How Toddlers Love to Dance

Toddlers respond to music by smiling, swaying, and maybe even clapping her hands. Between the ages of 1 and 2, gross motor skills improve enough that toddlers dance by bobbing up and down, with their feet on the floor. This new ability and sensitivity to rhythm accounts for the bouncing motion that your child makes in response to a jazzy tune or even the sound of your own singing voice. Simply listening to music has an effect on brain functioning, which may help bring on more creative ways of thinking -- sure to help later in school. Dancing also helps children improve their coordination and sense of how their bodies fit into their surroundings, all while encouraging greater creative expression.

How to Buy Toddler Dance Shoes

If you have shopped for toddler dancewear or toddler dance clothing lately, you have seen the great variety of dancewear and dance shoes available. Dance shops sell all sorts of dance clothing and supplies, or you can find what you need online. Before you go shopping for dance gear or dance clothing, take a look at these guidelines.

Dance clothing varies for different styles of dance, but basic dance tights and leotards will work for just about any class. Some dance teachers do enforce dress codes, especially for ballet, so ask before you buy anything. Besides dance tights and toddler leotards, many dancers today opt for the ease and comfort of dance clothing.

Perhaps the most important element of dance clothing, toddler dance shoes must be bought with great care. Each style of dance has a specific shoe designed for optimal performance and injury prevention. When picking out toddler ballet shoes for example, proper fit is of utmost importance. If you purchase your shoes at a dance store, a professional should be on hand to help you fit you toddler's feet. If you purchase shoes online, make sure the company provides you with shoe fitting charts and recommendations.