Mommy & Us Dance Class

I'm not unlike most moms...you hear that sonographer say "It's a girl.." and your mind just floods with thoughts of Barbies, glitter and dance class.

For me I saw all of that in threes. Right from the start. Everything was one big group party. Overwhelming...but more exciting than anything I could ever imagine happening to little ol me.

 

Dance class isn't cheap. But I haven't wanted my little ladies to miss out, nonetheless. Turns out, the Mommy & Me class is nothing more than things you can do in the convenience of your own home.

At this stage it's all about getting them comfortable following instructions, having social interactions with other kids, moving and learning to control their bodies. Getting comfortable with their bodies and having FUN with it.

So...I decided to start my own dance class. Just my girls..."just". I figured I had enough for a full class anyway...there's your social aspect.

I found some VERY affordable dance outfits at Walmart of all places. I already had tights and tutu like skirts. So all I needed was the leotard. They had ballet shoes too, but they were too big for our girls.

One of the most important keys in making this a big deal and getting them to take it seriously is by separating it from your average routine.

We have 2 days a week that we set in stone as if we are having to show up for a paid class at a studio.

We make sure we get dressed in our dance outfits

The first half is structured but it's fun!!! I mean these girls have a blast.

At the end I spend a LOT of time letting them take turns deciding what part was their favorite and what to do next. We do a lot of "Follow the Leader".

I will let them take turns being the leader and the leader gets to decide what we all do. We walk around the room and do whatever they ask! It really has been so much fun for them. I honestly don't think they even realize they are learning or being taught something. It's truly just fun for them!

 

Curriculum:

First we practice stretches which are easy and fun for toddlers. Reaching up and down, touching toes...that sorta thing.

We reach up high and then touch toes. We do twirls. We jump, we put hands on our hips. We switch arms so they learn to control certain sides of their body. But most importantly, we make moves fun. I will have them hop around like a kangaroo...leap like a frog...roll around like a potato bug. There are so many simple moves you can tie to things they are familiar with and enjoy.

 

There are so many fun ideas, props, visual aids and things out there on the net and we use a lot of them! Here's a fun visual aid that works great for toddlers! It's even more fun if you put them in a basket and let them pick the next move!

Right now it's about simple things like this. And I don't spend a lot of time on it. I'm talking a 15-20 minute class. And if someone is in a bad mood we end it. No pressure. We aren't paying remember? We just go back and try another day. That's what makes it a better environment for a toddler. You don't want them to feel forced. You want them to enjoy it, to look forward to it.

 

Eventually we will get into ballet positions and more technical moves...then I will hand it over to the pros. But as a mom of 3 girls...I can tell you that dance gets expensive enough...save your money while they are young. Invest it into time with your children to teach them, enjoy them and have fun with them. You don't need to pay someone else for the basics you can teach and enjoy at home. It really is so much fun. Such a wonderful bonding experience. And I don't mean to come across preachy...I just hope that my successful experience will help others open their eyes to an affordable and unforgettable time you can have with your toddlers!