My dd(8) is considering taking a couple of dance classes. These are they ones offered for her age group. She is very active and a little hyper, so I was wondering if the jazz and tap would be best for her personality. I am familiar with tap, but I don't know much about jazz. Can someone give me some info and advice please?

Thanks so much!

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 12:37 pm:

Modern jazz would be great for her. It's very upbeat. Normally in a dance class, at least in my area, the basic dance class consists of tap and jazz. Ballet, pointe, lyricals, or gymnastics classes are extra classes.

By Amyj on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 12:42 pm:

Any type of dance would be great! Jazz can be hard for an 8 year old to "get". Jazz does some of the same movements that are done in ballet (turns, leaps, jumps), but they are done in parallel, not turned out. You will also see a lot of body isolations in Jazz. Jazz also uses a variety of music and can really vary based on the teacher. When I taught jazz, I liked to teach a more "classical" style (like Bob Fosse and All That Jazz). Some teachers teach a more hip-hop style. Tap is fun for children this age. I always loved tap, even as an adult. Tap is a type of dance that many will do all of their lives. This is great to think about since most children won't go on to be professional dancers, but can enjoy dance for the exercise, grace that it builds, and an appreciation for the art. Ballet is always a good choice if she is very interested in dance. All dancers need a strong foundation in ballet. I hope this helps a little. Good luck!

By Kolbysmom on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 01:05 pm:

I started dance at 8 yrs old. I started with Jazz and I loved it from the first day!! I started competing at 12 yrs old. I added Poms and production later. I stayed with it until I was 18.

By Janet on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 03:35 pm:

Ballet takes an incredible amount of discipline, and it's not really a style for the "hyper," in my opinion. My 14 yr old dd has been in ballet for many years, and my 9 yr old takes tap and ballet. Sounds to me like your dd would enjoy jazz or tap, too.