5 Benefits of Summer Dance Camps (and Key Questions)

Summer is here and what better way to spend it than by enrolling your child in a dance camp?

Dance camps offer a unique opportunity for children to improve their physical fitness, gain self-confidence, explore new cultures, and have fun all at the same time.

But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your child. That's why it's important to ask the right questions when researching summer dance camps.

Also read: 8 Fun-tastic Summer Camps for Kids in Montgomery Country

In this blog, we'll be discussing the top questions parents should ask dance schools when researching which summer dance camp to send their child to.

From the qualifications of the instructors to the opportunities for performance and competition, we'll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision for your child.

So, if you're considering enrolling your child in a summer dance camp, read on to learn more.

5 Benefits of Summer Dance Camps

1. Improved physical fitness and coordination: Summer dance classes can help improve cardiovascular health by raising the heart rate and burning calories. It also helps in improving flexibility and muscle tone as dancers are required to perform a range of movement and postures. This can lead to better posture, balance, and coordination.

2. Increased self-confidence: Dance classes give students the opportunity to learn new movement skills and then perform them in front of others. This can help build confidence in their abilities, as well as improve self-esteem. In addition, the supportive environment of a dance class can foster a sense of community and belonging, which can further boost confidence.

3. A fun way to stay active: Summer is a time when many students relax and take a break from their usual activities. Dance classes provide an enjoyable way for students to stay active and engaged during this time. It also provides a fun way to burn off energy and improve fitness.

4. Exposure to different dance styles and cultures: Summer dance classes often offer a variety of dance styles, such as hip-hop, salsa, and ballet, allowing students to explore new forms of movement and learn about different cultures. This can be a great way to expand their artistic and cultural horizons, and gain a deeper appreciation for different forms of dance.

5. Opportunities for performance and competition: Many summer dance programs culminate in a final performance, providing students with a chance to showcase their skills and build stage presence. This can be a great way to build self-confidence, and give students the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. It also can be a great way to experience the excitement and adrenaline of a performance

Which dance styles are perfect for each of the 5 benefits?

1. Improved physical fitness and coordination: Dance styles that involve a lot of movement such as Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-hop, and Tap are perfect for improving physical fitness and coordination as they require dancers to perform a range of movement and postures. Ballet provides improved physical fitness and coordination because of the precise techniques and strength building.

2. Increased self-confidence: Dance styles like Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Musical Theatre are perfect for building self-confidence as they require dancers to perform complex choreography and express themselves through movement.

3. A fun way to stay active: Dance styles like Salsa, Zumba, and Bollywood are great for staying active and having fun because they are upbeat and energetic.

4. Exposure to different dance styles and cultures: Dance styles like African, Latin, and Ballroom are perfect for exposing students to different cultures as they have their roots in specific cultures and countries.

5. Opportunities for performance: Dance styles like Ballet, Ballroom, and Tap are great for performance and competition as they involve a high level of technical skill and precision, and are often performed in front of audiences. I would change this to “All dance styles provide the opportunity for performance and are often performed in front of audiences.

It's worth noting that many of the dance styles can be beneficial for multiple points listed above, and the suitability of a dance style for a certain point may vary from person to person.

Why Should Parents Choose Summer Dance Camps Over Other Camps?

Parents who want their children to stay active and engaged during the summer months may consider sending their kids to summer dance camps.

Additionally, summer dance camps can be a great option for children who are interested in dance and want to improve their skills, learn new styles, and gain performance experience.

Also, children who want to improve their physical fitness and coordination, build self-confidence, and explore different cultures through dance can benefit from summer dance camps.

Additionally, parents of children who have a passion for dance and want to pursue it in the future may also consider summer dance camps as a way to provide their child with intensive training and opportunities to work with experienced instructors.

Overall, summer dance camps can be a great option for children of all skill levels, ages, and interests, as they offer a wide range of activities and opportunities for growth and development.

Top 8 Questions to Ask Dance Schools When Researching Summer Dance Camps

When researching summer dance camps, parents should consider asking the following questions to the dance school:

1. What are the qualifications and experience of the instructors? Parents should ask about the dance school's instructors' credentials, such as their dance training and teaching experience.

2. What is the camp's daily schedule and curriculum? Parents should ask about the camp's daily schedule and curriculum to get a sense of what their child will be doing throughout the day and how the camp will be structured.

3. What is the student-to-instructor ratio? Parents should ask about the student-to-instructor ratio to ensure that their child will receive adequate attention and instruction during the camp.

4. What is the camp's safety and emergency protocol? Parents should ask about the camp's safety and emergency protocol to ensure that their child will be safe and taken care of in case of an emergency.

5. Are there any opportunities for performance? Parents should ask about any opportunities for performance to see if their child will have the chance to showcase their skills and gain performance experience.

6. Are there any options for accommodation, meals and transportation? If the camp is out of town or in a different state, parents should ask about accommodation, meals and transportation options that the camp offers.

7. Are there any discounts or financial aid options available? Parents should ask about any discounts or financial aid options available to help make the camp more affordable.

8. What is the refund policy? Parents should ask about the camp's refund policy in case the child is unable to attend the camp due to unforeseen circumstances.

In conclusion, summer dance camps can be a great way for children to stay active, gain self-confidence, explore new cultures, and have fun.

By asking the right questions when researching summer dance camps, parents can ensure that their child will have a safe and enjoyable experience.

If you're in search of a summer dance camp that offers all of the above and more, consider Bella Ballet Ballet’s award-winning summer camps!

The experienced instructors have the qualifications and training to provide your child with the best dance instruction, and the curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded summer camp experience. They also offer opportunities for performance at the end of each week of summer camp, as well as safety and emergency protocols.

Don't miss out on this opportunity for your child to grow as a dancer and an individual.

Visit Bella Ballet’s Summer Camp page or call at (301) 977-7300 to learn more about their summer dance camps and  enroll your child today!