Your Preschooler's First Dance Class: 5 Top Tips for the Big Day

You've booked it in, the excitement (and maybe a little nervous energy) is building, and your

preschooler's first ever dance class is just around the corner.

Maybe they're counting down the sleeps. Maybe they've already changed their mind about their

outfit three times. Or maybe you're the one feeling a bit anxious, wondering how the day is

actually going to go.

Wherever you're at, we've got you. After years of welcoming little ones through our doors at

Dance Express, we've picked up a few tried-and-tested tips that'll help you both walk in (or be

carried in!) feeling as ready as possible. Here are our top five.

1. Talk It Out

Start the prep a few days before class, not just on the morning of.

Chat to your little one about what's coming up. Where are you going, what fun things will they

get to do, who are the nice teachers and new friends they'll meet? The more familiar it sounds,

the less scary it feels. Pro Tip: Check out Ready Set Dance on Youtube! This will give your

preschooler a taste of the class!

Let them help lay out their outfit/uniform the night before. It's such a small thing, but it gives

them a sense of ownership over the whole experience, and it's amazing how much excitement

(instead of nerves) that can build.

2. When To Arrive

Arriving with a bit of time up your sleeve makes a real difference to how settled your little one

feels once class kicks off.

We'd suggest arriving around 10 minutes early. That gives your preschooler a chance to get

familiar with the studio and say hi to our friendly teachers before class starts, instead of walking

straight into a room full of new faces and new sounds all at once.

You will be greeted by Miss B in the office, you'll spot her by the orange glasses!

And one tip that's easy to forget in all the excitement: sneak in a toilet break before class starts.

Trust us on this one!

3. It's Okay If There Are Tears

If your little one cries on the first day, take a breath, it doesn't mean they're not ready, and it

definitely doesn't mean you've done anything wrong.

Some preschoolers will breeze through the door without a second glance back, and that's

wonderful to see. But it's not the only sign of a child who's going to love dance. Crying is such a

normal response to a new environment, new faces and a new routine, especially for little ones

this age.

Every child is different, and our caring, trained teachers know exactly how to help make that

transition smoother. Some kids need a term, some need a term and a half. All children learn

differently and join in on their own time, so go easy on yourself and go easy on them. Patience

and perseverance is the key, and nobody here is judging.

4. Yes, You're Welcome to Watch

We love having grown-ups watch their preschooler's very first dance class.

It's genuinely such a special moment, and we want you to see the magic for yourself. From that

very first lesson, we're also gently working on the separation process with your child. You'll

probably be surprised at just how quickly their independence, resilience and confidence start to

grow through our independent learning classes, and how much it sets them up for big

milestones down the track, like their first day of school.

Our teachers are highly qualified, and you'll always be contacted straight away if you're ever

needed. So if you're feeling anxious, know that you're welcome to stay on the premises or

nearby the whole time. And if you're bringing your toddler along to Ready Set Move, you'll be

right there in the studio with your little mover the entire class, no separation required.

5. Be Their Biggest Cheerleader

How you talk about dance class matters just as much as what happens inside the studio.

A big, confident hug before and after class. A chat on the drive home about what they learned.

Plenty of positive, encouraging language along the way. All of it sends your preschooler one

clear message: dance class is a safe, fun place to be, and you're proud of them for giving it a

go.

It Will All Be Ok!

However that first class goes, whether it's confident twirls from the get-go or a few happy tears

at the door, you should be proud of yourself and your little one for taking this first step together.

We've spent years helping preschoolers here in Mackay take those first steps, quite literally, into

the world of dance, and we'd love to help yours too. If your preschooler's first class is coming

up, we hope these tips help you both feel a bit more prepared, and a lot more excited, for what's

ahead.

Because honestly, watching a child grow in confidence, one class at a time, is what we love

most.

— Miss B