced and qualified dance teachers who will provide your child with the skills and knowledge they need to become a successful ballet dancer. They offer a variety of dance classes for children of all ages and abilities.
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