Should My Child Try More Than One Dance Style?

If your child has started enjoying dance, you may soon find yourself wondering whether they should stick with one style or try several.

Perhaps they love ballet but have also shown an interest in street dance. Maybe they enjoy musical theatre but want to try contemporary. Or perhaps they’re simply keen to experience as many different types of dance as possible.

The good news is that there is no need to choose just one.

Trying different dance styles can be a fantastic way for children to discover what they enjoy, develop a wider range of skills and become more confident, versatile dancers.

Every Dance Style Teaches Something Different

One of the biggest advantages of learning multiple dance styles is that each one offers something different.

For example, different styles can encourage children to develop:

• Rhythm and musicality
• Technique
• Coordination
• Creativity
• Performance skills
• Body control
• Expression

Learning more than one style allows children to experience different approaches to movement.

Different Styles Suit Different Personalities

Every child is different, and their favourite dance style may reflect their personality.

A child who loves structure may enjoy the technique and precision of ballet.

A child who has lots of energy might love street dance.

A child who enjoys acting and storytelling may be drawn towards musical theatre.

Someone who loves creativity and expression might enjoy contemporary dance.

There isn’t a right or wrong choice.

Trying different styles gives children the opportunity to discover what makes them excited to dance.

Learning One Style Can Help With Another

Dance skills are often transferable.

A child who develops strong musicality through one style may find that it helps them when learning another. Likewise, coordination, balance, posture and body awareness developed in one class can support learning elsewhere.

This can make children more adaptable when they encounter unfamiliar movements.

Rather than starting from scratch every time they try something new, they can draw on skills they’ve already developed.

It Can Help Children Discover Their Passion

Sometimes children don’t know what they enjoy until they try it.

A child might start dance because they enjoy music, only to discover that they absolutely love performing.

Another might try street dance and realise they have a passion for choreography.

Trying different styles gives children the chance to discover what really makes them tick.

And sometimes the style they never expected to enjoy becomes their favourite.

Learning Multiple Styles Can Keep Dance Exciting

Children naturally enjoy variety.

Trying a different class can give them something new to look forward to and prevent dance from feeling repetitive.

One day they might be working on a structured routine, while another class gives them the opportunity to explore a completely different type of movement.

That variety can keep children curious and excited about learning.

Does My Child Need to Learn Lots of Styles?

Not at all.

Some children absolutely love specialising in one particular style.

If your child has found the dance style they adore, there is nothing wrong with focusing on it.

The aim isn’t to collect as many dance styles as possible.

The aim is to find activities your child enjoys and help them develop at a pace that works for them.

Consider Your Child’s Age and Schedule

When deciding whether to add another dance style, consider your child’s overall routine.

They still need time for:

• School
• Homework
• Friends
• Family
• Rest
• Other hobbies

Adding another class should enhance their experience, not make their weekly schedule overwhelming.

If they are excited about trying something new and have the time to enjoy it, another style could be a fantastic addition.

Let Your Child Have a Say

One of the best things you can do is ask your child what they want to try.

You might be surprised by their answer!

Perhaps you’ve always imagined them doing ballet, but they’re fascinated by street dance. Maybe they want to try musical theatre because they love performing.

Giving children some ownership over their activities helps them feel invested in their choices.

There Is No Need to Decide Forever

Choosing a dance style doesn’t have to be a lifelong decision.

Children’s interests change as they grow.

The style they love at six might not be the style they love at twelve – and that’s completely normal.

Dance should be a journey of discovery, and children should have the freedom to explore.

Final Thoughts

So, should your child try more than one dance style?

If they want to, absolutely!

Learning different styles can help children develop a wider range of skills, discover new interests and find the type of dance that truly excites them.

Whether your child eventually becomes passionate about one particular style or enjoys several, the most important thing is that they are learning, moving, creating and having fun.

Sometimes you have to try a few different steps before you find the dance that feels like yours.