Try dance during the summertime!

When most people think about dance classes, they usually this about it being a school year activity with a big spring recital performance. But for a lot of kids summer might actually be the best time to start dancing?

Whether your child has never stepped foot in a dance studio or they're already counting down the days until the next performance begins, the way that On Pointe approaches summer dance classes give some unique benefits that can help dancers of all ages grow, gain confidence, and have fun.

For New Students: A Low-Pressure Introduction

Starting something new can feel intimidating no matter how old or young a child is. Summer classes provide a relaxed environment where new dancers can explore movement, make friends, and discover what dance is all about without the commitment of a full dance season.

Our summer session is shorter (only 6 weeks) and our classes sizes are a little smaller, due to families being out of town during different weeks for vacation, camp, and such. The shorter session can make it more attainable to try something out without the big commitment if your child decides that a certain style isn't their favorite or they are still exploring all of the great kids activities our community has to offer. We try to focus a lot on having fun, being super creative, and exploring the movement. This allows children to try dance without feeling overwhelmed while giving families an opportunity to see if dance is a good fit.

Most dancers who join our regular season started with a summer class and quickly fell in love with the friendships, confidence, and joy they found in the studio.

For Returning Students: Keep the Momentum Steady

Imagine spending an entire school year learning new skills, building strength, and improving flexibility, only to take three months completely off from working on those muscles and thought processes. While every dancer deserves a break, staying active during the summer helps dancers maintain many of the skills they worked so hard to develop.

Summer classes allow returning students to:

• Maintain flexibility and strength

• Continue building coordination

• Retain technique learned during the season

• Feel more confident when classes resume in the fall

• Explore styles they may not normally take

Even attending just one class per week can help dancers stay connected to their training while still enjoying all the fun that summer has to offer. We don't approach summer as the time for every dancer to check everything off of their goals list, but rather to fall back in love with the creative process and just maintain what they have spent the whole year working towards.

A Chance to Try Something New

Summer is the perfect time for dancers to branch out and explore new styles.

A ballet dancer might discover a love for hip hop. A tumbler may decide to try jazz.

Trying new things helps dancers become more versatile performers and keeps their love of dance fresh and exciting. Especially if your family will be on vacation or out of town, we encourage dancers to use their makeup classes in a new style, just to give it a try!

Building Friendships and Confidence

One of the biggest benefits of summer dance classes isn't found in a dance step at all.

Summer classes create opportunities for children to meet new friends, build social skills, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. These skills carry over into school, sports, and everyday life in so many ways. And having the ability to continue working on social skills when not at school allows those kids to then step back into the school building as leaders and role models on the first day.

Dance teaches children how to work with others, overcome challenges, and celebrate every step that they progress, all of which are valuable lessons that extend far beyond the studio walls.

Dance, Play, and Summer Fun

Summer shouldn't be packed with endless obligations. It should include opportunities to play, move, learn, and create memories.

We try to build our dance classes to offer the perfect balance of structure and fun. Children stay active, engaged, and social while still having plenty of time to enjoy family vacations, pool days, and all the adventures that summer brings.

Whether your child is trying dance for the very first time or returning for another season, summer classes can be the perfect way to stay moving, keep growing, and make the most of the season.

We can't wait to dance with you this summer at On Pointe Arts!