#1: What does your child want to learn?

Are there certain specialized dance styles they want to focus on, such as ballet, jazz, or hip-hop? Or are they more interested in boosting their skill set across all dance types?

If it's the latter, then a more general dance camp is the best option. But a specialized dance camp may let them focus on the things they're most interested in.

If you're still not sure, here's a breakdown of what's typically offered at many summer dance camps:

General summer dance camp

These kinds of dance camps give kids a flavor for many kinds of dance, and solid training in the basics of each. From jazz and ballet to modern and Broadway, they'll cover warm-ups, technique and choreography within each style.

Most studios typically offer both youth dance camps, as well as high school dance camps.

Intensive dance camp

These camps are for all ages! They provide an opportunity that challenges and motivates dedicated dancers and helps them achieve their full potential. Curriculum for these camps focus on areas such as strength and flexibility, as well as core building and technical training.

Ballet camp

If your dancer is passionate about ballet, then consider a ballet boot camp for opportunities to train intensively in this one particular area of dance. Curriculums typically include ballet, pointe, technique and choreography. Ballet camps are designed to help dancers to boost their skill and technique and also flourish artistically.

Choreography dance camp

Does your kid love choreography? Do they need to create a custom routine to perform at a competition? Then a dance camp focused on choreography is a great option. Dancers will have the opportunity to work with professional choreographers to learn about the elements of a dazzling routine, as well as develop their own custom one.

Jazz & Broadway dance camp

Does your child love to sing and act as much as dance? Are they always interested in the loudest costumes and statement dance wear? These camps are a wonderful introduction to Broadway-style dancing and performing. Most curriculums focus on warm-ups, stretching and learning steps and combinations, with a strong focus on technique and alignment.

Pre-school summer camp

Pre-school camps are perfect for kids ages 3 to 5 years old. They're carefully designed to offer kids the opportunity to participate in dance routines that will improve fine motor skills, introduce rhythm and movement and help to build self-esteem. Kids also learn to work in groups and get instruction from others.

#2: Are you looking for an overnight or day camp?

Another question to consider is whether you want to send your dancer to a day or overnight camp. Obviously, day camps are suited for younger kids. But if you have a high school age dancer, overnight camps can provide a unique experience for them to mature, gain some independence and connect with new friends.

At Just for Kix, for instance, once camps are over for the day, we offer our overnight dancers a variety of fun activities each evening. They can participate in a talent show, have a chance to tour our corporate offices or relax outside at our nightly barbecues and dance parties.

#3: How much individualized instruction will they get? 

Each summer dance camp and each teacher is different. At Just for Kix, we're committed to providing the personal attention each dancer needs to thrive within our camps. That said, there's certainly more attention given in the camps for pre-school age and younger children versus the high school level camps.

That's simply because camp classes for younger kids typically run smaller, allowing for more individualized correction and guidance. Older dance students don't typically need as much attention and are in larger classes.

#4: Are there opportunities to perform?

Dance class is critical for success. But having the chance to actually perform is an essential component of training. When a dancer is given the opportunity to perform, they're pushed to take their skills to the next level, also gaining confidence through the experience. If they're planning a career in dance or the performing arts, it's also critical that they get comfortable in front of a crowd.

#5: What does it cost?

Cost is obviously a big consideration for families. Costs for summer dance camps vary widely, so it's important for you to think about your budget ahead of time. Don't set your heart on a program without taking budget into consideration.

#6: Who are the teachers?

The price, dance style and location might be right for a particular camp you're interested in. But what about the teachers?

If you want your dancer to get the most from the summer dance camp experience, then you need to ensure the dance teachers are of the highest quality. If you're not sure, then do your homework and ask around.

#7: Will they get a different dance experience than they do during the year?

Your child may have a particular style of dance they love. But it's also important that they have broad horizons. That doesn't mean forcing them to go to jazz dance camp if they don't care for jazz. But it does mean encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone and do something different. They will only learn, grow and become a better dancer in the process.

#8: What do they need to bring to camp?

It depends on whether it's an overnight or day camp. For day camps, dancers typically only need the clothes on their back, snacks and a water bottle. Overnight campers, however, will require plenty of clothing options, including dance wear and pajamas, as well as toiletries and any other comforts from home they want to bring.

At the end of the day, knowing what you and your child want to get out of a summer dance camp program is most important.

Do you want them to have fun, make new friends and improve their dance skills? Do you want your dancer to be challenged and inspired to take their technique to the next level? Or do you want to give them as many opportunities to perform as possible and make professional connections?

Whatever you're looking for, Just for Kix has a dance camp experience just right for your child.