How Much Time Should My Child Dedicate to Dance Classes Each Week?

Jan 1

As a parent, one of the key questions when enrolling your child in any extracurricular activity is: how much **time** should they spend on it? Dance is no exception, and at McDonald-Wilson Dance Academy (MWDA), we understand the importance of balancing your child’s commitments—whether it’s schoolwork, other hobbies, or simply time to relax. So, how much time should your child dedicate to dance classes each week? The answer varies based on age, skill level, and goals.
With over 50 years of experience as Calgary’s oldest and most trusted dance studio, MWDA has developed programs that cater to each dancer’s unique needs. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to advance their skills, we have the perfect fit.

Starting Out: Younger Dancers and Beginners

For younger children or those new to dance, we recommend starting with 1-2 hours of dance classes per week. At this stage, it’s all about introducing your child to the joy of dance and helping them develop basic skills. Shorter class times allow them to get familiar with the movements while still leaving plenty of room for other activities.

In general:

Ages 3-5: One 30-minute to 1-hour class per week is ideal. At this age, children are learning fundamental coordination, balance, and rhythm, and shorter sessions ensure they stay engaged and excited.
Ages 6-8: Two 45-minute to 1-hour classes per week. As children grow, they can handle a bit more time in class, working on skills like flexibility, posture, and musicality while still having time for play and school.

Intermediate Level: Ages 9 and Up

As children grow and their interest in dance deepens, more frequent classes become beneficial. Around ages 9 and up, children can handle a more structured dance schedule. For this age group, we recommend 3-4 hours of dance per week, spread across multiple classes. This could include exploring different styles such as ballet, jazz, or hip-hop.

For example:

Ages 9-12: 3 hours of dance per week, often across 2-3 days. These sessions are long enough to build skills and begin refining technique but still allow flexibility with other commitments.
Ages 13 and up: 4-5 hours per week. At this point, dancers begin to hone in on specific skills, and this extra time helps them progress in more advanced choreography, technique, and performance abilities.

Advanced and Pre-Professional Dancers

For students interested in pursuing dance more seriously or those preparing for auditions, exams, or performances, more time is necessary to achieve their goals. At the advanced and pre-professional levels, dancers often spend 6-10 hours or more in class each week.

At MWDA, our Professional Division Program (PDP) is designed for dedicated dancers who want to take their training to the next level. Students in this program may dedicate:

6-10+ hours per week: These hours cover multiple classes in various disciplines (ballet, jazz, contemporary, etc.), as well as additional rehearsals, performance preparation, and even examinations like those for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).

Factors to Consider

When deciding how much time your child should dedicate to dance each week, keep in mind a few key factors:

Their Goals: Does your child want to dance recreationally, or are they hoping to advance to a more serious level? For casual dancers, 1-2 classes per week is sufficient. For those with bigger aspirations, increasing the number of classes will help them develop the necessary skills.
Their Schedule: Make sure dance fits comfortably into your child’s overall schedule. At MWDA, we offer a variety of class times, allowing you to find a balance that works with school and other activities.
Their Enjoyment: Most importantly, your child should enjoy dance. It’s about finding the right amount of time that keeps them engaged and enthusiastic without feeling overwhelmed.

A Flexible Approach at MWDA

At McDonald-Wilson Dance Academy, we understand that every family’s needs are different. That’s why we offer a wide range of classes to suit different levels of commitment, from our youngest beginners to our most advanced dancers. Whether your child is just getting started or looking to dedicate more time to perfect their craft, we have the right program for them.

We’re committed to providing a nurturing environment where each child can grow at their own pace. Our expert instructors help students achieve their best while fostering a love for dance that will last a lifetime.

Ready to Start?

If you’re curious about how dance can fit into your child’s schedule, reach out to us today. We’re happy to discuss the best options for your child’s age, level, and goals.

Contact McDonald-Wilson Dance Academy to learn more about our programs and find the perfect fit for your child. We can’t wait to welcome you to the MWDA family!