Dancing offers endless benefits for kids that go beyond just having fun. It’s a fantastic way for them to stay active, improve their physical health, and build strong muscles and bones. Not only does dancing help with coordination and balance, but it also boosts cardiovascular fitness and lung capacity. Dancing is like a secret exercise, as kids enjoy moving to the music without realizing they’re getting a great workout. Moreover, dancing is an outlet for their emotions and thoughts, promoting good mental well-being. It encourages self-expression and creativity, allowing kids to let their feelings out in a positive way. Additionally, dancing in groups or classes nurtures social skills, teaching them how to work as a team, communicate effectively, and develop friendships. Overall, dancing is a wonderful way for kids to stay active, healthy, happy, and connected.
With all that being said, you are probably feeling eager to enroll your little one in a dance class. Whether you’re just looking for an after-school activity for your child or they already love dancing, these awesome options in and around Houston guarantee your kid will get all the benefits of dancing as well as an extra ability or perhaps their future profession.
Take a look at Kid City Guide’s top picks for kids’ dance classes in and around Houston:
1
Houston Dance Works
Houston Dance Works offers a wide array of classes for kids and toddlers! Class offerings include ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, cheer, contemporary/lyrical, jazzy hip-hop, and for the youngest dancers, Mommy & Me for children 18 months to 3 years old and a caregiver, and Baby Ballet for 2-year-olds.2
Houston Ballet Academy
Houston Ballet Academy features a preschool program that offers an engaging selection of movement and dance classes for children ages 2–6. These classes are designed to introduce students to the art form of ballet in a creative and inspirational environment, and they don’t require auditions.3
River Oaks Dance
River Oaks Dance offers an exceptional dance education experience for children ages 2–12 in a fun, positive, and encouraging environment.4
DanceSport
Children’s ballroom and Latin dance classes (collectively known as DanceSport) are a fun and affordable way for children to learn to dance in Houston. In these dance classes, kids learn how to focus so that they can memorize dance steps and later perform them with music and with other children. In the beginner DanceSport dance classes, kids are first introduced to simple ballet, modern dance, and hip-hop dance steps.5
Steppin’ Time
Steppin’ Time offers a variety of engaging classes for dancers ages 3 to 18, whether they are brand new to dance or have years of experience. The Academy Groups consist of Discover Dance for kids ages 3–7, which are classes designed to engage and delight students by teaching classroom etiquette, collaboration, the natural benefits of hard work, and fostering a love for dance!6
Dance Expressions
Dance Expressions offers a large variety of classes for all skill levels. Littles Dance for children ages 2–6 explores a different theme each week. Classes include Tiny Toes, Creative Dance, Dance Combo (ballet/tap), Dancing Starz (ballet/jazz), Hip Hop Minis, Hip Hop Starz, Primary (ballet/tap), and Acro for Dance.7
Texas Academy of Dance Arts
The Texas Academy of Dance Arts offers dance classes in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, acrobatics, and more for ages 2 and up! The Tinies classes are for kids age 2, combo classes (ballet/tap, ballet/jazz, etc..) for ages 3 and up, and creative ballet classes. Each class explores rhythm, musicality, creativity, and more while focusing on dance fundamentals.8
Tippi Toes
Tippi Toes Houston is a kids’ dance organization that visits preschools and recreation centers in the Houston region, providing ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop lessons for children aged 18 months to 10 years.9
JDF Elite Dance Academy
At JDF, you’ll find a wide range of classes for all ages and levels, including ballet/pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary/lyrical, musical theater, hip hop, conditioning/stretching, acro, and more! There are experienced and passionate instructors who provide a safe and fun learning environment for all students, allowing them to develop their technique and express themselves through movement.10
Leap Dance Center
Leap Dance Center has so much to offer kids! Class offerings include Creative Leaps which is a pre-ballet class for 2-3-year-olds; Little Leapers I & II, a ballet and tap combination class for preschoolers ages 3-5; Kindergarten B/T Combo, a ballet and tap combination class for kindergartners; Hip Hoppity and AcroDance for kids in K/1st Grade; Ballet; Tap; BOYS Tap; Jazz; Lyrical/Contemporary; and more!11
Energy Dance Center
This dance studio has different options for toddlers. The preschool combo class, for 2 and 3-year-olds, helps your child learn about music and moving their body. They also improve their coordination and listening skills. The Wiggle Gym class, for kids aged 2 to 4, lets your toddler try out gymnastics equipment and learn some basic tumbling moves like rolling, making a bridge, and balancing on different things!12
Institute of Contemporary Dance
The Institute of Contemporary Dance offers dance classes for all ages! The Young Movers program is for kids ages 2.5–10 years old. Class offerings for the different age groups may include Imaginative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Modern, Contemporary, and so much more!13
Break Free Hip Hop School
Break Free Hip-Hop School offers dance, DJ, and art programs year-round for youth and adults ages 3+. Each Break Free Hip-Hop School hosts evening classes Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved for special events and extra-curricular activities within the Break Free program. Class offerings include toddler classes (BOOM BAPS, ages 3-5); beginner classes (ages 6+); and intermediate classes (by advancement).14