Move & Be Moved – LA Dance Blog

What to ExpectYour Child’s First Dance Class:A Parent’s Guide

Starting something new—especially for little ones—can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. Whether your child is walking into their first ballet class at 3 years old or tiptoeing into a Mommy & Me class at 1.5, we want you to feel prepared, supported, and part of our LA Dance Academy family from the very first day.

Here’s what you can expect (and a few tips to make it go smoothly!):

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⏰ Come a Little Early—Yes, Really!

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early for your child’s class. Our studio doors are locked for the safety of our students, and you’ll need to be buzzed in. Once your registration fee is paid and all agreements are signed, you’ll receive a key fob for easy access going forward.

One of our friendly teachers or staff members will greet you at the door, show you exactly where to go, and walk your child to their classroom. No wandering or wondering—just a smooth start to a new routine.

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🩰 Not Sure What to Wear?

We get this question all the time! If you’re unsure about what dancewear your child needs for class, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Check out our required dancewear guide here:
https://ladanceacademy.net/required-dancewear/

Waiting on dance shoes to arrive?
No problem—come anyway! We totally get it… Amazon isn’t “2 days” anymore. If your shoes are on backorder or still in the mail, your child is still welcome to attend class. We have:

• Spare shoes your child can borrow
• A parent donation bin full of gently used dance shoes your child is welcome to take (and keep until they outgrow them!)

We never want a shipping delay to stand between your child and their big dance debut.

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👀 Where You Can Watch

We love having parents involved—and that includes watching the magic happen! You’re welcome to stay and observe in one of two cozy spaces:

• The Parent Lounge – a comfortable area where you can relax, chat with other parents, or get some work done with our complimentary Wi-Fi (password: ladance!!)
• The Window View – grab a front-row spot in front of the observation windows to see your dancer shine.

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💕 If Your Child Is Nervous—That’s Okay!

It’s completely normal for little ones to feel unsure during those first few classes. Some kids cling. Some cry. Some sit and just observe the room.

We’re here for all of it.
Our teachers are trained to gently encourage, offer comfort without overstepping, and let your child adjust at their own pace. If your dancer needs to leave the room, that’s okay. We’ll always allow it, and we’ll welcome them back when they’re ready.

Remember, confidence is built over time—and we’re here to support every step.

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🚻 Other Studio Perks Parents Should Know

Here’s a quick look at what’s available during your visit:

• 3 accessible bathrooms
• A conference room open to parents who want quiet time, need to take a call, or prefer to work while their child is in class
• Friendly staff who are happy to answer questions or help with anything your child needs

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👟 Curious Kids? Let’s Try a Trial Class!

Sometimes children peek into another class and think: “That looks fun!”
We love that curiosity! If your child expresses interest in a different style, age group, or level, let us know. We’ll happily set up a trial class so they can explore without pressure or commitment.

Trying new things is part of learning—and we want your child to feel empowered to discover what they love.

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🌱 Every Child Grows at Their Own Pace

At LA Dance Academy, we don’t rush. We don’t force. We guide. Our teachers are here to help your child grow in confidence, creativity, coordination, and connection—on their timeline, not anyone else’s.

We’re not just teaching dance steps—we’re helping kids build life skills they’ll carry with them forever.

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🤗 You’re Not Starting Alone

One of the best things about our studio? Our current students! They are always eager to meet new dancers with similar interests and make new friends. Whether your child is shy or ready to leap into class, they’ll be welcomed by kids who remember their own first day—and can’t wait to help your child feel at home.

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🩰 Ready for the First Class?

Pack your dance bag, your excitement, and maybe a few tissues (for you, not them 😊). We’re so glad you’ve chosen LA Dance Academy to be part of your child’s journey, and we can’t wait to meet you both.

Have questions? Reach out anytime—we’re here for you.

Why Dance MattersThe Lasting Impact of Early Dance Educationon Children’s Lives

From first steps to first jobs, dance does more than build rhythm—it builds life. At LA Dance Academy, we believe in starting early, because even our tiniest dancers (as young as 1.5 years old!) benefit from what science confirms: movement is one of the most powerful tools for shaping developing brains, bodies, and behaviors.

So why does dance matter so much for children, and why is investing in their dance education one of the best choices you can make? Let’s break it down.

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💡 The Science Behind Movement and the Developing Brain

1. Dance builds better brains.

Research from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child shows that early childhood is a critical period for brain development. In fact, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second during the first few years of life. Activities like dance—which integrate physical movement, rhythm, emotion, memory, and coordination—activate nearly every region of the brain at once.

A 2020 study published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found that children who participate in music and movement classes showed increased executive functioning—skills like focus, self-control, and flexible thinking—that are essential for academic and real-world success.

2. Dance improves language, math, and memory skills.

Children who participate in movement-based programs like Mommy & Me classes show higher levels of early literacy and numeracy. According to research published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly, children who engage in movement to music display stronger language comprehension and phonemic awareness.

This is because dance encourages pattern recognition, sequencing, and spatial awareness—fundamentals of both reading and mathematics.

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🧠 Emotional Intelligence & Social Skills

3. Dance teaches empathy, cooperation, and communication.

Unlike solo sports or screen time, dance class is a social environment where children must listen, watch, respond, and often collaborate. A child as young as 1.5 in a parent-child class begins learning important social-emotional cues: eye contact, turn-taking, imitation, and shared joy.

As children progress into independent classes, they learn the importance of teamwork, handling constructive feedback, dealing with disappointment gracefully, and celebrating each other’s successes. These are the interpersonal tools that contribute to being a respectful student, a dependable employee, and a compassionate human being.

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🏆 Discipline, Confidence & Grit

4. Dance teaches discipline and delayed gratification.

In dance, progress happens over time—often through repetition, correction, and refinement. This builds resilience and work ethic. A child learns that they can’t master a pirouette in a day, but with weekly effort, they can achieve things they once thought were impossible.

According to psychologist Angela Duckworth’s work on grit, the ability to persist through challenges is one of the greatest predictors of long-term success. Dance naturally builds this kind of character in children, helping them become resilient adults.

5. Dance builds confidence from the inside out.

Stage performances and recitals give children the experience of preparation, performance, and pride. Whether it’s a tiny two-year-old tapping to the beat or a teen performing a solo, dancers learn to conquer nervousness and feel proud of their accomplishments—skills that translate directly into interviews, public speaking, and leadership roles.

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💼 How Dance Helps in the Workplace

You might not see “pointe shoes” on a job application, but the soft skills dance teaches are exactly what employers want. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top qualities employers look for in new hires include:

• Communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Work ethic
• Leadership

Dancers develop all of these through class structure, choreography, corrections, and community. And because dancers are used to being evaluated (and improving from that feedback), they tend to enter the workforce more confident, coachable, and driven.

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🎓 A Lifelong Investment

Investing in your child’s dance education is not just about dancing—it’s about preparing them for life. They’ll gain:

• Stronger brain development
• Healthy bodies and emotional well-being
• Greater self-esteem
• Academic benefits
• Social and leadership skills
• A creative outlet for stress and self-expression

And they’ll carry these skills with them—whether they become doctors, engineers, teachers, artists, or CEOs.

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Ready to Begin?

Rolling Enrollment: (Register Now)

Our Mommy & Me classes for ages 1.5 to 3 are the perfect introduction to music, movement, and joy. These classes aren’t just cute (though they are adorable)—they’re a scientifically-backed way to nurture your child’s brain, body, and heart.

Whether you’re just starting out or continuing on a dance journey, LA Dance Academy is here to support your child every step of the way.

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Sources:

• Harvard Center on the Developing Child
• Early Childhood Research Quarterly
• Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
• Angela Duckworth, Grit
• National Association of Colleges and Employers