Hey Dance Family,
Here’s something not everyone tells you: the secret to loving dance class isn’t just the steps. It’s the connections—those little laughs at break, the inside jokes, the moments where class feels less like strangers and more like community.
Every season, we see dancers who are brave enough to step into class without knowing anyone. They want to grow, they want to dance—but a few weeks in, they’re saying, “I don’t have any friends there.”
And here’s the tough love truth: sometimes those same dancers are doing absolutely nothing to create connection. They’re on their phones at break. They hang back instead of jumping in. They wait for others to make the first move, then leave discouraged when it doesn’t happen.
Now, I say that without judgment. I get it. Being new is scary. Taking risks socially is often harder than taking risks with choreography. And kids (and teens especially) are wired to stick close to what’s comfortable.
But at Elements, we know connection matters. A dancer who laughs at break, shares an inside joke, or simply feels seen by a peer is much more likely to stay committed and thrive. That’s why we don’t just teach steps—we teach community.
Here’s what we do to help:
-
Community time in every class. Names matter. Eye contact matters. We make space for dancers to connect, not just move.
-
Group activities. No one’s on an island—we rotate partners, teams, and small groups so kids build relationships across the room.
-
Shared breaks. It’s not just “grab your water and scroll TikTok.” We weave in laughter and conversation prompts that help kids actually connect.
Because here’s the real message we want dancers to hear:
Friends in class don’t magically appear—you create them. By showing up, by engaging, by being open.
And when you do? Dance class shifts from a room full of strangers to a second home.
So if your dancer has ever said, “I don’t know anyone,” remind them: making friends doesn’t just magically happen. It takes courage—and it takes effort from both sides. And learning that is just as important as learning any step.
Then, parent—give yourself a pat on the back. Because you’ve just had one of the best teachable moments as a dance parent. You now have a child who’s choosing to stick with something they enjoy, while also taking risks, and realizing that everyone in the room has the power to transform a group of strangers into a community.
This post was important to me as someone who thrives on connection and loves to witness the power of dance in true action. At Elements, we don’t just build dancers—we build communities. And that’s what makes the difference between a class you attend and a class you love.
❤️
Ms. Alana
Founder/Director, Elements Urban Arts Collective