Why Dance Style Matters
Dance is one of the most popular performing arts disciplines for children and teenagers — but the world of youth dance encompasses a wide range of styles, each with its own technique, culture, and career pathway. Choosing the right style (or combination of styles) for your child is one of the most important early decisions you'll make in their training journey.
This guide explains the main dance styles available to young performers, what each involves, and how to match a style to your child's personality, goals, and body type.
The Main Dance Styles for Young Performers
Ballet
The foundation of many dance disciplines, ballet develops strength, flexibility, posture, and body awareness. It is technically demanding and requires consistent, long-term training. Ballet provides an excellent base for a child who wants to pursue any form of professional dance. It suits children who enjoy structure, precision, and gradual mastery of a discipline.
- Best for: Discipline-oriented children, those aiming for professional training
- Training tip: Pointe work should not begin before age 11–12, and only when a qualified teacher confirms the child is physically ready
Contemporary / Modern Dance
Contemporary dance emphasises expression, fluidity, and connection to music and emotion. Less rigid in structure than ballet, it encourages creativity and artistic interpretation. Many young dancers find it liberating after the formality of classical training.
- Best for: Expressive, creative children who enjoy storytelling through movement
- Training tip: A grounding in ballet or jazz technique helps contemporary dancers develop control alongside freedom
Jazz Dance
Jazz is energetic, rhythmic, and performance-oriented. It blends technical skill with showmanship and is commonly seen in musical theatre, television performance, and commercial dance. It's a popular choice for children who love music, rhythm, and being on stage.
- Best for: High-energy children who love performing and entertaining
- Training tip: Jazz covers a wide range of sub-styles (Broadway jazz, lyrical jazz, street jazz) — clarify which style a studio focuses on
Hip-Hop and Street Dance
Hip-hop and street styles are among the fastest-growing areas of youth dance. They are high-energy, culturally rich, and resonate strongly with many children and teens. Street dance competitions attract enormous participation across age groups.
- Best for: Children drawn to popular music and urban culture
- Training tip: Look for teachers with authentic training in the style's origins — good hip-hop teaching goes beyond copying music video moves
Tap Dance
Tap dance uses metal-tipped shoes to create rhythmic percussion. It builds extraordinary musicality, rhythm awareness, and coordination. Though less widely taught than other styles, it is experiencing a revival and is highly regarded in musical theatre.
- Best for: Musically inclined children, those interested in musical theatre
- Training tip: Tap and piano lessons complement each other beautifully — both develop a deep understanding of rhythm
How to Choose the Right Style
| Your Child Is... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Highly disciplined and precise | Ballet or Tap |
| Creative and emotionally expressive | Contemporary or Lyrical |
| High-energy and loves entertaining | Jazz or Hip-Hop |
| Interested in musical theatre | Jazz, Tap, or Ballet |
| Unsure what they enjoy | Try a mixed-style class first |
The Case for Training in Multiple Styles
Many top young performers train in two or three styles simultaneously. A foundation in ballet combined with jazz or contemporary training is particularly common, and produces dancers with impressive versatility. However, avoid overloading young children with too many styles at once — one or two well-taught disciplines are far more beneficial than five classes a week in five different styles with no depth.
Finding the Right Studio
When evaluating dance studios for your child, look for:
- Qualified teachers with recognised qualifications (RAD, ISTD, or equivalent)
- A safe, properly sprung floor — essential for joint health
- Small class sizes that allow for individual attention
- A positive, inclusive culture where children of all abilities are valued
- Clear communication with parents about progress and expectations
Final Thoughts
The best dance style for your child is ultimately the one they love. Passion, enjoyment, and a great teacher will take a young dancer far further than a prestigious style chosen for the wrong reasons. Start with what excites them, keep an open mind, and let their enthusiasm guide the journey.