What Age Should Kids Start Dance, Music, or Theatre Classes?

Written by Alexandra Pobiedzinski – Dance Instructor

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats

From the breathtaking orchestral crescendo that sends goosebumps along our arms, to the nuanced brushstrokes that seem to leap off a canvas as if alive themselves, or the ethereal beauty and strength of the prima ballerina that leaves us in awe, the arts have the ability to reach us in ways that transcend any other form of communication.

Whether it be music, fine art, dance or theatre, these forms take us on a journey of discovery – of our humanity, of one another, of our histories and cultures. They have the unique ability more than any other means of communication to unite bodies, souls, and minds across boundaries of geography, culture and time, all while honoring the image and purpose in which we were created.

I was lucky enough to have a childhood filled with the vibrancy of the arts thanks to my mom – from dance classes and school plays, to summer camps and live professional theatre and dance shows – her support of the role the arts had in my development was purposeful, supportive and so joyful. That joy runs deep through my veins and is often something I have trouble simplifying with words. It is ingrained in me, and I am better for it. From building my first friendships in class to pursuing a degree in it, dance  has pushed me in ways so much deeper than physical, making me into the truest version of myself and leading me to serve others in a myriad of ways within the various environments in which God has placed me.

As a teacher, I have had the pleasure of witnessing generations of students grow into the best versions of themselves both within and through dance, building a sense of self-realization, character, responsibility, work ethic, hope and desire to be and do better in all areas of their lives.

Now, in my newest and most precious role as a mother, I get to see how the arts touch my girls, from giggles of enjoyment as they sing and clap along to a piece of music, to their first forays into coloring and crafts, to seeing them light up as they begin to develop new skills and explore new creative ventures.

I am often asked, “At what age should I enroll my child in dance class?” or, “I have never danced before, am I too old to start this style of dance?” The answer is: There is no right or wrong age to begin dance, or any other art form. The benefits that you will see in your child (or yourself!) from stepping into that class are immense and immeasurable, no matter the age or skill level. As I always say, dance truly is for EVERYbody. The value is not in the product, it is not about being the best or winning the most awards, it is what happens WITHIN.

When we invest in the arts for our children, we invest in a richer existence for them, a kinder, more connected, more understanding and unified future that celebrates our commonality and honors our differences, and ultimately serves the Lord. The arts have the ability to ignite a passion, instill discipline, and light up a part of your soul that you may not have even known existed. Even if your child does not pursue the arts into adulthood, the drive that the arts instills in them will endure as they will have a lifetime of exploring such questions as: How can I expand upon my gifts for the greater good? How can I find deeper empathy, sympathy and connection for and with others to find common purpose and understanding? That journey never ends, and therein lies the beauty of the arts and, at its core, the ultimate pursuit of the glorification of God and all of His creation.

Dance can help children develop early fine motor and coordination skills, along with foundational cognitive skills like spatial awareness, memory and visuomotor integration. It can be a vital part of physical wellbeing – building strength, stamina, flexibility and cardiovascular health. On a psychological level, the arts are vital in helping adolescents discover, process and express big feelings, giving them not only a creative outlet but a pathway to healthy self-expression and communication. Participation in the arts allows children to find community, work toward a common goal with their peers and mentors, and reach a higher purpose beyond themselves. There is a deep and humble pride and self-confidence that arises from within when children learn how to work toward the fulfillment of the gifts bestowed upon them by the Lord.

The arts are an inherent part of all of us, whether it be through our God-given gifts that we strive to fulfill and discover their potential, or simply through God’s ability to speak to us through the arts in ways for which words do not do justice.

The deep connection of the arts to humanity leads to new depths of connection to each other, the world and our faith – beyond words, physicality and definition – something that can only be expressed through the beauty and majesty of art. The act of creating and the development of creativity lie within us all, we simply have to allow ourselves to ignite those sparks.

When we commit to the arts as an integral part of our child’s development, we set them up for a future of success in all areas of their lives, from routine daily activities to their unique and beautiful walks with the Lord. At any (and every) age, the arts have a way of gently guiding us to a higher version of ourselves.

What a miracle it is to touch and be touched by the arts, whether it be for a moment, a season, or – if we are really lucky – a lifetime.