What to Expect in Your Child's First Dance Class
- Ava Barron Thomas
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Your child is signed up. Excitement is mixed with nerves—theirs and yours.
You have questions: Will they be scared? Will they cry? What if they hate it? What do I bring? Will they feel left out?
I'm going to walk you through your child's first dance class experience minute by minute. By the end, you'll know exactly what to expect, and your child will feel more confident walking through the studio door as we welcome you together at DanSci.
The 15 Minutes Before Class
Arrive Early (We Recommend 10 Minutes Early)
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class starts. Here's why:
- Your child gets time to explore the studio without rushing
- You can complete any last-minute paperwork or questions
- Your child can use the restroom
- There's zero pressure or feeling of being late
- Your child meets their teacher in a calm, one-on-one moment
-They have the opportunity to enter the studio as a group with their new classmates instead of individually.
What the Studio Looks Like
When you walk in, you'll see:
-Singage pointing you towards the studios, recepetion or cafe
- Perhaps other families arriving with their kids
- Our staff, greeting families warmly
- The studio spaces have sprung floors (cushioned, gentle on bodies), large mirrors, and a sound system. These are only accessed with your teacher
First Conversation with the Instructor
Our admin team will intially greet you, pointing you in the right direction for your session. Admin will inform your child's teacher inadvance of class that you are attending so they can greet you both personally. They might say:
- "I'm so excited to have you in class!"
- "Have you danced before, or is this your first time?"
- "What's your favourite kind of movement?"
- "Do you have any questions for me?"
This is not formal or intimidating. It's warm and welcoming. Teachers at DanSci are trained to make first-time dancers feel like they belong from the start.
The First 5-10 Minutes: Settling In
As Class Begins
Your child will:
1. Put their shoes/socks off (if barefoot) or keep socks on (we allow both)
2. Join other kids on the studio floor, entering the space althogther
3. Sit in a circle or line, depending on class
Unless it is a designated parent/toddler class, we encourage all children to attend independently. This approach helps them connect with their peers and prevents any discomfort for other children who may be sensitive to unfamiliar adults. It's beneficial to prepare your child in advance by letting them know they will be dancing in the studio without you. However, you will stay on the premises, either in the café or changing rooms, ready to hear about their experience and favorite parts of the class afterward.
The Opening Circle
Most classes start with a brief introduction where the teacher:
- Welcomes everyone (especially new students!)
-Completes the register
- Explains what you'll learn today
- Sets the tone ("This is a safe space. Everyone moves at their own pace.")
- Asks kids their news and what they're excited about
What Happens If Your Child Is Nervous
If your child looks uncertain:
- The teacher will gently encourage participation but never force
- Your child can observe from the sidelines for the first few minutes
- Peer encouragement often helps ("Come dance with us!" from other kids)
-We use a buddy system with other members of the class
- By the second activity, most nervous kids are participating
The Reassurance You Need to Know: It's completely normal for kids to feel shy at first. Teachers expect it. It's not a problem. It's part of the journey.
The Main Class (20-30 Minutes)
Warm-Up (5-10 minutes)
The class typically starts with a gentle warm-up:
- Maybe some stretching
- Movement exploration ("Show me how a tree sways") dependant on the dance style
- Music and rhythm activities
- Simple movements to get minds and bodies ready
Why this matters: The warm-up is designed to help kids (especially nervous ones) feel comfortable moving. There's no judgment. All movement is celebrated.
Learning the Combination or set exercises for that term (10-15 minutes)
This is the heart of class. The teacher will:
1. Demonstrate a simple movement or combination
2. Explain what they're doing ("We're going to walk forward and do a gentle turn")
3. Have kids try it together
4. Practice and refine it over several repetitions
What You Might See:
- Kids getting movements slightly wrong—this is normal and expected
- The teacher patiently showing again and again
- Kids laughing when they mess up—dance is joyful
- Gradual improvement as they practice
The Golden Rule of First Classes: There's no "perfect." The goal is effort and fun, not flawless execution.
Different Class Formats
Depending on your child's chosen dance style:
Youth Street, commercial, contemporary, muscal theatre classes: Structured choreography. "We're learning a combination to perform later this term."
Creative ballet, tap: Sturctured level based exercises of technique. " Our focus is on the clean execution of this move as it becomes the basis for some really fun jumps later"
Babyballet and LilBeatz: Storytelling and imagination. "Today we're dancing like flowers growing in the sun."
Acro and Showtime Circus: Movement exploration with props. "Today we're going to try some basic acrobatic movements safely."
The Final 5-10 Minutes: Closing & Celebration
Cool Down
Most classes end with:
- Slower movements to bring heart rate down
- Brief stretching
- Breathing exercises
- A moment of calm
-Reverence to thank the tachers and themselves
Lining up to exit the studio space:
The teacher might:
- Will line everyone up quietly to be handed back to parents one at a time
- Ask, "What was your favourite part?"
- Celebrate effort ("I loved seeing you try that flip!")
- Preview next week
- Give high-fives or a group huddle
-Present the achievement board to someone who has gained a skill or shown great effort in class
After Class
When class ends:
- Your child comes back to you full of energy (usually!)
- They might be chatty or quiet depending on personality
- Other families are also leaving
- Teachers are available for quick questions
What to Do:
- Celebrate your child's effort ("You did it! How do you feel?")
- Ask about what they learned
- Don't over-quiz them
- Let them process naturally
What to Bring: The Practical Checklist
Required:
✅ Water bottle (stays nearby, kid can sip between activities)
✅ Comfortable clothing (nothing too restrictive)
- Leggings, shorts, t-shirts, athletic wear all work
- Avoid: jeans, super tight clothing, anything with big zippers or buttons, dresses or skirts
✅ Socks or bare feet (we typically dance barefoot for Youth/Baby classes, some wear socks)
✅ Hair pulled back (if longer than shoulder-length, to keep out of face)
Optional but Helpful:
✅ Any glasses/hearing aids secured (optional, depending on your child's needs)
✅ A positive attitude! (Your energy sets theirs)
Don't Bring:
❌ Shoes (unless required fo classes; we'll specify and usually have some tap shoes for you to borrow during your three week trial )
❌ Lots of jewellery (can be distracting or unsafe)
❌ valuables, such as electronic devices
Dress Code Note: You don't need special dance wear for your three week trial. Comfortable athletic clothing is perfect. Many kids wear whatever they want from their closet. Dance clothes can come later once your child has settled in. You will recieve information on the expected uniforms within your parent handbook once you become an official member of DanSci.
Check out one of our stars explaining what is in her dance bag HERE!
Common Worries (And Why They're Probably Not Worth Worrying About)
"What if my child cries?"
It happens sometimes. And that's okay.
- New experiences can feel big
- Teachers are trained for this
- Crying typically lasts 2-3 minutes
- By second class, it rarely happens again
- Your child will be fine
Pro tip: Don't make a big deal of tears. The teacher handles it calmly, and calm breeds calm.
"What if they're bored?"
Unlikely. Dance is engaging. There's music, movement, peer interaction, novelty.
But if your child shows low interest, we can discuss what class format might be better for them. Some kids prefer more structured classes; others prefer creative, freestyle classes. We'll find the right fit.
"What if they don't make friends immediately?"
Friendships take time. But kids often bond quickly over shared experience.
Some children talk to peers in class; others prefer to focus on learning. Both are fine. By week 3-4, friendships typically form naturally.
"What if my child is the only beginner?"
They're not. January is peak enrolment, and most classes have a mix of beginner and returning students. But even if your child were alone, our teachers are experts at integrating new students.
"What if my child is the only boy/girl?"
Gender diversity is normal at DanSci. But if your child has concerns, tell us. We can discuss options or provide reassurance that all dancers are welcome, and it's normal to have a mix.
"What if they want to quit after one class?"
Give it 3-4 classes. First impressions are sometimes rocky. By class 3-4, kids usually settle in. If they genuinely don't like it after a fair trial, we can discuss alternatives.
How to Prepare Your Child Mentally
Positive Framing
Use words like:
- "You're going to try dance—it's going to be fun!"
- "Your teacher is so nice. She's excited to meet you."
- "Everyone is learning together. There's no right or wrong."
- "I'll be waiting for you when class is done."
Avoid Phrases Like:
- "Don't be scared" (draws attention to fear)
- "Everyone will be looking at you" (increases self-consciousness)
- "Try to keep up" (creates pressure)
- "You have to be perfect" (sets impossible standard)
Show Them the Studio
If possible, visit the studio before you start your classes. Let your child see:
- Where classes happen
- Where they'll put their belongings
- Where you'll wait
- That it's a safe, welcoming space
Familiarity reduces anxiety. We are open most days from 10am
Share Your Own Experience
Tell your child:
- "When I try something new, I feel nervous too."
- "And guess what? After I try it a few times, it feels easier and more fun."
- "That's going to happen for you with dance too."
After the First Class: What to Do
During the First Hour
✅ Let your child process
✅ Ask open-ended questions ("What did you like about class?")
✅ Celebrate effort
✅ Don't over-analyse
❌ Don't immediately ask if they want to continue
That Evening
✅ Keep a light, positive tone
✅ If your child wants to talk, listen
❌ Don't push them to talk if they're quiet
That Night
✅ Ensure early bedtime (first classes are emotionally tiring)
✅ Let their body rest and integrate the experience
Before the Second Class
✅ Gently remind them of something fun from last week
✅ Express that you're excited for them to go again
✅ Normalize any nerves ("Feeling a little nervous about class? That's normal. You did it last week, you'll do it again.")
By the Second Class: Most kids are noticeably more confident. By the third, they're excited which is excatly why we base our trials around three weeks
The Truth About First Classes
Your child's first dance class might not be perfect. They might be awkward, hesitant, or quiet. They might mess up combinations or feel self-conscious.
And that's exactly right. That's what first classes are supposed to be.
Because what matters isn't how smooth the first class is. What matters is what happens next: the gradual discovery that they can do this. That they're capable. That they belong.
That transformation—from hesitant to confident, from uncertain to proud—that's what dance gives.
You've Got This. Your Child's Got This. We've Got You.
Walking into your first dance class is an act of bravery. Your child is trying something new, putting themselves out there, being vulnerable. That takes courage.
And we're here to celebrate that courage every step of the way.
Ready to Start?
Questions before day one? We're here to help.
📞 Call us: 01392 412222
📧 Email us: info@dansci.co.uk
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