With so many different styles of dance available, it can be hard to determine what path may be best for your child. Luckily, if you start your child in dance in their toddler years, many studios offer movement classes specially for toddlers to find their rhythm. 

This is a great opportunity for kids to determine which dance path they prefer. If your child is beginning dance at an older age, a trial class or an open house is a great way for them to meet the instructor, interact with other students and learn about the different style of classes available to them. Forevermore offers dance classes for students of all ages, from toddlers through high school. Here is some background on the different styles offered at Forevermore:  

Classical Ballet Training 

Ballet is a formal dance technique that combines movement with costumes, scenery and music. It originated in the Italian Courts during the Renaissance period and later traveled to France and then to Russia, where the modern ballet movement began.  

Forevermore offers a complete classical ballet curriculum, for students age 6 and up. Additionally, a pre-ballet class is offered for Kindergarten students, ages 5 and up that helps them transition from the creative movement of toddler dance classes, to a more structured training. There are 6 levels of ballet classes offered and students move through each as they would a grade in school. However, as there are fewer levels of ballet classes than grades in school, students should expect to repeat levels as it enhances their training. The primary levels for younger students are paramount, creating a solid foundation for the student’s classical training. Therefore, these classes are commonly repeated.  

For students who wish to further their artistic expression through Ballet Training, Forevermore offers a Pointe Program. Pointe is a specialized extension of ballet training where ballerinas dance on the tips of their toes in specially designed shoes.

Hip Hop Dance 

Hip Hop Dance Classes

According to Human Kinetics, “Hip-hop is characterized by a high level of playfulness and exploration through “move-meant” concepts and techniques – that is, moves that hold meaning and value, informed by personal, social, cultural, and environmental experiences.“  Hip-Hop dance does not derive from classical dance styles, such as ballet, modern or Broadway-style jazz dance, but stems from African, authentic jazz and other cultural dance styles.  

Hip Hop classes at Forevermore offer students a chance to learn a very authentic style of dance, similar to what they might see in music videos or commercials. They will learn the fundamentals, all while being able to express their individual athleticism and spirit.  

Jazz Dance 

The Encyclopedia Britannica tells us that Jazz dance emerged, paralleling the evolution of jazz music. It became popular in the 30’s and 40’s, during the era of big swing bands. Jazz is most commonly associated with the style of dance seen on Broadway and other stage-style shows. In comparison to Hip Hop, Jazz dance is based off the fundamentals of ballet and elements of modern dance. However, it uses larger, more sweeping movements to convey a different style to the audience.  

If your child is looking for an opportunity to exude creative expression through upbeat music and fun choreography, Jazz might be the right option for them. Although there are varying styles of Jazz dance, all are built on the same foundation of stage presence, alignment and technique.  

Tap Dance Classes for Toddlers 

Tap Dance Classes for Kids

Tap Dance originated in the United States, stemming from various ethic percussion dances from across the globe, to include traditional African Dances and European Clogging. In tap, dancers wear shoes with a metal heal and toe that provide an acoustic quality as they move across the floor.  

At Forevermore, intro to tap dance begins in Kingergaten or at age 5. From there, students advance up through four levels of tap dance instruction. Students not only learn the movements, but also the proper termanology and the acuoustics associated with each movement.  

Modern Dance 

Modern dance is deeply embedded in ballet syllabus. Historically, modern dance began as free form style lyrical ballet among a community of professional ballet dancers who refused to stop dancing. The first modern dances choreographed required no dancing en pointe or rigid adherence to ballet movement, according to danceus.org. Known for its free flowing, fluid style, modern dance often appeals to the creativitiy of dancer’s souls.  

Forevermore offers 4 levels of modern dance, where students are introduced to various modern dance techniques. This style of dance connects the dancer’s movements with their breath and energy. If your child is looking to build a strong, versitale unstanding of dance, while exploring creativity of movment, modern dance may be a great option.  

Ultimately, it’s important to find the style of dance that your child is passionate about and wants to dedicate themselves to. It can be great for children to try a few different styles in their younger years, to find the perfect fit! Then, as they get older they are able to determine in which style they prefer to continue their training. 


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