Dancing comes naturally to most children. It seems instinctive for toddlers to mimic dancing in a public display or on a visual medium such as television. Turn on some music, make some moves, and children are all too keen to join in.

Take dancing, add lively music and plenty of bright colours, and you have the standard formula for today’s most successful pre-school children’s television programs, DVDs and live performances.

Children’s dance studios can vary in many ways, including venue layout, tutors, group size and fees. So spend some time researching local venues before making a choice. The fundamental objective is simple: you want your child to have fun. Social interaction, learning people skills and manners in a competitive setting, meeting other children, helping others – these are some of the extra, and very important, benefits for your child when attending a dance school. Both boys and girls should enjoy greater self-confidence, self-discipline, poise and grace. There is no ideal age for a child to start dance lessons, but start when your child is ready, comfortable and not hampered by undue shyness to the point dreading the lesson. Learning to dance and make friends is a great way to overcome shyness, if gradually introduced into the group. Often starting with a schoolmate or best friend can help with confidence.

A good, professional dance studio will focus on your child’s continued progress in dance, but without excessive pressure on your child to succeed. The smaller the classes, the more attention your child receives. Ensure the school has qualified teachers who use approved techniques, so that bad habits are not picked up at an early stage. Look at the venue and ensure it is a safe environment, with cushioned floors and walls. The dancing room should be at a comfortable temperature in all seasons, with ventilation, mirrors covering at least one entire wall, drinking water and a change area. Dance schools usually have at least one recital concert each year, so factor in the ticket prices and costumes. Also, check whether the course has penalties for early withdrawal.

Dance types vary when it comes to popularity with children. Freestyle dancing with little more than arm waving and body twisting comes naturally to toddlers and pre-schoolers, as evidenced by the phenomenal success of children’s dance troupes such as Hi-5 and The Wiggles. Primary school-age children may be inclined towards jazz ballet, folk dancing, line dancing and basic group choreographed dancing. Some acrobatic moves can be added.

Adolescent and teenage children may opt for funky dancing, the perennial disco, freestyle rock music moves, and more intensive choreographed dancing. Traditional ballet dancing is often started at an early age and continued into adulthood. Children’s dance schools usually have incentive schemes, such as trophies, sashes and certificates. Good dance schools will ensure that every child receives some sort of award and is not left out.