Modern Dance for Kids
Modern dance is great fun!
Do your kids like to dance? If your kids enjoy movement but find traditional ballet too restrictive, they might enjoy modern dance instead. Sometimes known as contemporary dance, it originated in the early 20th century and has increased in popularity ever since. Modern dance has been performed on South African Stages since the late 1970s and encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques.
Information on modern dance for kids in South Africa
Will Your Kids Enjoy Modern Dance?
If your children love to dance and express themselves through music, modern dance lessons might be perfect for them. Modern dance focusses on expressing emotion and telling stories through the medium of dance, and can be a great activity for kids who like to perform but don't suit the structured approach of ballet.
Modern dance lessons are a great kids activity, and can improve:
- Fitness
- Discipline
- Confidence
- Creativity
- Social skills
Dancing of any kind might suit your kids if they are active and enjoy movement.
How to organise modern dance lessons for your kids
There are a number of different forms of modern dance including:
- Jazz - performed to modern music where, jazz acourages childre to improvide their own steps. Suitablefor children aged 3 and up.
- Hip-hop - performed to hip hop music. lessons can usually start at age 5.
- Breakdance - breakdancing is a form of street dancing with an element of acrobatics. It's best for older children and more experienced dancers.
- Tap - Tap dancing involves using special shoes to tap out a rhythm. Children can start to learn at around 5 years old
The best way to find dance schools near you is do a search of our ActiveActivities directory or look online for a modern dance academy in your area. Group lessons usually take place in a dance studio with a qualified modern dance teacher. Kids who want to pursue dance further can enter competitions, take part in auditions for dance companies, and work towards exams.
The cost of dance lessons varies, but as a guide you can expect to pay around R180 per month or roughly R50 - R80 per lesson. Appropriate dancewear will also need to be purchased at extra cost.
Don't miss these modern dance stars and events!
Sifiso Khumalo, a very successful South African modern dancer, has toured all over Europe and Africa. The Remix Dance Project holds performances in a variety of locations throughout South Africa.