Tumbles or Twirls? Helping Your Child Find Their Perfect Class

Dance or Gymnastics? Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child

S2S Blog
June 29, 2025•2 min read

Dance or Gymnastics? Choosing the Right Fit for Your Child

When choosing between dance and gymnastics for your child, it’s helpful to understand how each supports your child’s physical, social, and emotional development—and how AcroDance offers a balance between the two.

For preschoolers, both Ready Set Dance and Ready Set Acro provide enriching, age-appropriate experiences. Ready Set Dance is a joyful mix of jazz, tap, hip hop, singing, and music. It helps young children develop coordination, rhythm, and confidence in a structured yet playful environment. On the other hand, Ready Set Acro—based on the Acrobatic Arts syllabus—focuses on flexibility, strength, and foundational acrobatic skills. It mimics floor gymnastics but is adapted for younger children, using fun cues, safe progressions, and original music.

As children grow into school age, Steps 2 Stardom offers continued pathways for both styles. Our dance programs in jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre build discipline, artistry, teamwork, and performance skills. Dance is perfect for kids who love movement, creativity, and storytelling. It encourages expressive freedom and builds stage confidence.

Our AcroDance program, suitable for school-aged students, is a standout for kids who want to explore the strength and agility of gymnastics without the high commitment or competition stress. It focuses solely on floor-based acrobatic skills—such as cartwheels, walkovers, handstands, and more—developed in a safe and supportive environment. There’s no apparatus, and no pressure to perform beyond your child’s ability. It’s ideal for both the everyday child who wants to learn cool tricks and the committed dancer looking to enhance their overall skill set.

At Steps 2 Stardom, we understand that every child is different. Some thrive on the musicality and storytelling of dance, while others are drawn to the strength and movement patterns of gymnastics. And many find joy in both! That’s why we encourage families to explore both pathways—through trial classes or our combination programs—and let their child discover what lights them up.

Whether they’re twirling in a tutu or flipping across a mat, there’s a place for every child to shine at S2S.

Annette Hill is the co-founder and co-director of Steps 2 Stardom Performing Arts Academy in Narellan, NSW. With over 35 years of experience in dance education, Annette is passionate about using the performing arts to empower children and build confidence, creativity, and connection. She is a proud advocate for early childhood movement and believes that every child deserves a joyful, nurturing space to shine.

Annette

Annette Hill is the co-founder and co-director of Steps 2 Stardom Performing Arts Academy in Narellan, NSW. With over 35 years of experience in dance education, Annette is passionate about using the performing arts to empower children and build confidence, creativity, and connection. She is a proud advocate for early childhood movement and believes that every child deserves a joyful, nurturing space to shine.

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