Over the past few years, TikTok has taken the world by storm, and along with it, a new wave of dance trends has emerged. These short, catchy routines are everywhere—performed by influencers, celebrities, and kids in their bedrooms alike. But what do these trends mean for young dancers, and how can they balance their love of TikTok choreography with their more traditional dance training? Let’s explore this phenomenon together.
TikTok Dance: The Good, the Fun, and the Catchy
There’s no denying that TikTok has made dance more accessible than ever. Anyone with a smartphone can learn a routine, upload their performance, and share it with the world. This has inspired a generation of kids to get up, move, and enjoy dance, which is a fantastic starting point for young movers.
TikTok’s bite-sized choreography is designed to be simple, repetitive, and fun, often set to trending music that gets stuck in your head for days. It’s a great way to build coordination and rhythm while boosting confidence as kids perform for friends or followers. For parents searching for dance classes for children, TikTok’s appeal often opens the door to a deeper interest in formal dance training.
Balancing TikTok with Traditional Dance Training
While TikTok is undeniably fun, it’s important to understand that these trends are only one small part of the dance world. Most TikTok routines focus on upper-body movements, neglecting the full-body engagement and technical precision required in styles like ballet, jazz, or lyrical dance.
As a teacher at Ignition Performance Academy, I encourage kids to explore TikTok trends while also emphasising the importance of formal dance training. Traditional dance classes offer structure, discipline, and a deeper understanding of movement that TikTok choreography simply can’t replicate.
When children combine TikTok fun with proper technique learned in the studio, they develop a well-rounded approach to dance. This combination ensures they can perform TikTok routines with even greater skill while also preparing them for opportunities in competitive dance or stage performances.
The Social Media Aspect: Positive or Problematic?
One of the most talked-about aspects of TikTok dance trends is their relationship with social media. On one hand, TikTok gives young dancers a platform to showcase their talent and connect with others who share their passion. For some, it’s even led to incredible opportunities in the dance and entertainment industries.
However, it’s important to approach social media with balance and mindfulness. Constantly striving for likes or followers can create unnecessary pressure, especially for younger dancers. At Ignition PA, we encourage kids to use TikTok as a tool for self-expression rather than validation. Dance should always be about joy and creativity, not just chasing trends.
TikTok Trends and Dance Styles
One interesting aspect of TikTok is how it draws from a variety of dance styles, albeit in a simplified way. Many routines borrow elements from hip-hop, jazz, or even contemporary dance. While these snippets are fun to learn, they often only scratch the surface of what these genres have to offer.
For example:
Hip-Hop: TikTok routines may feature popping, locking, or grooving elements, but a true hip-hop class delves into the culture, history, and foundational techniques of this dynamic style.
Jazz: TikTok choreography sometimes includes jazz-inspired moves, but a proper jazz class focuses on sharpness, precision, and energy.
Contemporary: Some TikTok trends hint at contemporary fluidity, yet lack the storytelling and emotional depth explored in formal training.
By enrolling in kids dance performance teams, young dancers can experience the richness of these styles while also enjoying the lighter side of TikTok trends.
Using TikTok to Inspire a Passion for Dance
One of the best things about TikTok is its ability to spark interest in dance among kids who might not otherwise explore it. If your child loves learning TikTok routines, why not encourage them to try a dance class?
At Ignition PA, we often hear parents say, “My child started with TikTok, and now they want to do more.” Whether it’s jazz, ballet, hip-hop, or acrobatics, there’s a world of dance beyond the screen waiting to be explored. For families searching for kids dance classes, TikTok can be the gateway to a lifelong passion for movement.
TikTok as a Tool, Not the Goal
As much as I love seeing the joy TikTok trends bring to kids, I always remind my students that these routines are just one part of the dance journey. By pairing TikTok fun with proper technique and training, they can become more confident, skilled, and versatile dancers.
At Ignition Performance Academy, we’re all about striking that balance—helping kids enjoy the trends they love while building a strong foundation for their future. Whether your child dreams of mastering TikTok dances or taking the stage in a formal performance, we’re here to guide them every step of the way.
Comments