Dance Mommas, Papas, Mimis, Grandmas, Pop Pops, and any other phenomenally named dance parents: You are already a superstar for letting your kiddos dance. Dance can do so much for them, from learning coordination and memory to timing and cognitive skills and so many more life skills. We want them to feel like rock stars when they come to dance. Please read our blog post for more helpful hints and tips!

Have a separate dance bag: This will help them keep track of their shoes, dance clothes, dance journal, and other items related to dance. Label EVERYTHING as we often find a lone dance shoe in the studio at the end of the night. It will allow them to feel prepared and in charge of their dance journey!

Arriving for dance class on time is always the goal, but we understand if you are late. We know you are busy doing all of the awesome parent things. When you get to the studio we’ve got it from there and will make sure the dancer feels welcome and comfortable as they come into the space.

Keeping a water bottle in your dancer’s bag is essential. We do have waters available for purchase ($1) if your dancer does not have one. BUT…your dancer can put all of their LDP stickers on their water bottle so they don’t forget it. (And it makes it a special water bottle)

We know you LOVE watching your dancer in class, but sometimes it can distract them. To help your dancer adjust to the class environment, step out of sight and let them find their place on their own. They will start to feel like they have a special place for themselves at dance and will want to share it ALL with you afterward. Don’t worry; we have a week reserved in November for Parent Observation so you can see all the cool moves they have learned!

Crying in dance class is perfectly normal!

Your dancer is put in a room with other children and adults without you, and their natural alarm goes off. It is a new environment and new stimulations. Does this mean he cannot get used to the change? No. Children go to daycares and nanny-shares every day and adapt, so how does this happen? First, when they go consistently, children begin to see those providers as another home base, and find comfort in the routine of things. They feel safe. You may see crying and clinging at first, then a child begins to trust the routine and, most importantly, the people, and the family is extended!

When we start to learn new moves, choreography, or even a new word in dance, practicing at home is very helpful. Of course, we don’t want to force our kiddos and make it difficult for them to find joy in it, but a gentle nudge will do the trick. 

“Hey, do you want to watch your dance routine?”

“Can you show me your dance from class?”

“If I put the music on, do you think you could show me your routine?”

Your dancer might learn a new step or word in class, and we encourage them to write it in their dance journals. Having curiosity at home brings curiosity in class.

When we start learning choreography, practicing 2-3 times a week for about 10 minutes will let their memorization and muscle memory skyrocket.