Small classes are better for your child, whether they be studying maths, drama, dance or anything else for that matter. Smaller classes are a common worldwide trend in teaching that produces results for simple reasons. In larger classes, it’s difficult for the teacher to treat all the students as individuals and attend to all of their needs. Kids often get left behind as a result.

Children need to have a really good relationship with their teachers to learn and it’s especially important with dance lessons. Large classes are to the detriment of this sort of relationship because all of the class has to compete for the teacher’s attention and this can often result in friction. If your child does not like their teacher they will get discouraged and give up on certain tasks and assignments. They may even give up completely on dancing and miss a wonderful opportunity to learn a special art.

Everyone, especially young children, learn at a different speed and in different ways, too. Some children may have difficulty with a particular skill or dance routine, whereas others will learn it easily. Kids having trouble learning the skill then need a little extra help and this is difficult to facilitate if there are large numbers of students in the class and only one teacher to support them. Time restraints often mean a few must miss out so that the class can progress on time.

Sometimes a student has a special gift when it comes to dancing. A smaller class will allow the teacher to dedicate some additional work to those with potential without detracting from the rest of the students. In fact, a gifted student in a small class can be like an extra teacher, sometimes. If your child is one of these students they will be encouraged to progress and not be held back when they have access to a small class (ideally no more than 14- 18 students).

A smaller class will enable your child to get on better with their classmates. A smaller class is much more congenial for your child. They will be able to meet the other students and talk to them. It is easier to make friends in a smaller class and your child will enjoy their dance lessons more. When they enjoy the classes more they will learn faster.

There will be a better atmosphere when the classes are small. Large impersonal classes are somewhat intimidating to a young student, as they are used to a family atmosphere where everyone knows each other really well. If the class is more like a “home away from home” the kids will feel more relaxed and find learning so much easier than if they were to be crammed into a huge class and have to compete for attention when they need it.

Always try to check out dance schools very carefully. Spend some time getting to know the teachers and see how they conduct their classes. After all it is your child and you do not want to spoil their chances of learning a wonderful art like dance by choosing the wrong learning institution. Don’t feel as though you’re being over protective or nosey because you want the best for your child, either. There’s nothing wrong with checking a dance school out before you commit your child’s future to them.