The DO's and DON'Ts of Practicing Dance At Home

Many of our students love dancing at home! If your child is one these non-stop movers, you might wonder “What can I do to encourage this practice in a safe way?  How can I foster this passion?”

DO designate a safe space in your home for practice; one with open space and no trip hazards. DON’T allow tap shoes on scuff-able floors.

DO challenge your child to show you what they remember from class, but don’t worry if they just want to improvise their own moves!  Regardless, they are expanding their knowledge and passion. DON’T expect perfection with at-home practice; it should feel relaxed and carefree as much as possible.  Don’t hesitate to join the fun!

DO download their Spring Recital dance music from your Kehl parent portal if they want to practice their dance at home.  DO take a video of their dance steps when the instructor invites parents in, in case they need little reminders to help their confidence. Practicing dance at home should always feel comfortable and supportive so that your child can unleash their creativity and joy for dancing.  If you ever have any questions about what is safe or appropriate to practice at home, please ask! We’re happy to help.

Getting The Most Out of Your Dance School

While the “studio” is the place we come to dance, Kehl is structured much like your child’s school.  We meet for “class” each week and build our skills over a 9 month school year.  

Dance class is a lot like school in many ways: your child explores new ideas, practices skills, solves problems, and develops friendships.  Unlike school though, dance classes don’t have a new grade level every year.  This can seem strange at first, but for dance education it’s very normal and expected! 

 Just like school, laying down and perfecting the foundation is a long term endeavor.   Perfecting the foundational steps of dance are critical to safety, body awareness and long term success.  For example, we learn how to do a “plie’” very early in class, and work to perfect it throughout a dancer’s life.  Helping set the expectation early that new steps are not learned every class, or even every year will prevent a student  from getting bored.  

Achievements in dance can be seen in small ways and big ones, and we advocate for celebrating both!  It may be just getting your child to enter the classroom without hesitation.   It is important for you to know that progress is taking place in every class and deserves praise!