How to Teach a Child to Swing Dance

Teaching children how to dance is extremely fun and exciting. Not only will your child learn important skills such as coordination and balance, you will also get a great workout too. Swing dance is an easy type of dance for your kids to learn because the music is upbeat and the movements are simple to master.

• Talk to your child about the type of dance you want to teach them. Children love to learn, but they also like to have input. Don't spring the lessons on them without warning. Make sure your kids are involved in the process.

• Research music. Swing dance lessons are totally incomplete without the right type of music. Swing music is easily identifiable because it is extremely upbeat and requires a large orchestra. Look online for the music of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, specifically.

• Rent a period movie for your children to watch. If your children see the dance being performed on the television set, they are more likely to want to try the steps.  Most kids have the "I can do it too" mentality. Focus on movies that feature children, rather than adults.

• Select swing dance steps that are simple to master.  Make sure the steps that you want to teach them are easy enough to learn, but not so simple that they give up too quickly afterwards. The idea is to build on the basics. Within a few weeks of constant practice, your children should come to you with new and improved dance steps.

• Be consistent. One of the worst possible things you can do to a child is forgetting about them. Children are constantly seeking adult approval, especially from their parents. Dedicate a specific time and day of the week for your swing dance lessons with your child.