Welcome to Dance Academy XIV—we’re so glad you’re here! At DAXIV, we believe in celebrating each dancer’s journey, starting with their very first day!
Starting dance class is a big milestone for your little one, and we know it comes with a mix of excitement and questions (maybe even a few nerves—for both of you!). Whether your child is joining us for Dance & Play, Mini Movers, Hippity Hoppity, Tiny Tumblers, or Tutus & Taps, we’ve created this guide just for you. Here you’ll find everything you need to feel confident and prepared for that very first class— from what to wear and what to bring, to what actually happens during class and how to support your dancer every step (or twirl!) of the way.
What Classes are Offered for Preschoolers?
Dance & Play – A joyful and interactive 30-minute class for our tiniest dancers and their guardians! This playful program combines music, movement, and fun as little ones explore dance through colorful props, instruments, and prompted music, as well as some gentle tumbling. Dance & Play is the perfect way to bond, move, and make memories as your little one’s dance journey begins!
Mini Movers – The perfect first step for your little dancer! This 35-minute high-energy class introduces basic dance movements through music, imagination, and play. With plenty of jumping, twirling, and giggling, Mini Movers helps dancers build confidence, coordination, and independence—all while having a blast! This class is a great way to transition from caregiver participation to our more structured 3-5 year old dance programs.
Tutus & Taps (Ages 3 – 5) – This fun and engaging class introduces basic ballet and tap movements in a playful, encouraging environment. Dancers will twirl, shuffle, and leap their way through each class while building confidence, coordination, and a love for dance. With plenty of music, movement, and smiles, Tutus & Taps is where tiny dancers take their first big steps!
Hippity Hoppity (Ages 3 – 5) – The perfect way for your little one to jump into the world of hip-hop! This high-energy, fast-paced class is all about having fun while learning basic hip-hop moves and grooves. Hippity Hoppity gets dancers moving, grooving, and feeling the rhythm, all while building confidence and coordination.
Tiny Tumblers (Ages 3 – 5) – Perfect class for your little one to flip, roll, and stretch their way to new skills! This fun and energetic class focuses on building balance, flexibility, and basic tumbling moves, all while having a blast! Tiny Tumblers helps your dancer grow stronger and more confident, one fun tumble at a time!
What Should My Dancer Wear?
For our preschool classes, we encourage dancers to wear proper dance attire, just like our older dancers in Level 1 and up. Wearing a leotard, tights, and the correct shoes helps set the tone for class, builds confidence, and prepares them for the structure of future classes.
However, we also understand that life happens. If your dancer doesn’t come in full attire every now and then, that’s okay! As long as they’re dressed in something comfortable that allows them to move safely, they’ll still be able to participate, learn, and have fun.
Our goal is to create a positive experience for your dancer, whether they show up in a tutu or leggings and a t-shirt.
DANCE & PLAY
Attire: Dancers can wear anything that they are able to safely and comfortably move in.
Shoes: Bare feet
MINI MOVERS
Attire: Dancers can wear anything that they are able to safely and comfortably move in.
Shoes: Bare feet
HIPPITY HOPPITY
Attire: Dancers can wear anything that they are able to safely and comfortably move in.
Shoes: Sneakers and/or closed-toe shoes.
Tights: Footed, Convertible, or Stirrup
TINY TUMBLERS
Attire: Tight-fitting clothing (dance dress, leotard, gymnastics leotard, tank top & shorts, etc).
Shoes: Bare feet
Tights: Convertible, Cropped, or Stirrup **Please no footed as dancers may slip**
TUTUS & TAPS
Attire: Tight-fitting clothing (dance dress, leotard and skirt, leotard and shorts, etc).
Shoes: Pink Ballet shoes and Black Tap Shoes *preferably velcro if possible.
Tights: Footed, Convertible, or Stirrup
You’re welcome to purchase dance attire and shoes wherever is most convenient for you! If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few great options:
In-studio: We carry a small selection of both new and gently used dancewear and shoes— just ask at the front desk!
Online: Check out our recommended online dance wear store HERE, or shop Amazon for quick delivery.
Local stores: Target often carries basics, or you can visit any local dancewear shop you prefer. There is one in Carlisle, PA, as well as Frederick, MD.
Our main goal is for your dancer to feel comfortable and confident in class, so feel free to choose the option that works best for your family!
What Should We Bring?
You don’t need to bring a lot for your dancer’s class— in fact, the less, the better! If your child is enrolled in Tutus & Taps or taking multiple classes (especially if they’ll be changing shoes), we recommend sending a small bag that’s easy for them to recognize— bonus if it’s labeled with their name!
A few helpful items to include:
Water bottle (labeled or easy for your dancer to recognize)
Change of clothes, just in case of accidents or spills (you never know!)
We kindly ask that you do not send snacks with your dancer, as they can pose a choking hazard and are not needed during class.
We also ask that toys stay at home, as they can easily become a distraction for your dancer and others.
Keeping things simple helps your dancer stay focused and ready to move!
Potty Breaks & Accidents
For our 3–5 year old classes, dancers are allowed to use the restroom during class if needed. If a dancer needs to go, one of our assistants will either:
Help them safely walk to the restroom and return to class, or
Find a parent or guardian to assist them
That said, we strongly encourage all dancers to use the restroom before class begins. Once one dancer asks to go, it often turns into a chain reaction, and we lose valuable class time for everyone.
We understand that accidents can happen, especially in the first few weeks when dancers may feel shy or nervous to ask. While it’s not required, we do suggest sending a change of clothes in your dancer’s bag— just in case!
What If My Child is Shy or Nervous?
That’s totally normal, especially for little ones who are trying something new! At Dance Academy XIV, we understand that the first few classes can feel a bit overwhelming for some dancers. Our teachers are trained to help your child feel safe, supported, and welcomed at their own pace.
It may take a few weeks for your dancer to fully participate—and that’s okay. Some children prefer to watch before they join in, and others may need extra encouragement or reassurance. We’ll never force a child to dance, but we will gently guide them until they’re ready.
If your dancer is hesitant to enter the studio or separate from you, we’ll work with you to create a smooth transition. Most of the time, a little patience and consistency makes all the difference!
Below is a testimonial about Blair, who was a shy and nervous dancer when she started, too!
“Can Parents Watch the Class?
Great question! It depends on the age and class:
Dance & Play: Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate! This class is designed to be a shared experience that helps young dancers feel comfortable and confident.
Mini Movers (Transitional Class): We welcome parents into this class as your dancer builds confidence. However, this is a transition class, and part of our goal is to help your child prepare for our 3–5 year old programs, where classes are held without parents in the room, so we encourage you to leave your dancer when you/they are ready.
Hippity Hoppity, Tiny Tumblers, and Tutus & Taps: These classes are designed to be dancer-only. We’ve found that dancers focus better, listen more attentively, and gain more independence when they don’t have a familiar face watching from the sidelines. It helps them build confidence, resilience, and classroom readiness— not just in dance, but in life!
That said, we love sharing your dancer’s progress with you! We offer Parent Observation Weeks twice a year—once in the winter and again in the spring—where families are invited into the studio to see what their dancers have been working on and how much they’ve grown.
Trust the process— those first independent steps lead to amazing leaps later on!
How to Help Your Dancer Succeed
At Dance Academy XIV, we believe that dance is about more than just steps— it’s about building confidence, independence, and joy. As a parent, your encouragement plays a huge role in your child’s growth! Here’s how you can help your dancer thrive in and out of the studio:
Establish a consistent routine. Preschoolers thrive on repetition and structure. Attending weekly helps them feel confident, connected, and ready to learn.
Arrive a few minutes early. Giving your dancer time to use the bathroom, change shoes, and settle in creates a calm start to class.
Celebrate the little things. Your dancer might not remember every step, but a simple “I’m proud of you!” goes a long way in building their confidence.
Keep class time sacred. Once your dancer is in a class without parent participation, stepping back gives them space to grow— and trust their teachers.
Let them share at home. Whether they’re showing you their tap steps or twirling through the kitchen, encouragement outside of class reinforces what they’re learning.
Most importantly, be patient. Growth looks different for every child, and with your support, your dancer will blossom in their own time!
We're Here to Help!
We know that starting something new can come with lots of questions, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
If you ever need help or have questions about your dancer’s class, attire, level placement, or anything in between, feel free to:
Send us an email at danceacademyxiv@gmail.com
Arrive a few minutes early to chat with a team member at the front desk
Explore our resources online, including:
Our Toddler & Preschool Class page
Our First Class? Start Here! guide for new families
- Our Full Class Schedule & Events
No question is too small— our goal is to make your experience at Dance Academy XIV as smooth and joyful as possible. We’re so glad you’re part of the DAXIV family!
All photographs taken by Hanns on Portraits.