Choosing the Right Dance Style for Your Child at Dance Expression dance arts
SEO TEAM • May 5, 2025
As a parent, choosing the right dance style for your child can be an exciting yet daunting decision. With so many different types of dance available, it’s important to understand the unique characteristics of each style and how they align with your child's interests, personality, and developmental needs. At Dance Expression dance arts, we offer a variety of dance styles, each designed to help children grow in their technique, creativity, and physical fitness. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best dance style for your child, providing insights into the benefits of ballet, jazz, hip-hop, acro, and other styles available at our studio.
Understanding the Different Dance Styles
Each dance style offers a unique approach to movement, with its own set of techniques, skills, and artistic expression. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular dance styles offered at Dance Expression dance arts:
Ballet: The Foundation of Dance
Ballet is often considered the foundation of all dance styles. It focuses on precision, control, and posture, with an emphasis on classical technique. Ballet helps develop flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as a sense of grace and discipline. It’s a perfect starting point for young dancers because it provides a solid technical foundation that can be built upon in other styles as they progress.
- Ideal for: Children who enjoy structure and discipline, as well as those who have an interest in classical art forms.
- Benefits: Enhanced posture, body awareness, flexibility, and strength.
- Developmental Impact: Ballet encourages patience and perseverance, while also improving overall fitness and coordination.
Jazz: High-Energy and Fun
Jazz is a highly energetic and expressive dance style that incorporates a mix of sharp movements, leaps, and turns. Jazz dancers often work with upbeat music and rhythmic choreography, which encourages creativity and self-expression. It’s an exciting and dynamic style that appeals to kids who love fast-paced activities and are looking for a fun, vibrant dance experience.
- Ideal for: Kids who are energetic, love upbeat music, and enjoy expressive movement.
- Benefits: Strengthened muscles, enhanced coordination, improved rhythm and timing.
- Developmental Impact: Jazz helps children develop confidence through its dynamic and energetic style, encouraging them to embrace creativity and individuality.
Hip-Hop: Dance with Rhythm and Attitude
Hip-hop is a contemporary style of dance that emphasizes freestyle movement, rhythm, and urban culture. It’s often associated with street dance and has an emphasis on personal style and individuality. Hip-hop encourages creativity, and because it’s so heavily influenced by music, it helps children develop a strong sense of rhythm and coordination. If your child enjoys listening to current music and expressing themselves through spontaneous movements, hip-hop might be the perfect style for them.
- Ideal for: Kids who love current music, street culture, and enjoy a more relaxed, freestyle approach to dance.
- Benefits: Improved rhythm, coordination, strength, and stamina.
- Developmental Impact: Hip-hop fosters self-expression and encourages confidence, as children are free to explore their own dance style.
Acro: Dance Meets Gymnastics
Acro, short for acrobatics, combines dance with gymnastics skills, incorporating movements such as flips, handstands, and balances into choreography. Acro is ideal for children who are interested in combining strength and flexibility with creative movement. This style is great for building physical strength, flexibility, and balance, while also providing a platform for kids to challenge their limits in a safe environment.
- Ideal for: Kids who enjoy physical challenges, acrobatics, or gymnastics.
- Benefits: Increased flexibility, strength, and body control.
- Developmental Impact: Acro teaches perseverance and determination, as students need to practice various skills to master them. It also fosters a strong sense of balance and agility.
How to Assess Your Child’s Personality and Interests
Choosing the right dance style depends largely on your child’s personality, interests, and physical abilities. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:
1. Activity Level and Energy
If your child is naturally energetic and loves to move, styles like jazz or hip-hop could be a great fit. These styles are upbeat and high-energy, giving kids the opportunity to channel their enthusiasm into creative movement. On the other hand, if your child enjoys more structured activities with clear progression, ballet may be the perfect choice to foster discipline and focus.
2. Interest in Creative Expression
If your child loves to express themselves through movement and enjoys improvisation, hip-hop may be a great option. Hip-hop offers freedom for personal style and expression, allowing kids to explore their own creativity. Ballet and jazz also provide opportunities for creativity, though they tend to follow more structured forms of choreography.
3. Physical Strength and Flexibility
Consider your child’s physical abilities. If they are already quite flexible and enjoy activities that involve strength, acro could be a fantastic option. However, if they’re still developing their coordination and flexibility, ballet or jazz could help them build these skills in a structured and progressive way.
4. Long-Term Goals
Think about where you see your child’s dance journey going in the future. Ballet provides a strong foundation for all dance forms and offers the opportunity for advanced study. If your child dreams of joining a competitive team or performing professionally, styles like ballet and jazz may provide the technical skills necessary for those pursuits. Alternatively, hip-hop or acro can provide a more relaxed and fun way to enjoy dance without the focus on competition.
The Role of the Dance Instructor in Guiding Your Child’s Journey
At Dance Expression dance arts, our experienced and passionate instructors play a key role in helping students select the right dance style. They take the time to understand each child’s personality, interests, and goals, and guide them toward a style that complements their abilities. Whether your child is new to dance or looking to advance in their chosen style, our instructors provide personalized attention, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace.
How Dance Expression Accommodates All Skill Levels
One of the best features of Dance Expression dance arts is our ability to accommodate children of all skill levels. Whether your child is a beginner or more experienced, we offer classes for every stage of their dance journey. Our curriculum is designed to gradually build on skills, allowing kids to progress in a way that feels both challenging and rewarding. We also offer opportunities to transition between dance styles as your child grows, ensuring they continue to be engaged and challenged as they develop their skills.
Tips for Parents on Keeping Their Child Motivated and Passionate
- Encourage Consistent Practice: Practice is key to success in dance. Support your child by encouraging them to practice their routines or movements at home. A consistent routine helps reinforce what they’ve learned in class and builds their confidence.
- Attend Performances and Recitals: Seeing their hard work pay off on stage can be a huge motivator for kids. Attending recitals and performances not only allows your child to showcase their skills but also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment.
- Celebrate Small Milestones: Whether it’s mastering a new step or making new friends, celebrate your child’s progress. Positive reinforcement keeps them motivated and excited to continue dancing.
- Let Your Child Explore: Allow your child the freedom to explore different dance styles before committing to one. A trial class can help them experience a style firsthand and determine if it resonates with them.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Dance Style for Your Child
Choosing the right dance style for your child at Dance Expression dance arts is a decision that can shape their entire dance journey. With options like ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and acro, you’re sure to find a style that matches their personality, interests, and physical abilities. Our expert instructors are here to guide you and your child every step of the way, ensuring that their dance experience is both enjoyable and rewarding.
If you’re ready to help your child embark on their dance journey, contact Dance Expression dance arts today to learn more about our classes and how we can help your child find the perfect dance style!
FAQs
- How do I know which dance style is right for my child?
Consider your child’s energy level, interest in creative expression, and physical abilities. Our instructors can help guide you based on your child’s personality and goals.
- Can my child try different dance styles before committing? Yes! We offer trial classes for different styles, allowing your child to experience them firsthand before making a decision.
- What if my child wants to switch dance styles later on?
That’s perfectly fine! At Dance Expression dance arts, we support students as they evolve in their dance journey. Transitioning between styles is common and part of the growth process.
- Are the dance classes suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! We offer classes for beginners of all ages and skill levels. Our structured curriculum is designed to meet each child where they are in their dance journey.
- Does Dance Expression dance arts offer performance opportunities?
Yes! We hold recitals and performances throughout the year, providing students the chance to showcase their progress and skills.
- How can I help my child stay motivated in dance?
Encourage practice, celebrate milestones, attend performances, and allow your child to explore different styles to keep their interest and passion alive.
Discover how starting dance early at Dance Expression helps kids build confidence, strength, and social skills. Explore the many benefits of dance for children!
At Dance Expression dance arts, we understand that a child's dance journey is about more than just mastering choreography—it's about building confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for the art form. As a dance studio dedicated to fostering creativity and growth in young dancers, we strive to provide not only exceptional dance training but also a supportive environment where children feel encouraged to flourish. As a parent, your role in your child's dance journey is invaluable. Your support can make a profound difference in their progress, motivation, and enjoyment. This guide provides practical tips on how you can support your child's dance journey, specifically designed for families in Sussex County, where Dance Expression dance arts is committed to providing top-notch dance education. Whether your child is just starting their first class or has been dancing for years, the following insights will help you become a partner in their growth and success. Understand the Importance of Dance Education Dance is a powerful tool for developing many essential life skills. It fosters creativity, teamwork, and emotional expression, while also providing physical benefits such as improved coordination, strength, and flexibility. Dance education also offers your child an opportunity to connect with the local community and explore the arts in a meaningful way. At Dance Expression dance arts, we prioritize not only the technical aspects of dance but also the holistic development of each child. Dance offers children an avenue to express themselves and engage in an activity that challenges their body and mind. As a parent, understanding the broader benefits of dance can help you appreciate the effort your child is putting into their lessons and offer the encouragement they need to stay motivated. Encourage Consistent Practice and Attendance One of the most important ways parents can support their child's dance journey is by encouraging consistent practice and attendance. Dance is a skill that requires dedication and repetition. Regular practice is essential to improving technique and gaining confidence in performance. Children need time to build their muscle memory and work on their routines, so attending classes consistently will have a lasting impact on their development. As a Hamburg-based dance studio, Dance Expression dance arts offers a variety of classes for children, from beginner to advanced levels. By ensuring that your child attends their classes regularly, you are helping them stay on track and develop the discipline needed to succeed. If possible, set aside time at home for them to practice what they’ve learned in class. A quiet, distraction-free space at home can help reinforce their lessons and boost their confidence. Support a Positive Relationship with Dance Instructors A positive relationship between your child and their dance instructor is key to fostering a sense of trust and respect. Dance Expression dance arts prides itself on having a team of professional, experienced instructors who are passionate about teaching children. These instructors play a crucial role in your child's growth as a dancer, offering guidance, feedback, and encouragement. Parents should encourage open communication with instructors to ensure they are aware of any challenges or milestones their child may be experiencing. Whether it's a technical issue or a personal concern, a strong partnership between parents and instructors helps create a supportive environment for the child. Your involvement can help bridge the gap between home and studio, ensuring your child’s needs are met. Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small Recognizing and celebrating your child's achievements, no matter how big or small, helps build their self-esteem and motivates them to continue pursuing their passion for dance. Whether your child successfully masters a difficult move or participates in a recital, taking the time to acknowledge their hard work sends a powerful message of support. At Dance Expression dance arts, we celebrate each student's progress, whether they're perfecting a pirouette or preparing for a performance. Encouraging your child through recognition at home can reinforce their sense of accomplishment. In Hamburg and Sussex County where community and family play a central role in cultural life, taking pride in your child’s dance milestones can also create a sense of belonging within the local artistic community. Maintain a Healthy Balance Between Dance and Other Activities While dance is a wonderful activity that offers numerous benefits, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance between dance and other aspects of your child’s life. Encouraging your child to participate in a variety of activities allows them to explore their interests and prevents burnout. Finding the right balance is essential for your child’s overall well-being. In addition to dance, ensure that your child has time for academic pursuits, social interactions, and relaxation. By teaching them to manage their time effectively, you help them develop life skills that will serve them well in all areas of their lives. Dance should be a joyful experience, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle ensures that your child remains motivated and passionate about their craft.
Dance is more than just a fun activity; it’s a transformative experience that offers children a multitude of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. At Dance Expression dance arts in Hamburg, we recognize the power of dance in shaping young minds and bodies, providing a space where children can grow, express themselves, and develop essential life skills. Whether your child is a beginner or has prior dance experience, our studio offers a welcoming environment that fosters growth through creativity and discipline. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of dance for kids and why Dance Expression dance arts is the ideal studio for young dancers in Sussex County 1. Physical Benefits of Dance for Children Developing Strength and Flexibility One of the most obvious benefits of dance is its physical impact. Dance involves full-body movement, helping children build strength, improve flexibility, and develop coordination. From the moment children step into our studio at Dance Expression dance arts , they begin to work on their motor skills. The range of motion used in dance exercises promotes the growth and development of muscles, joints, and bones. As children learn dance routines, they also develop better posture and balance, skills that are essential not only in dance but in daily life. This improvement in physical health is important for the growing bodies of children, making dance an excellent way to enhance overall fitness while having fun. Cardiovascular Health Regular dance sessions are an excellent way for kids to improve their cardiovascular health. As children engage in aerobic activity during dance classes, their heart rate increases, strengthening the heart and improving circulation. For young dancers, these cardiovascular benefits can help reduce the risk of health issues in the future. As a parent, choosing Dance Expression dance arts for your child’s dance education is an investment in their long-term health and well-being. Enhancing Coordination and Motor Skills Dance requires children to follow complex movements and routines, which enhances their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. At Dance Expression dance arts , we focus on teaching children how to move their bodies in time with the music and develop an awareness of spatial relationships. This helps children refine their physical abilities, allowing them to control their movements with precision. 2. Mental and Emotional Benefits of Dance Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence Dance provides an empowering outlet for children to express themselves. At Dance Expression dance arts , we encourage children to embrace their unique personalities and use dance as a way to build confidence. As children progress through different levels of dance, they gain a sense of accomplishment. Successfully learning a new move or performing in front of others boosts their self-esteem and helps them feel proud of their abilities. For children in Hamburg and all of Sussex County, who are sometimes faced with the challenges of growing up in a fast-paced environment, dance offers a safe and supportive space where they can be themselves, without fear of judgment. In our studio, every child is celebrated for their effort and dedication, regardless of their experience level. Encouraging Discipline and Focus Learning to dance requires children to pay attention to details, follow instructions, and commit to consistent practice. These skills foster a strong sense of discipline. Dance Expression dance arts teaches kids how to stay focused on tasks, set goals, and work towards achieving them. These skills not only benefit them in the dance studio but also translate to better performance in school and other extracurricular activities. Dance also teaches children the value of patience. In dance, progress often comes slowly and steadily, and young dancers learn to persevere, even when a particular move or routine is difficult. This perseverance leads to an increased ability to handle challenges in life with grace and resilience. Enhancing Social Skills and Building Friendships Dance is a highly social activity that helps children build valuable interpersonal skills. At Dance Expression dance arts , we encourage group work and collaboration, where children can interact with peers who share similar interests. Whether they are participating in a team dance routine or simply chatting with other young dancers, children develop their communication skills, empathy, and teamwork abilities. Forming lasting friendships is one of the natural benefits of group activities like dance. By sharing experiences in the studio, children in Hamburg have the opportunity to bond with others, forming connections that can last well beyond their dance years. In today’s world, where social skills are increasingly important, Dance Expression dance arts fosters a nurturing environment where friendships can thrive. 3. Cognitive Benefits of Dance for Children Enhancing Memory and Learning Abilities Dance requires children to remember complex choreography, and this constant memorization exercise enhances their cognitive abilities. Remembering dance routines and sequences improves both short-term and long-term memory. In fact, dance can be a fun and engaging way for children to practice their memory skills while also learning how to approach problems creatively. The mental stimulation that comes with learning dance moves helps enhance brain function, making dance an excellent activity for boosting academic performance. Studies have shown that children involved in creative activities like dance tend to perform better in other subjects like math, reading, and language arts. Developing Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills Dance is an art form that requires imagination and creativity. At Dance Expression dance arts, we encourage children to explore different dance styles and experiment with movements to express their ideas and emotions. This creativity is essential for fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In dance, children are challenged to interpret music, develop routines, and express emotions through movement—all of which require creative thought and innovation.
Discover the ideal age for your child to start dance classes and unlock benefits like coordination, confidence, and social skills.
When your child moves beyond the cute little performances of their babyhood and begins a more serious dance schedule, they have to start considering their bodies like any athlete would. After all, serious dance is an athletic sport just where there will be soreness and physical strain.
It’s the constant struggle of parenthood. How can you be there for your kids and show them your support while also giving them room to grow and foster independence? It can be a very fine line between the two, especially when you’re just so excited about what your child is doing! In the world of dance moms (and dads) we’ve seen our fair share of those who hover too much, push too hard, and force their children to do things they don’t want to do. In fact, somewhere along the way, being a “dance mom” has turned into something negative. We disagree! We love dance moms and think there’s a way to be one in a supportive and fantastic way. Pay Attention – Is your child excited for dance class? Are they having fun? Pay close attention to their reaction when it’s time to go to class. A positive attitude is the most important sign of whether or not an activity is right for them. If you’re pushing week after week, no one is benefitting! Miss A Few Classes – As soon as you feel your child is old enough, let them experience class without you once in a while. Often times, children feel as if they have to impress their parents and make them proud. Let them be free to dance like no one is watching and enjoy it solely for themselves. But still come occasionally to let them know how great they’re doing and that you are proud! Support Others – Let your child know that as a dancer, they’re part of a team. Show support for other dancers by cheering them on, too. There will be plenty of time for your child to shine, but they also need to know how to work as part of a group. Show your child it’s not only about them. Try Different Styles – Did you always dream of being a ballerina? While that’s a wonderful aspiration, it may not be the same as your child’s. There are so many different styles of dance, kids need to explore and feel free to move their bodies in all different ways. Maybe their passion will be hip-hop or tap. Let them try everything! Sit in the Front Row – But there’s a way to do it! We’ve seen those moms in the front row mimicking every move and putting pressure on their child to smile. Sit back, relax, and just enjoy the performance. Let your child be the star. Tell them how much fun you had watching them have fun! If you ever fear that you’re pushing too much, ask the teachers! Along with the studio director, dance teachers are the ones who are face to face with your child during each class and can truly tell whether a dancer is thriving. They strive to be a constant source of support and always have the best interests of the children in mind. Let teachers guide you through the process of being a great dance mom!
Historically, dance has been a “girl” thing. Parents put pink tutus on their little girls before they can even walk and boys are brought to soccer practice. As most parents quickly realize, the preconceived ideas of what they think their children will like, and that child’s own preferences are often times different. Your daughter may end up being a fierce basketball player, and your son may prefer a paintbrush to a hockey stick. But what if your son wants to dance? More and more boys are showing interest in dance and the old stereotypes you may have worried about are greatly decreasing. With the popularity of shows like So You Think You Can Dance? and America’s Got Talent male dancers have been in the spotlight, and boy do the look cool! Not only are ballet and lyrical dancers featured, viewers see hyper masculine hip-hop and break dancing routines. Dance is so much more than pink tutus and Tchaikovsky (although we love those, too!). Here are some great reasons to encourage dance for boys: 1. Diversity – Not everyone is the same so having your son do something outside the norm makes him special. How boring would the world be if we all had the same interests? When your son gets the opportunity to show off his athletic prowess as a strong dancer, he stands out by showing people he can do something that most men can’t. Also, having more boys in dance companies makes that company more diverse. 2. Physical Benefits – Dance builds flexibility, endurance, and coordination, which affect many other areas. They have more muscle mass and even perform better in sports. If you ever see the body of a professional male dancer, you see an athlete who epitomizes strength and peak physical condition 3. Love – If your son shows an interest in dance, by all means support him. There is no greater joy than watching your child immerse themselves in something that fills them with happiness. When they excel in something that fills them with happiness, it builds strong self-esteem. How great is it to jump out of bed each morning and do what you love? 4. Success – If he does pursue a professional career in dance, since there is a lack of male dancers, he’ll have better chances to succeed. Male dancers have more job opportunities and less competition than women, which gives them a better chance at a lasting career. 5. Self-Confidence – When a person succeeds at something they love, their confidence goes way up. You often hear about a “performer’s high” that happens when a dancer is in front of an audience. Not only does the act of dance feel great, the accolades that follow are wonderful for building a positive self-image. 6. Modern Role Models – Whether its Derek Hough, Twitch, Adam Shankman, or Jason Derulo…the list goes on! There are so many male dancers for young boys to look up to. They can watch anything from Dancing With The Stars to an Usher video on YouTube and see positive role models. Not only do these celebrity dancers have amazing moves, but the exemplify athletes who have committed a lifetime of dedication to their craft.
As our young children grow and begin to develop likes and dislikes, parents try to determine what types of activities their kids would enjoy. Drifting from one trial class to the next may provide for a few hits and misses, but nothing gives a parent more of a thrill when they see their youngster discover something new that they love. Sometimes it’s clear from the beginning that they’re either into sports or the arts, but in some cases your child likes BOTH! For many parents of girls (and an increasing number of boys) dance classes are a great choice. But how do you know if dance is a good option for your child? Your child gravitates towards music and dances on their own. You know those adorable videos of babies in diapers bopping along to their favorite tune? You’ve got a THOUSAND! First one on the dance floor at a party? YOUR KID! They willingly join in when there is an opportunity to dance. If your child has always had the wiggles and doesn’t need to be asked twice if they want to shimmy and shake, dance class will be a WIN! You ask them if they’d like to try a class and they say, “YES!” It’s that simple! By a very early age, kids know what they want to do and what they don’t. If they want to try, sign them up. They want to look and dress like a dancer! Some little girls are just crazy for ballerinas and anything that involves tutus. If the mere suggestion of wearing ballet shoes makes her eyes light up, she’ll probably love dance. During their first trial class they have a positive attitude and willingly participate throughout the entire class. What can we say? Dance class is FUN! When you ask them if they want to do it again and they say, “YES!” Who wouldn’t want to go back and do something that fun over and over again? One of the keys to starting off on the right foot is to match the child with the style of dance they’re interested in, place them in the appropriate age group, and assess their skill level so they can be placed accordingly. No matter what they’re age, it’s possible to find a class where they can thrive. It’s never too early or too late. Still not sure? Here are some great benefits you’ll see from dance: Improved cardiovascular condition. Increased flexibility. Better class performance even in their regular school. Improved discipline in all areas. Reduced stress. Better physical condition; which increases performance in all areas. Learning to follow directions. Mental and Physical Focus. Socialization. Learning to participate in a group. Confidence. *BONUS - If you’re still on the fence when it comes to having your child try dance, there’s really no reason to hold back. Virtually all dance schools offer a free trial class so there’s really no loss in letting your child give it a go!
Nearly every performer experiences it at some point in their career, if not before every single performance. Increased pulse, sweating, shaky limbs, and overall fear of failure are all too familiar. Stage fright can be crippling and turn even the most prepared performance into a failure. What a lot of performers don’t realize is that not only is it important to practice your material, but you also have to practice performing. It’s a skill that becomes better over time. The ability to relax and enjoy a performance doesn’t come easy to anyone. It takes time, experience, and learning how to recover from mistakes. But if you’re worried your nerves will get the best of you, there are several methods that can ease this common anxiety. 1. The Right Foods: Fruits like bananas and apricots naturally lower blood sugar, and the probiotics in yogurt can be calming to your body overall. Eat food that you know makes you feel your best. Avoid high fat, high sugar, and greasy foods that will slow you down. Also limit caffeine and alcohol close to a performance, since these can greatly affect your ability to stay mentally sharp. 2. Exercise Your Stress Away: Not only is dance a stress reliever because it’s great exercise, but pretty much any physical activity will have a similar affect. Chose the one you like most, whether it’s running, biking, or swimming. If you’re a professional dancer, sometimes exercise that is outside of dance can be very effective at relieving tension. 3. Get Into The Ohm: Meditation is thousands of years old and has stood the test of time for a reason. It works! Focusing and quieting your mind intentionally can work wonders before a performance. You can also try some gentle yoga, breathing exercises, or even a guided meditation app right from your phone. 4. Speaking Of Breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing, in particular, is scientifically proven to calm the body. It increases oxygen levels to your brain and lowers the heart rate. Controlled, deep breaths from your diaphragm are essential to getting yourself under control when you feel that you may lose it. Whenever you’re performing, put yourself in the position of an audience member. When you watch someone dance, are you watching to critique their every move and find faults? Or are you simply enjoying the performance and feeling happy? Chances are it’s the latter. Perform with the knowledge that what you’re doing is brightening the day of every single person watching, and you’re giving them a memorable experience. Even if you are in a competition, the judges are there because they love their art. Show them how much you do, too! If performing is something you truly love, do everything you can to enjoy it. Sharing your gifts with the audience is such a fulfilling experience for everyone. With time and proper techniques, you can surely find the balance to control any fears.
When it comes to properly fitted pointe shoes, there are many elements to take into consideration. Virtually every part of your foot needs to be measured before making the proper choice. Every foot is shaped differently and has varying degrees of flexibility. One of the biggest mistakes new dancers make is not getting measured properly by a professional and trying your shoes on in person. It’s tempting to read online reviews and go by the recommendations of others, but this definitely isn’t the way to go. You must try them on for yourself. An ill-fitting shoe can lead to a plethora of foot issues and improper technique. Platform and box shape/width, profile height, vamp length, shank strength, and heel height/width have to be just right for your particular feet. It can mean the difference between not getting over the box and a sickled foot or properly pointed toes in a perfectly straight line. Here are the basics of measurement to get you started on the right foot: 1. Know Your Type of Toes – When your foot is pointed, without curling your toes, take notice of several elements. Are your toes long or short? Do they taper in? Are they straight across? Knowing your toes will help you select the right box shape for your foot. 2. Find Your Width – The width of your pointe shoe is essential for overall support. If your shoe is too wide, you’ll end up with little support and all of your body weight will fall on your big toes. This will hurt! If your shoe is too narrow, it will cut off some circulation and your foot may start to feel numb. A shoe that is too narrow can also cause the shank to twist off center. 3. Know Your Arch – The arch and strength of your foot will determine the right shank for your shoe. Depending on experience or dancer preference, your feet may require either a soft or hard shank. A shank that is too soft may not give you the proper support, and a shank that is too hard may make it difficult to get over the box. Your best bet is to go to a professional, get measured properly, and try on several different brands because each one can vary. You may even see your size and preference may change over time as the strength of your foot increases. All dancers will agree that when you find the right shoe, it becomes an extension of yourself and allows you to reach great heights.