If you are standing at the enrolment page wondering which class to tick, take a breath: there is no wrong first step. Every style teaches your child music, coordination, confidence and how to be part of a group. Here is a friendly rundown of the main styles so you can match a class to your child, not to a checklist.
Ballet: the foundation
Ballet is where most dancers begin, and for good reason. It builds the posture, strength, turnout and musicality that every other style leans on later. It is graceful and disciplined, so it suits children who enjoy a little structure, though good teachers keep the early years playful with stories, imagery and games. If your child adds jazz or tap down the track, the control they learn at the ballet barre will make everything easier.
Jazz: energetic and upbeat
Jazz is fun, fast and full of personality. Think sharp lines, big kicks, turns and choreography set to music the kids actually know. It is a wonderful fit for outgoing, bubbly children who love to perform and burn off energy. Many families pair jazz with ballet: the ballet gives technique, the jazz gives sparkle.
Tap: rhythm and joyful noise
Tap is all about making music with your feet. It sharpens timing, coordination and musicality, and yes, it is gloriously noisy in the best way. Children who tap along to songs or can never quite sit still often adore it. It is also lovely for kids who feel a touch shy about big movement, because the focus lives in the feet and the rhythm. Have a look at our tap range when you are ready.
Lyrical: telling a story
Lyrical sits beautifully between ballet and jazz. It uses ballet technique with the freedom and emotion of jazz, danced to a song with lyrics that guide the feeling. It suits expressive children who connect with music and love to tell a story through movement. It usually comes a little later, once a dancer has some ballet under their belt, so the shapes have control behind the emotion.
Contemporary: freedom of movement
Contemporary is the creative, exploratory style. It brings in floor work, weight shifts, breath and improvisation, giving dancers room to move in their own way. It is a favourite with curious, imaginative children who like the idea of dance without rigid rules. Lyrical and contemporary often share a class in the early years, which is why you will find them together in our lyrical and contemporary collection.
A quick word on acro and hip-hop
Two more you will see on timetables. Acro blends dance with controlled gymnastics (rolls, balances, cartwheels) and is brilliant for strong, active kids, always taught on proper matting with trained coaches. Hip-hop is upbeat street dance: grooves, isolations and attitude, and a great confidence-builder for children who love current music.
How to choose the first class
- Start with ballet if unsure. It is the safest foundation and transfers to every other style.
- Match the class to their spark. Outgoing suits jazz, rhythmic suits tap, expressive suits lyrical, curious suits contemporary.
- Try a trial or two. Most studios welcome a trial class, so let your child feel the room before committing.
- Ask the teacher. Age groupings, when styles combine and what is offered vary by studio, so a quick chat clears it up fast.
- Add a second style later. Many dancers begin with ballet, settle in, then add jazz or tap the following term.
What to pack
Keep it simple for a first class: comfortable, neat dancewear they can move in, hair tidied back, and the right shoes for the style. Our guide on what to wear to a first ballet class walks you through it, and if you are tempted to join in yourself, see adult beginner ballet in Australia. Grown-ups who love the gentler, strengthening side of movement often enjoy pilates and barre too.
Pop in or browse online, and we will help you fit the right basics for the class you choose.
Shop ballet Shop jazzFrequently asked questions
What dance style is best for beginners?
Ballet is the most common starting point because it builds posture, strength and musicality that support every other style. That said, a shy or very energetic child might settle faster in tap or jazz, so it is fine to begin with whatever suits your child and ask the teacher for guidance.
What is the difference between lyrical and contemporary?
Lyrical uses ballet and jazz technique to interpret the words of a song, so it leans on emotion and storytelling. Contemporary is more exploratory, with floor work, breath and improvisation, and fewer fixed rules. They often share a class in the early years because the technique overlaps.
Which dance class should a 3 year old start with?
Most little ones begin in a pre-school ballet or general movement class that mixes ballet, imaginative play and simple music and rhythm. It builds coordination and confidence gently. Age groupings vary between studios, so check with the teacher for the right class for your child.
Can my child do more than one style?
Absolutely, and many dancers do. A very common path is ballet plus one fun style such as jazz or tap. Give your child a term to settle into the first class, then add a second if they are keen and the timetable allows.
Is ballet necessary before other styles?
It is not compulsory, but it helps. Ballet develops the technique, control and turnout that make jazz, lyrical and contemporary easier and safer to learn. Plenty of children start straight into tap or hip-hop and love it, so follow your child's interest and check what your studio recommends.
