Children Children's Disco, Freestyle & Street Dance facts and ideas

• Freestyle Dance is generally regarded to have started in the 70s and was known as "Disco Dancing". The release of films like Saturday Night Fever encouraged people to dance without a partner.

• Street Dance can trace its roots back to the late 1960's. It became popular when Michael Jackson began locking and popping. It has evolved from many styles of dancing. There are many styles, including Locking, Popping, Ticking, Robot, Electric, etc.

• The longest continuous moonwalk lasted for 2 hours 30 minutes 50 seconds and was achieved by dance instructor, Michael Frank in Germany, in 2011. At the end of the attempt he stated he could not feel the soles of his feet, but feeling was quickly regained!

Things to consider when looking for a dance teacher;

• Do they follow a dance syllabus and enter children for exams? Does your child want to just dance for fun without taking exams? Can the teacher accommodate either preference?

• How many other children are in the class? Is it mixed gender?

• What is the studio space like? Can you go and have a look at it before you sign up?

• Is there a strict dress code? Most dance schools encourage children to wear any comfortable clothes but guidelines are often more specific regarding footwear.

Qualifications/grades - children

The National Association of Teachers of Dancing (NATD) offers an exam structure in Street Dance and Freestyle from Rainbows (ages 3 to 8 years) through to National Awards for all ages.

The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) offers examinations in Street Dance and Commercial Hip Hop and Disco Freestyle.

The International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) is one of the world’s largest examination boards, covering the full spectrum of dance examinations on a global scale, with over 7,000 members in 55 countries. It offers Freestyle and Street Dance examinations.

Qualifications of teachers

The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) provides training and qualifications for dance teachers.

The Professional Teachers of Dancing (PDT) is an examining board and teaching society and is accredited by the Council for Dance Education and Training. Established in 1992, it is a not-for-profit society that covers a range of dance subjects both in the UK and abroad.

• Coordination

• Balance

• Focus/concentration

• Agility

• Strength

• Stamina

• Posture

• Flexibility

• Precision

• Gross motor skills

• Rhythm

• Physical fitness

• Discipline

  
  Disco, Freestyle and Street dance classes can provide a way for your child to exercise while having fun, meeting new people and learning a new skill. These types of dance are often taught together to allow children to experience a variety of styles. Performing in examinations or shows may help to also increase your child’s self-esteem, sense of achievement and confidence in public.

George William Sampson (born June 29, 1993) is a British street dancer and actor from Warrington. He won the second series of Britain's Got Talent on 31 May 2008 at the age of 14.

A Freestyle hip hop dancer.

A group of French girls aged 9 and 10 years old enjoying Street dancing. Fabulous outfits too!

European Championships - Disco Dance 2013 in Finland.