Linda Jamieson School of Dance's profile

Teaching Dance to Young Children

For the better part of three decades, the Linda Jamieson School of Dance has helped young dancers develop their skills and cultivate focus, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic. The Linda Jamieson School of Dance offers courses for children and teenagers of nearly all ages, beginning with the Young Dancer program for children ages three to seven.

When teaching dance to young children, it is important to have realistic expectations about their capabilities. Children under the age of six are still mastering basic body control, which is why classes for young children often focus on principles of creative movement. Because children tend to get distracted after five or 10 minutes, classes often keep children engaged by shifting quickly from one activity to the next.

As children approach ages six and seven, they become ready to learn the fundamentals of dance styles such as ballet, tap, and jazz. In ballet, for example, young children can learn how to perform positions one through five. Exercises such as walking across the floor in high fifth position help young children become accustomed to walking on a high demi-point with their heels held high in a fully arched position while keeping their upper bodies stable.
Teaching Dance to Young Children
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Teaching Dance to Young Children

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Creative Fields