What to Expect at Your Child's First Dance Class

Coming to a new class can feel uncertain for both you and your child. Knowing what to expect at your first dance class often helps everyone relax. This guide walks you through what happens from the moment you book to the moment you leave, so you can prepare your child and yourself. We cover what to wear to your first ballet class (or street dance or Dance Explorers class), where to go in Chipping Norton or Fairford, and what the teacher and the children will be doing. Our aim is to make your first visit calm and straightforward.

What to wear to your first ballet class (or any first dance class)

One of the most common questions we hear is: what should my child wear to their first dance class? The answer is simple. Comfortable clothes that they can move in are enough. There is no need to buy a leotard or ballet shoes for a first trial. Leggings, joggers, a t-shirt or a vest are all fine. The main thing is that your child can stretch, jump and move without feeling restricted. If they already have ballet shoes or dance shoes, they can wear them, but soft-soled shoes or bare feet (depending on the venue) are also acceptable for a trial. We will confirm the venue when you book, so you can dress accordingly.

For RAD ballet classes, once your child joins term-time, many families choose a leotard and ballet shoes, but that can wait until after the trial. For street dance, comfortable sportswear is ideal. For Dance Explorers and First Steps, again, comfortable clothes that allow free movement are all you need. So when you are wondering what to wear to your first ballet class, think comfortable and practical rather than formal.

Before you arrive: booking and preparation

You will have booked a trial for a specific class and time. We will confirm the venue (Chipping Norton or Fairford) and the class type. In Chipping Norton we use two venues: Glyme Hall and the Leisure Centre, both on Burford Road. In Fairford we use the Community Centre on High Street. Make sure you know which venue you are going to, and leave a few minutes to find parking and the right room.

If your child is nervous, you can tell them they will meet a friendly teacher and a small group of children who love to dance. There is no test and no pressure to get everything right. They can watch at first and join in when they are ready. Letting them know that other children are also learning helps many children feel more at ease. You might also mention that the class is short and that you will be nearby (or in the room for younger age groups), so they know you are not far away.

When you get there: arrival and settling in

At the venue you will be greeted and shown where to wait or where to drop your child, depending on the class. For our youngest dancers in First Steps and Dance Explorers, some parents stay in the room or in a nearby area so that their child can see them. For older children, they usually go into the studio on their own. Our teachers are used to first-timers. If your child needs a moment to settle, that is okay. We would rather they join in when they are ready than feel rushed.

You will see where the toilets are and where you can wait. We keep the atmosphere calm and welcoming so that both you and your child feel at ease. If you have any questions on the day, the teacher or the person greeting you will be happy to help. Knowing what to expect at your first dance class includes knowing that you will be looked after as well as your child.

What happens during the class: the structure of a typical lesson

The teacher will lead warm-ups, exercises and activities suited to the age group. In RAD ballet and Dance Explorers there is often storytelling and imagination. Children might be asked to move like animals, to follow a simple story with their bodies, or to practise positions and steps in a playful way. In street dance there is rhythm, repetition and learning short sequences to music. Your child does not need to know the steps in advance. They are there to try, watch and join in at their own pace.

Classes are short enough to hold their attention and long enough to give a real taste of what we do. The teacher will use clear, simple instructions and will often demonstrate the movements so that children can copy. If your child is unsure, they can stand at the back or to the side and join in when they feel ready. There is no shouting out or correcting in a way that would embarrass a child. Our approach is gentle and encouraging. That is what to expect at your first dance class at Intune: structure, warmth and the chance to move without pressure.

What to expect for toddlers at their first dance class

If your child is in First Steps or Dance Explorers, the first class may be their first time in any structured group activity. What to expect at your first dance class when your child is a toddler or pre-schooler is a bit different from an older child's first class. The teacher will use more play, more repetition and shorter bursts of activity. Parents often stay in the room or just outside so that their child can see them. Some children cling at first and then gradually join in. Others dive in straight away. Both are normal. The teacher will not force participation. They will invite, encourage and include, and over the weeks most children begin to take part more and more. So if your toddler is hesitant on the first day, that does not mean the class is not for them. It often just means they need time to feel safe.

After the class: talking to the teacher and deciding what next

When the class ends, the teacher will often have a quick word with you about how it went. They might tell you what your child enjoyed or how they joined in. You can ask any questions about joining term-time classes, trying another style (for example, adding street dance if they started with ballet), or switching to a different time or venue. If you decide to continue, we will explain the next steps: how to secure their place, what to wear for term-time, and what the term dates and costs are. If you feel it is not the right time or the right fit, you can leave with no further commitment. Our hope is that every family leaves feeling respected and informed, whether they come back or not.

First dance class in Chipping Norton or Fairford: our venues

We run all our children's dance classes on Saturday mornings. In Chipping Norton, classes take place at Glyme Hall (Burford Road, OX7 5DZ) and at the Leisure Centre (Burford Road, OX7 5DY). In Fairford, classes take place at the Community Centre (High Street, GL7 4AF). When you book a trial you will be given the exact venue and time for your chosen class. You can see all our classes and locations on our locations page and use the class finder on the homepage to find a class by your child's age. Directions and parking information can be found on the location pages for Chipping Norton and Fairford.

How to prepare your child for their first dance class

A few simple steps can help your child feel ready. Talk about the class in a positive, relaxed way. Tell them they will meet a teacher and some other children and that they will move and dance to music. Avoid building it up too much or making it sound like a test. On the day, arrive in good time so you are not rushed. Let them use the toilet before the class if they need to. If they have a comfort toy or blanket, check with the teacher whether they can bring it in; for younger children this is often fine. After the class, focus on what they enjoyed rather than what they did not do. Many children need two or three sessions before they feel fully at home. So preparing your child for their first dance class is mostly about keeping things calm, clear and positive.

Book a trial and see for yourself

If you are looking for children's dance classes in Chipping Norton, Fairford or the surrounding area, we invite you to book a £10 trial. You can use our class finder to see which class fits your child's age, then book a trial for that class. There is no obligation to continue. We hope this guide has answered your questions about what to expect at your first dance class and what to wear to your first ballet class. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to Intune Dance.