At the Elite Dancers Academy, we offer a variety of classes for all ages and abilities, including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, Jazz and Commercial Dance. Whether your child is trying ballet for the first time or exploring another style, our trial process is designed to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Here’s what you can expect, from preparation to enrolment:
What to Wear for Your Dance Trial
No need to worry about having the perfect outfit for your trial. Simply dress your child in loose-fitting clothing that allows for movement. If they have a favourite dance outfit at home, that works too! The goal is for them to feel comfortable and ready to dance.
Arriving at the Studio
To make the most of the experience, we recommend arriving 10-15 minutes before the start of the class. This extra time allows your child to get familiar with the studio, meet the teacher, and feel at ease. If you’re unfamiliar with the venue, consider visiting beforehand to make the day even smoother.
Helping Your Child Feel Confident Before Their First Class
It’s completely natural for children to feel a little nervous about trying something new, especially in an unfamiliar setting. Fortunately, there are a few simple and supportive ways to help them approach their first class with confidence:
- Use the Teacher’s Name: At Elite, we always send a confirmation and reminder before the trial, which includes the class time, location, and your child’s teacher’s name. Referring to the teacher by name can help make the experience feel more familiar. You could mention the teacher in conversations, so your child begins to see them as a friendly face they’ll meet soon.
- Visualisation: Encouraging your child to imagine what the class will be like can help reduce anxiety. Ask them to picture themselves in the dance studio, having fun, and learning something new. This can help them mentally rehearse the experience and feel more prepared when they walk in.
- Give Them Some Ownership: Children often feel more at ease when they have a sense of control over new experiences. Let them pick out something for the trial, whether it’s their outfit or a special snack for after the class. It gives them a role in the preparation and makes the process feel less overwhelming.
- Create a Calm Pre-Class Ritual: On the day of the trial, maintaining a calm and positive atmosphere can help set the right tone. Establish a familiar routine, such as listening to a favourite song or watching an inspiring dance video, to boost excitement. You may also want to incorporate a grounding technique beforehand, whether in the car, on foot, or during your commute. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: Identify 5 things you can SEE, 4 things you can TOUCH or FEEL, 3 things you can HEAR, 2 things you can SMELL, and 1 positive thing about YOURSELF.
- Positive Framing of Nerves: Acknowledge any feelings of nervousness, but try framing them as excitement rather than anxiety. For example, you could say, “It’s normal to feel a bit of a flutter before doing something exciting!” This subtle shift can help your child understand that the feelings they’re experiencing are part of the anticipation.
- “Tiny Steps” Technique: If your child is especially anxious, breaking the session into small, manageable steps can help. Instead of focusing on the whole class, talk about getting their shoes on, walking into the studio, and saying hello to the teacher. One small victory at a time can make the overall experience feel more achievable.
- The Power of Praise: After the class, no matter how it went, emphasise the courage it took to try something new. Focusing on their bravery rather than the technical side of things helps build their confidence for future classes.
After the Class: Ready to Join?
If your child enjoys the class and you’re ready to enrol, we’ve made the process simple. Let us know you’d like to continue, and we’ll send you a welcome email containing all the essential information.
You’ll provide some additional details, such as an emergency contact number and a health declaration, and we’ll add your child to our system, Membermeister. We’ll then calculate a pro-rata amount for the remaining sessions of the term and generate an invoice for you.
Remember, the dance journey doesn’t stop at just one style. As your child progresses, they might want to explore other classes that are available at Elite. Our goal is to nurture versatile dancers and help them find the styles they love.
Navigating your child’s first dance class can be an exciting adventure, and we’re here to ensure it’s a positive and memorable experience. At the Elite Dancers Academy, we strive to create a welcoming environment where every child can explore their love for dance and build confidence. By preparing them with thoughtful techniques and maintaining a supportive atmosphere, you can help turn any initial nerves into enthusiasm and joy.
Remember, every child’s journey in dance is unique, and we’re here to support them every step of the way. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to welcoming your child to their first class and seeing them shine on their dance journey!
For more information on class options, term dates and prices, please visit our Term Dates and Prices page.
A special thank you to Senior Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Lois Thomas MBPss MBABCP (Accred) for her invaluable consultancy on this blog.
