Introducing your child to dance is an exciting step – not only does it build physical strength, balance, and confidence, but it’s also a great way for kids to express themselves. With so many dance styles available, how do you, as a parent, know which is the right dance style for your child? In this guide, we break down nine popular dance styles – from acro to tap – to help you pick the perfect match for your little mover.
1. Acro: Where tumble meets grace
Acro is a unique blend of classical dance and acrobatics, combining the fluidity of ballet and jazz with athletic moves like handstands, flips, and partner balances. It develops both technique and strength, often performed to contemporary music with seamless transitions between dance and tumbling. Kids are drawn to its excitement…and the chance to defy gravity in style!
Best for: Confident kids who love physical challenges and aren’t afraid to flip upside down. It’s also ideal for those with lots of energy and a sense of adventure, or for those children who enjoy gymnastics and want to add some artistic flair.
Benefits: Improves balance, strength, and flexibility. Builds determination and perseverance. Enhances spatial awareness and body control. Promotes creative expression and performance skills.
Parent tip: Look for programs with certified Acro instructors, as proper technique and safety are essential. Encourage stretching at home and celebrate every bit of progress…it’s amazing how quickly young dancers gain strength and confidence.
2. Ballet: Graceful and disciplined
Ballet is the cornerstone of many dance styles, known for its refined technique, elegant movements, and structured training. It builds strength and control through precise posture, turns, and leaps, often set to classical music. Young dancers gain a strong technical base that serves them across other genres.
Best for: Children who are detail-oriented and enjoy structure. It’s also great for kids who flourish in moments of quiet focus and who love story-telling through movement.
Benefits: Builds posture, flexibility, and core strength. Encourages discipline and patience. Enhances musicality and body awareness. Provides a foundation for all other dance styles.
Parent tip: Consistent attendance at ballet is what matters, as is age-appropriate technique, so be sure to choose a studio that recognises this, doesn’t push too hard too soon, and provides a nurturing environment. Read more in our Parent’s guide to ballet.
3. Contemporary: Creative and inventive
Contemporary dance blends elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance. It emphasises versatility, floor work, and emotional interpretation. If your child doesn’t like to be ‘boxed in’ and enjoys a bit of everything, this creative style is worth a try.
Best for: Independent thinkers with creative spirits. Perfect for children who are curious, introspective, or like experimenting with new ideas.
Benefits: Boosts creativity and improvisational thinking. Improves strength and body awareness. Encourages emotional expression and storytelling. Develops connection between movement and meaning.
Parent tip: Look for a program that allows exploration while teaching solid technique. Encourage your child to describe what the dance ‘feels like’ to deepen engagement.
4. Highland dance: Strong and spirited
Highland dance is a traditional Scottish-style dance, characterised by strong technique, leaps, and stamina. It’s athletic yet graceful, and is often performed at piping competitions and formal events, and includes both solo and group formats. Australia has a vibrant Highland dance community, with schools across the country offering classes, competitions, and performance opportunities for children.
Best for: Energetic children who enjoy traditional music and expressive movement. Great for those with a competitive spirit and pride in performance.
Benefits: Increases strength, agility, and balance. Promotes focus, discipline, and pride. Connects children to cultural heritage and tradition. Builds resilience and determination.
Parent tip: Ask your studio about opportunities to participate in displays or community events – it’s a great way to build confidence and feel part of something bigger.
5. Hip hop: High-energy and expressive
Hip hop is packed with confidence and creativity. It’s a street-style dance that’s bold, dynamic, and high-energy. Kids thrive on the individuality and upbeat energy it brings.
Best for: Outgoing kids who enjoy moving freely and expressing themselves.
Benefits: Builds strength, stamina, and agility. Supports creative confidence and individuality. Improves co-ordination and rhythm. Encourages social engagement and teamwork.
Parent tip: Comfortable streetwear and runners work best. Studios often allow freestyle moments—celebrate your child’s personal flair!
6. Irish dance: Precision with passion
Irish dance is fast-footed and intricate. It’s known for its strong legwork and still upper body, and includes both solo and group dancing. If your child is drawn to rhythm and tradition, this style offers both fun and a sense of cultural pride.
Best for: Focused kids who enjoy rhythm and structure. Ideal for those who like clear rules and love the idea of showcasing progress.
Benefits: Develops precise footwork and timing. Builds cardiovascular endurance. Fosters discipline and goal-setting. Strengthens connection to cultural heritage
Parent tip: Irish dance shoes differ by level – soft and hard shoes. Ask your studio for guidance before purchasing, and consider watching a local feis for inspiration! Read more in our Parent’s guide to Irish dance.
7. Jazz: Bold and theatrical
Jazz is all about expression, rhythm, and pizzazz. It’s perfect for kids who love performing, acting, or just being the star of the show. Think Broadway flair!
Best for: Kids who love flair, stage presence, and dramatic moves. Excellent for expressive performers who enjoy upbeat music and fast-paced action.
Benefits: Improves strength, flexibility, and coordination. Enhances performance and stage presence. Builds musicality and spatial awareness. Fosters adaptability across dance styles
Parent Tip: Jazz classes vary in style – ask whether the lessons lean more towards theatrical or technical styles of teaching. Choose one that matches your child’s personality.
8. Lyrical: Emotional and flowing
Lyrical dance blends ballet and jazz with a strong focus on emotional expression. It’s fluid and passionate, often set to ballads or expressive contemporary music. Dancers use movement to tell stories and convey feelings.
Best for: Sensitive or imaginative children who enjoy storytelling, music interpretation, and expressing emotion through movement.
Benefits: Develops fluid technique and flexibility. Strengthens interpretive and artistic skills. Boosts confidence and vulnerability in performance.
Parent tip: Lyrical often suits dancers with some ballet or jazz experience. Talk with your child about the music…it helps them connect to the meaning behind the movement.
9. Tap: Rhythmic and fun
Tap combines movement with percussive footwork, turning the dancer into a musician. It’s energetic and expressive, with routines that highlight rhythm, timing, and playful performance…often accompanied by upbeat jazz or musical theatre tracks.
Best for: Kids who love music, rhythm games, or making noise! Perfect for children who are auditory learners or enjoy precise patterns.
Benefits: Improves coordination and musical timing. Encourages self-expression. Strengthens lower body muscles. Builds confidence through performance.
Parent tip: Tap shoes are a must! Classes may feel noisy, but that’s part of the charm…embrace the clatter and celebrate the beats.
Final thoughts
Every dance style offers something special. Let your child’s personality and curiosity guide their choice, and don’t be afraid to try more than one! With the right class and encouragement, your young dancer will flourish on and off the dance floor.
Ready to take the next step? Whether your child is dreaming of twirling in a tutu or tapping out rhythms with their feet, finding the right dance class is just around the corner.
Head over to Stage Lark to discover dance studios and events in your local area.
Are you a dance parent who’s curious about the world of dance eisteddfods? Check out our post Surviving your first dance eisteddfods.
