Walking into a dance studio for the first time, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of styles offered. Ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, acro—how do you know which is right for your child? Here's our guide to help you make the best choice.
Ballet: The Foundation
Ballet is often called the foundation of all dance for good reason. It teaches proper alignment, musicality, and movement vocabulary that transfers to every other style. If your child wants to be a versatile dancer, starting with ballet is an excellent choice. Our ballet program emphasizes both technique and artistry.
Hip-Hop: Energy and Attitude
For children who love current music and have natural rhythm, hip-hop can be incredibly engaging. It's high-energy, creative, and allows for personal style. Hip-hop also builds cardiovascular fitness and teaches dancers to pick up choreography quickly.
Acro: Strength Meets Grace
Acro combines dance with gymnastic elements like handstands, cartwheels, and aerials. It's perfect for athletic children who love challenges. Our acro program emphasizes safety while building impressive strength and flexibility.
Lyrical/Contemporary: Emotional Expression
For introspective children who connect deeply with music, lyrical and contemporary styles offer beautiful avenues for emotional expression. These styles blend ballet technique with more fluid, expressive movement.
Jazz: Versatility and Fun
Jazz is upbeat, energetic, and incredibly versatile. It incorporates elements from many styles and is perfect for children who want variety in their movement. Jazz technique also translates well to musical theater.
Our Recommendation
At Empower, we often recommend that dancers try multiple styles to discover their passion. Many of our students train in several disciplines, becoming well-rounded performers. The most important thing is finding a style—and a studio—where your child feels excited to learn and grow.
Not sure where to start? Book a free trial class and let your dancer experience the Empower difference firsthand!
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