Commitment

If you start dancing a little later than the normal age of three then it is likely that you’ll have more reason, and therefore motivation. This means you’ll be more dedicated to the learning process and are likely to learn faster.

In short, you will quickly learn what earlier starters have learned and move past them.

The simple answer to this question is- Yes! You can always learn how to dance even as an older child. For example, All That Jazz dance school allows kids up to the age of 17 years old to sign up for classes. While some dance studios might not permit older children, most of the are welcoming in this aspect.

Focus

The desire to learn dance as an older child is likely to lead to a more focused approach. This will show dividends in the learning process and the dance moves accomplished.

Better Co-ordination

Young children are still learning to coordinate their movements and limbs. Of course, older children have mastered this and it will make it easier for them to learn more complex dance moves. 

You may be surprised at how much difference this can make. Naturally, being able to master the moves inspires more confidence which makes it easier to learn even more. 

You Know Your Child Better

When children as young as three are entered into dance classes you choose the type of dance they will do and encourage them to learn. For many parents, this can backfire when the child is older as they lose interest in dance. 

However, if older children start dancing they will already know what types of music and dance they like. Again, this makes them more interested and committed to the dance class, allowing them to progress faster and potentially be better than a child that has learned from a young age. 

Team Spirit

Dancing can be competitive. However, in many cases, the people you dancer with are your team. Your child will need to lean on them as they support each other. 

It’s much easier for an older child to understand this and the implications than it is for a younger one that may either not care or have a strong competitive streak.

Opportunities

Younger children tend to be entered into every competition available as this encourages them to learn more and pushes them toward being a professional dancer. However, in many cases, this can be overwhelming. 

In contrast, older children that start learning to dance are more likely to enter fewer competitions but to make the most of every opportunity they are presented with, or choose to take. 

In short, an older child learning to dance is actually more likely to ‘go the distance’. 

Final Thoughts

The bottom line for any parent is that there is no right or wrong age for a child to start dancing. In fact, you can even start as an adult although it is less likely that you’ll make a career out of it. 

But, regardless of your age, you should have fun dancing and making new friends.