What to Expect the First Day of Dance Class

What to Expect in Your Child’s First Dance Class

Walking into the dance studio for the very first time is an exciting milestone—for both dancers and parents! At La Petite School of Dance, we know that each child’s first class experience is as unique as they are. Some little ones step right in, eager to twirl and leap, while others need a little more time, encouragement, and reassurance before joining the fun. All of these responses are completely normal.

A Wide Range of First-Class Behaviors

In our toddler and preschool classes, we see a beautiful variety of ways children adjust to class:

• Ready to go! Some dancers walk in confidently, ready to explore every corner of the room and jump right into the music.

• A little reserved. Others prefer to stand back, observe, or hang on to a parent’s hand for a few moments until they feel comfortable.

• Not ready just yet. Sometimes, a dancer may choose to sit and watch. This is perfectly okay—we know from experience that even when children are quiet observers, they are soaking it all in. Often, after a few minutes (or a few weeks!), they surprise us by joining in with a smile.

Interestingly, we’ve seen our most outgoing dancers sit and watch quietly while our most reserved ones leap in with confidence right away. Every child’s comfort level looks different, and that’s part of the journey.

Meeting Your Dancer Where They Are

Our teachers are trained to meet your child right where they are. We allow each dancer the choice of when and how to participate. Some may join in for just one activity, while others might dive into the entire class. And that’s okay! The important thing is that they feel safe, encouraged, and supported every step of the way.

Timing Matters Too

Another factor parents may not realize is that time of day can make a big difference. A morning class may feel easier for one dancer, while another might shine in the afternoon. We’ve had children who struggled in one time slot completely transform after switching to a different class time—it was like dancing with a brand-new child!

What Happens in a Little Stars Class

To help parents and dancers know what to expect, here’s a look inside our Little Stars classes:

• Getting Started: Classes always begin with tap, so when you enter the waiting room, please put your child’s tap shoes on first. A teacher will invite your dancer into the classroom (please don’t send them in before we come to get them). Dancers also bring their dance bag with their ballet shoes into the studio.

• Tap Time: Our tap portion includes a welcome/hello song, center work, a fun “train,” barre exercises, across-the-floor skills, and a prop song.

• Switching Shoes: After tap, we switch to ballet shoes. To help with this transition, we place a sticker on the right foot of both tap and ballet shoes. This helps dancers start learning right from left, and also acts as a visual cue when learning which foot to use. We encourage dancers to change their own shoes instead of having parents do it—building independence and confidence is a huge part of class, and children are always so proud when they accomplish this skill!

• Ballet Time: Ballet is taught through creative, playful exercises that still use the correct French terminology for steps. We also incorporate important gross locomotor skills such as leaps, jumps, gallops, and skips.

• Finishing Strong: Every class ends with a curtsey and thank you, teaching respect, confidence, and appreciation for dance.

Trust the Process

It can be tempting to compare your child’s experience to others in the room, but remember: every dancer’s journey is unique. Some need time to warm up, and others jump in right away. What matters most is that they are in an environment that celebrates their individuality and supports their growth.

And most importantly—never feel awkward about talking with us about your child’s participation. We are always happy to answer your questions and provide guidance. Together, we’ll make sure your dancer’s first steps into the world of dance are positive, joyful, and encouraging.

At La Petite, we believe that every child deserves the space to grow at their own pace. With patience, encouragement, and a little bit of music and magic, your dancer will find their way onto the floor—and into the joy of dance.