Category Archives: Goals

At Rhythm and Shoes Dance Studio, we believe every dancer’s journey is unique. Whether your child is dancing for fun and friendship or aspires to a professional career, it’s important to set realistic dance goals that align with their level of commitment. Our Dance Studio Pathways Chart (included below) is a great tool to help parents and dancers understand what it takes to achieve different dance milestones.

Understanding the Dance Commitment

Dance is a skill that requires time, consistency, and dedication. While all dancers start somewhere, progression to higher levels—such as making a dance team, earning theatre roles, or pursuing dance professionally—demands increased training hours and diverse class experiences.

Matching Goals with Training

🔴 Goal #1: Fun & Friends
If your child is dancing purely for enjoyment and socialization, 1–3 weekly classes will give them a great experience without a significant time commitment.

🔴 Goal #2: Land Better Theatre Roles
To improve stage presence, technique, and versatility for theatre, adding classes such as ballet, tap, and musical theatre is beneficial. A commitment of 4–6 classes per week will develop the necessary skills.

🔴 Goal #3: Make the Dance Team
Dancers aiming for school or competitive teams need a strong technical foundation. Classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and acro will help build strength and flexibility. Starting at 5+ classes per week will put dancers on track for success.

🔴 Goal #4: Dance in College
College dance programs look for well-rounded, highly trained dancers. Those pursuing this path should take 6–8 classes per week, including styles such as lyrical, contemporary, and stretch and strength.

🔴 Goal #5: Dance Professionally
A professional dance career requires intense training across multiple styles. Dancers working toward this goal should commit to 9+ classes per week, incorporating ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, lyrical, contemporary, poms, and Broadway jazz.

How Parents Can Support Their Dancer’s Journey

1️⃣ Have Realistic Expectations – If your dancer is taking fewer classes than recommended for their goal, understand that their progress may be slower. Growth in dance is directly related to time invested.

2️⃣ Encourage Cross-Training – Exposure to multiple styles builds versatility, which is crucial for dancers striving for advanced opportunities.

3️⃣ Communicate & Check-In – Talk with your dancer about their goals regularly. Are they willing to increase their training? Do they enjoy their current classes? Are they feeling overwhelmed?

4️⃣ Trust the Process – Improvement takes time. Every dancer progresses at their own pace, and consistent effort will lead to growth.

Let’s Achieve Those Goals!

At Rhythm and Shoes Dance Studio, we’re here to support every dancer. We are here for you and your dancer whether they’re taking one class or training for a future career. Use our Dance Studio Pathways Chart to guide your decisions and find the right balance for your dancer’s journey. Have questions? We’d love to help you navigate your dancer’s path!

📍 Check out the chart below to see the recommended class structure for each goal!