Is your first day of ballet class, or tap, jazz or hip hop, coming up soon? How exciting! Wear clothes you can move in, pack a small dance bag, get there a little early, and expect to learn by watching and trying. Nobody expects you to get every step right on day one.
If you’re about to start at Nan’s School of Dance, it’s normal to feel a little nervous about something new. Here’s what to expect on your first day of dance and how to get ready for it, so you can walk in feeling prepared and excited.
What to wear (and what not to worry about)
Your outfit should be comfortable and easy to move in. Looking cute is a bonus! Our dress code asks for fitted dance attire in every class (no particular style or color) and hair secured out of your face. Play clothes are fine for Hip Hop, but no jeans. Here’s what that usually looks like for each style:
- Ballet: a leotard, tights and ballet shoes. Hair goes up and away from your face (a bun is best!).
- Jazz or tap: a leotard or form-fitting top, leggings or dance shorts, and the right dance shoes.
- Hip hop: a t-shirt or tank top, joggers or leggings, and clean sneakers you only wear for dance.
Pack your dance bag like a pro
Here’s what to put in your bag before you head to the studio:
- Your dance shoes (ballet, tap, jazz, whatever you need!)
- A water bottle
- Hair ties and a brush
- A small healthy snack, especially if you’re dancing after school
- Deodorant or body wipes for older dancers
- A smile and a good attitude (yes, this counts)
Try not to overpack. You want to be ready, not weighed down. Our post on what to pack in your dance bag has more ideas.
Arrive on time or early
Butterflies on the first day are completely normal. Just remember that everyone in the room was new once, and the teachers at Nan’s are friendly and love seeing new faces walk through the door.
We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes before class starts. That gives you time to:
- Use the restroom
- Change into your dance shoes
- Warm up a bit if you need to
- Say hi to your teacher and classmates
Meet your instructor and classmates
Your teacher is there to help you learn, have fun and feel more confident. If you’re not sure about a move or a routine, ask!
You’ll probably meet other new dancers who feel exactly like you do: shy, excited or a little nervous. Be kind and introduce yourself. Dance is more fun with a buddy.
Focus on fun, not perfection
Your first class is about trying something new. If you don’t get every step right the first time, that’s completely normal! Every dancer starts as a beginner, and the way to get better is to keep coming to class, keep practicing and keep smiling.
A few things to remember:
- Listen and watch closely
- Try your best
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
- Celebrate the small wins, like landing a turn or keeping good posture
Your teacher will take you through everything step by step. You’ve got this! If a word in class goes over your head, look it up afterward in our list of dance terms every beginner should know.
Good habits to bring to class
How do you dance when you’ve never taken a class before? Mostly by watching, listening and trying it, then trying it again. These habits help from the very first day:
- Warm up when you arrive. A few gentle stretches get your muscles ready and help prevent injuries.
- Watch your teacher’s demonstrations closely and listen to what they say about each step. The more experienced dancers in the room are worth watching too, for their posture and their expressions as well as their feet.
- Ask questions when you’re unsure, and be open to corrections. A teacher’s feedback is how you learn to fix your technique.
- Drink water and take a short break if you need one. A light snack before class gives you the energy to last the whole session.
- Be respectful to your teacher and classmates, and cheer each other on. Everyone in the room is at a different stage, and a friendly class makes it easier for all of you.
Parents: how you can help
Parents, we know you can be just as excited (and sometimes just as nervous) as your child before the first day of dance class. Double-check the dress code and pack the dance bag the night before. Tell your dancer it’s okay to feel nervous, and get them to class on time so they can settle in without rushing. Remind them they don’t need to be perfect while they’re learning, and celebrate how brave they were with a high five or a treat afterward. For more ideas, read how to prepare your child for dance lessons.
Reflect and recharge
After class, check in with how you feel. Tired? That’s normal. Happy? We hope so! Nervous about coming back? That’s okay too. Each week gets easier and more fun as you remember the steps, get stronger and make new friends.
Drink plenty of water, stretch a little before bed, and look forward to next week. You’re officially a dancer now!
Start your dance journey
Starting dance is a big step (literally). You’re joining a group of artists, athletes and friends who will cheer you on the whole way. At Nan’s, we help every student grow at their own pace, with plenty of joy and confidence and lots of movement.
So take a deep breath, lace up those shoes and walk into class with your head held high. We can’t wait to see where dance takes you. Still choosing a class? Have a look at our preschool dance classes for ages 2½ to 5 and classes for kindergarten through 5th grade.
Reach your goals with Nan’s School of Dance
At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.
We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!
Don’t forget to register!
From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at (919) 803-6044 to hold your spot!
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Want to read more about dance?
Take a look at some of our other articles about getting started.