By Kelly Anne Clark, Principle, Kelly Anne Dance Academy
Dance plays a significant role in a child’s development, offering far more than just movement to music. From building confidence and discipline to making lifelong friends, dance provides children with valuable life skills in a fun and engaging environment. At Kelly Anne Dance Academy (KADA), based in Club Woodham, South Woodham Ferrers, we have been nurturing young dancers for almost nine years, helping them explore different styles and gain recognised qualifications.
The Benefits of Dance for Children
Dance is more than just a physical activity; it supports children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development. It encourages discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, all while improving coordination, flexibility, and strength. Participating in classes allows children to express themselves creatively, helping to build confidence from an early age.
One of the most important aspects of dance is the social element. Classes provide a great opportunity for children to meet new people and develop friendships in a supportive environment. Working together in group routines fosters teamwork, communication, and mutual respect.
Performing is also a key part of dance training. Taking part in shows, competitions, and local events allows students to showcase their skills, build stage confidence, and celebrate their hard work. At KADA, our students regularly perform at local events, including the South Woodham Ferrers Christmas Light Switch-On. These experiences not only enhance performance skills but also help dancers feel part of the wider community.
Exploring Different Dance Styles
Introducing children to a variety of dance styles from a young age allows them to discover what they enjoy most. At KADA, we offer ballet, tap, modern jazz, lyrical, commercial, street, hip-hop, and acrobatics. Each style has its own unique benefits—ballet helps with posture and technique, while street and hip-hop encourage self-expression and rhythm. Acrobatics builds strength and flexibility, and modern lyrical enhances storytelling through movement.
By trying different styles, children can find their passion and develop a well-rounded skill set, which is particularly valuable for those considering dance as a future career.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dance School
When selecting a dance school, there are several key factors to keep in mind. It is essential to ensure that instructors are fully qualified and have relevant dance teaching certifications. At KADA, we adhere to strict regulations set by the British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA), ensuring a high standard of training.
Safety is also a priority. Parents should check that instructors have DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and that the school has appropriate insurance in place. This guarantees a safe learning environment for all students.
Additionally, parents should look for a school that offers progression opportunities. For those who wish to take dance further, structured exams and internationally recognised qualifications can open doors to future performance and teaching careers. At KADA, we support students in working towards their BTDA qualifications, helping them gain credentials that are recognised globally.
More Than Just Dance – A Place to Grow
Dance is not just about technique and performance; it is about growth, resilience, and enjoyment. Whether children wish to pursue dance professionally or simply take part for fun, the skills they develop—such as confidence, discipline, and teamwork—will benefit them in many aspects of life.
At Kelly Anne Dance Academy, we are proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and make friends while exploring their passion for dance. From our base in Club Woodham, we continue to support young dancers in South Woodham Ferrers, offering them opportunities to shine in classes, shows, competitions, and community performances.
To help children experience the joy of dance before parents commit, we offer a free trial for all our lessons. Visit www.kellyannedance.academy to book a free trial today.