--- title: "Getting Started - Nan's School of Dance in Raleigh" description: "Choosing a first class, the right age, what to expect and what to bring." url: https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/category/getting-started/ --- # Nan’s School of Dance Blog Sharing the Love of Dance Since 1975 ## Category: Getting Started Choosing a first class, the right age, what to expect and what to bring. [![A young girl in a black leotard holding a card in a bright dance studio](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/can-your-child-start-dance-classes-in-the-middle-of-the-school-year.C3CjJgRF_Z1B6CoT.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/can-your-child-start-dance-classes-in-the-middle-of-the-school-year/) ### [Can Your Child Start Dance Classes in the Middle of the School Year?](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/can-your-child-start-dance-classes-in-the-middle-of-the-school-year/) Hillary WhiteOctober 13, 2026 Yes. Nan’s School of Dance takes registrations for the dance year through January 31, and new students can take a free trial class any time from September through January. [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/can-your-child-start-dance-classes-in-the-middle-of-the-school-year/) [![Four young ballet students in pink leotards and tutus raising one arm at the barre](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/how-do-you-know-which-dance-class-is-right-for-your-child.Vh0nq8nr_Z12jlPi.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-do-you-know-which-dance-class-is-right-for-your-child/) ### [How Do You Know Which Dance Class Is Right for Your Child?](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-do-you-know-which-dance-class-is-right-for-your-child/) Hillary WhiteOctober 6, 2026 Start with your child’s age. Age decides which classes your child can join at Nan’s, and for most kids from 3 through 5th grade the best first class is a combination class. [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-do-you-know-which-dance-class-is-right-for-your-child/) [![A little girl in a white leotard and tutu sitting on a studio floor in ballet slippers](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/the-right-age-to-start-dance-what-parents-should-know-by-stage-toddler-to-tween.C3lgRU1m_Z1xfJOt.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-right-age-to-start-dance-what-parents-should-know-by-stage-toddler-to-tween/) ### [The “Right” Age to Start Dance: What Parents Should Know by Stage, From Babies to Tweens](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-right-age-to-start-dance-what-parents-should-know-by-stage-toddler-to-tween/) Hillary WhiteFebruary 10, 2026 A stage-by-stage guide to the right age to start dance, from Mommy & Me at 18 months to the tween years, and how to tell if your child is ready. [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/the-right-age-to-start-dance-what-parents-should-know-by-stage-toddler-to-tween/) [![A young woman and her grandmother dancing together in a bright kitchen](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/is-it-too-late-to-start-dance-why-the-answer-is-almost-always-no.CwKLzLt6_ZeGvdH.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/is-it-too-late-to-start-dance-why-the-answer-is-almost-always-no/) ### [Is It Too Late to Start Dance? Why the Answer Is Almost Always No](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/is-it-too-late-to-start-dance-why-the-answer-is-almost-always-no/) Hillary WhiteJanuary 6, 2026 One of the most common questions we hear at Nan’s School of Dance is a simple one, often asked with a little hesitation: “Is it too late to start dance class?” Whether it’s a parent wondering if their child has missed the “right” age to begin, a teenager curious about trying something new, or an… [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/is-it-too-late-to-start-dance-why-the-answer-is-almost-always-no/) [![A smiling girl in a black leotard stretching in a split in front of colorful exercise balls](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/tips-for-your-first-day-of-dance-class-what-every-new-dancer-should-know.DR6QMXWP_23KAr7.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/tips-for-your-first-day-of-dance-class-what-every-new-dancer-should-know/) ### [Tips for Your First Day of Dance or Ballet Class: What Every New Dancer Should Know](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/tips-for-your-first-day-of-dance-class-what-every-new-dancer-should-know/) Hillary WhiteJuly 3, 2025 What to wear, what to pack and what to expect on your first day of dance class, plus how parents can help a new dancer feel ready. [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/tips-for-your-first-day-of-dance-class-what-every-new-dancer-should-know/) [![A ballerina and a hip-hop dancer performing together under pink and blue neon light](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/choosing-the-right-dance-style-ballet-hip-hop-tap-or-jazz.DkNAiEpb_Z2ofuNr.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/choosing-the-right-dance-style-ballet-hip-hop-tap-or-jazz/) ### [Choosing the Right Dance Style: Ballet, Hip-Hop, Tap, or Jazz?](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/choosing-the-right-dance-style-ballet-hip-hop-tap-or-jazz/) Hillary WhiteNovember 22, 2024 At Nan’s School of Dance, we believe that dance isn’t just a physical activity, it’s an opportunity to build confidence, and develop a lifelong passion. But with so many dance styles to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you or your child are exploring dance for the first… [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/choosing-the-right-dance-style-ballet-hip-hop-tap-or-jazz/) [![Two rhythmic gymnasts kicking one leg overhead beside colorful ribbons](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/gymnastics-vs-dance-which-is-the-best-choice.C8pl5Lj4_Z1Mz3nf.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/gymnastics-vs-dance-which-is-the-best-choice/) ### [Gymnastics vs. Dance: Which is the Best Choice?](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/gymnastics-vs-dance-which-is-the-best-choice/) Hillary WhiteSeptember 21, 2024 How gymnastics and dance compare for kids: what each one trains, how classes and competition differ, which kids each suits, and where Acro fits in. [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/gymnastics-vs-dance-which-is-the-best-choice/) [![A smiling dancer in a sweatshirt dancing with school papers and a folder in hand](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/balancing-act-managing-school-and-dance.B7uoZJq1_14F9Hu.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/balancing-act-managing-school-and-dance/) ### [Balancing Act: Managing School and Dance](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/balancing-act-managing-school-and-dance/) Hillary WhiteSeptember 5, 2023 Practical tips for dancers and parents on managing school and dance, from planning the week and talking to teachers to self-care and saying no. [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/balancing-act-managing-school-and-dance/) [![A pink gym bag packed with a towel, sneakers and a purple water bottle](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/what-should-you-pack-in-your-dance-bag.BVKLijuE_1GlS3h.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/what-should-you-pack-in-your-dance-bag/) ### [What Should You Pack In Your Dance Bag?](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/what-should-you-pack-in-your-dance-bag/) Hillary WhiteFebruary 21, 2023 “What should I pack in my dance bag?” is a question that every dancer has asked themselves before heading out the door. Whether it is packing a bag for dance class or a recital, our dance teachers at Nan’s School of Dance all agree that being prepared is the number one thing. To help answer… [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/what-should-you-pack-in-your-dance-bag/) [![A grandmother and granddaughter dancing together in the living room](https://www.nansdancenc.com/_astro/how-to-return-to-dance-as-an-adult.Codds_MB_8mgMb.webp)](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-to-return-to-dance-as-an-adult/) ### [How To Return To Dance As An Adult](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-to-return-to-dance-as-an-adult/) Hillary WhiteAugust 23, 2022 5 Tips To Get Back Into Dance There is a saying “once a dancer, always a dancer,” and our staff at Nan’s School of Dance could not agree more. No matter how much time has passed since you last danced, you will always be a dancer at heart. That’s why many adults find themselves returning… [Read More](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/how-to-return-to-dance-as-an-adult/) 1[2](https://www.nansdancenc.com/blog/category/getting-started/page/2/) ## Want to learn more about our classes or studio? Just fill out this form and we can answer all your questions. We look forward to seeing you soon in our studio! Warmly, Hillary *This form is on the web page: *