Thinking about enrolling your child or teenager in a lyrical dance class? Learn about what lyrical dance classes are in comparison to other dance classes.

Are you looking for a dance class for your child or teenager? Dance classes are a great way to get your child involved in healthy and active habits early on while also teaching them how to express themselves through the power and grace of movement.

There are so many different options for dance classes, how are you supposed to choose the right one for you and your child? Between ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical dance classes it can be hard to make the right decision.  

We want to help make the decision easier for you by breaking down these dance styles and how the classes might benefit your child.

Let’s start with an overview of lyrical dance classes for kids and teenagers. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Lyrical Dance? 

Lyrical dance is an expressive form of dance that’s popular amongst many music and dance lovers. It’s a combination of several dance styles from ballet to jazz to contemporary. Those dances combine to make something entirely new and special. 

Lyrical dance is named as such because of the way the choreographer gets inspired for the routine. The dance comes from the words and flow of the lyrics or the words of the song. 

Any kind of music can be used for lyrical dance but the appearance of the routines will vary. Some dances are slow and somber while others are more poppy and upbeat. A lyrical dance may look more like jazz for one song and more like a waltz for another. 

Lyrical dance focuses on the emotions behind the song and the movements of the dancers should reflect that. They’re expressive, bold, and unique.

What Makes Lyrical Dance Different from Other Styles?

Lyrical dance has similarities to the other popular dance styles offered in classes, but the similarities are going to vary depending on the song. 

Many other dance styles have more long-lasting histories and types of cultural importance. Jazz dance rose from the jazz age right around the 1920s, though it’s changed a lot since then. Ballet is a form that’s been around for centuries that has a “fancy” association and it used to only be for the wealthy to perform or watch. 

All dances have been modernized, but lyrical dance is modern in and of itself. It has no longstanding history to compete with and it’s evolving as time goes on. It has a lot in common with the other dance styles, but it also leaves a lot behind.

Lyrical dance teaches the strength and grace of ballet but without the intensity or the accuracy that comes along with the style. Ballerinas are prestigious and young dancers may be intimidated by that. 

It’s fluid and emotional like contemporary dance, but with the addition of nuance from the attention to the lyrics. 

Like many modern styles, it often uses current popular music but focuses on the words and the meaning as well as the beats and sounds. 

Who Is Best Suited for Lyrical Dance Classes? 

Anyone can start lyrical dance classes but young children (such as toddlers) may have a harder time with the required mobility and coordination that it requires. Children who aren’t yet old enough to listen to or understand song lyrics (even in a general way) may also struggle with the routines and the required expression in the moments.

Young children may be better off trying jazz or ballet to get a basic grasp on movements, instruction, and rhythm before they’re ready to move forward. All children can dance, but a solid baseline will make lyrical dance classes easier for the younger ones.

Teenagers and older children who are able to grasp the emotions of the songs will thrive in lyrical dance classes. The classes are great for burning off stress and difficult emotions and these children and teenagers are able to throw themselves into the movements once they understand. 

What Are the Benefits of Lyrical Dance?

Lyrical dance is bold, expressive, and enjoyable. It’s less strict and formulaic than some other popular styles making it great for the student who is less focused or easily deterred by mistakes. Technical ability isn’t the key factor and even less experienced dancers can put on a great show. 

While there is choreography, there’s also an aspect of self-expression. Your child gets to be an individual while also being a part of a choreographed team. 

Also, because the form is newer, there’s a fluidity to it. Choreographers are changing and adapting their styles to suit the songs and the students. 

It’s accessible, fun, and great for new and experienced dancers alike. 

What Does A Lyrical Dance Student Need? 

A lyrical dance student doesn’t need experience in dance so long as they’re coordinated and open to instruction. A student is going to need a good attitude and a willingness to learn and cooperate with the team and choreographer. 

They don’t need advanced skills or flexibility. They’re in the class to learn and get a feel for the expression in the songs that they’re be performing. 

When determining what to wear for a lyrical dance class check the guidelines of the studio. If you’re only preparing for the first lesson and you haven’t yet checked the studio’s dress code, look for clothes that are snug and breathable. 

Leotards, tights, and tops that won’t get in the way are ideal so that the dancers can see their movements without obstruction. They’ll also be able to move without excess fabric getting in the way.

If your child doesn’t have proper dance shoes, dancing barefoot or in socks is great when they’re first getting started. Sneakers might damage floors and they’ll be too stiff for the required movements. 

Is Lyrical Dance Right for Your Child? 

If you’re looking to sign your child up for dance classes, lyrical dance classes might be the perfect fit. They get to move with expression and dance to songs that they recognize. They don’t need incredible flexibility or strength but the dance is active enough to build those things. 

They’ll also gain a new group of friends who are all just as invested in dance as they are. 

If you want to look into lyrical dance classes (or any other dance classes) for your child, check out our classes. We offer a free trial class so that you can make sure that you’re picking the right class for your child!