Workshops vs Lessons: What's the difference?

Been to a workshop and wanted to try a lesson? Or vice versa? Below is a breakdown about the difference between a workshop and a lesson and explanations on why they are different. Hopefully, with this guide you can find the right event for your child to attend at LiD Kids!

Inclusive and Engaging Workshops for All

Workshops are ideally for beginners or people who have never done a workshop before. It's a chance to learn dance in a free, fun environment while meeting new people and practicing English. The event can consist of different activities such as games, a fashion show, a disco or a carnival parade. 

Because this event is aimed at newcomers and beginners, the choreography of any dance is kept simple and isn't long. Also, the teacher’s feedback is more encouraging  with little or no critique. This is to ensure everyone has a good time and to keep the atmosphere warm and inviting. 

Though it's not mandatory, parents are encouraged to join in as well. However, if as a parent, you don't want to join in and just want to watch, please cheer and clap when members are doing show backs. Workshops are supposed to be fun, lovely and inviting. Everyone in space should feel welcomed and encouraged! 

Parents are encourage to show support by cheering, smiling and dancing along!

Anyone is welcome to come to a workshop, no matter their background/schooling/nationality. Therefore there may be lots of different people in one space. Please come with an open mind and don't be afraid to speak to the teacher if you feel a little uncomfortable.

Please be aware that the schedule may change due to various circumstances. 

To recap: 

Workshops are intended for: 

• Newcomers 

• Absolute beginners of dance 

Workshop style:

• Various activities 

• Parents can join in!

• Cheering and clapping during show backs

• Easy and fun dances to learn

• Learn and practice English

• Anyone can join 

• There may be a schedule change 

Lessons: Laying down the foundations to become a performer 

Lessons are aimed for children/young people who have at least a little experience in dance or who really love to dance and want to take it more seriously. During lessons, the members will go through a routine of exercises and dances that will build discipline, focus and technique. At the end of the term, members will put on a showcase to give them a chance to perform in front of family. 

Because lessons require commitment and aim to improve the member’s dance skills, the choreography may be quite long and contain a few technical dance steps. There may be critique from the teacher in regards to behavior and focus in the lesson. Teachers will always try and adjust their words in accordance to the age they are teaching to. After the lesson, the teacher will give feedback to the parents, telling them about achievements made during the lessons, areas of improvement and anything the member could work on until the next lesson. 

Parents can watch the first ten minutes of the lesson and the last ten minutes of the lesson and cannot join in. This is to ensure members build independence to continue the lesson by themselves. If a child is feeling uneasy about being in the lesson, parents can stay in the toyshop downstairs so that their child knows they are nearby. 

Lessons that build focus, discipline and technique*

For lessons, previous attendees of demo lessons and trail lessons can participate in lessons. Lessons are quite different from other events such as workshops, therefore it's important for potential members to experience a lesson before joining. The child, parent and teacher will discuss after the demo or trial lesson to see if the lesson is the right fit for the child.

Though the order may change and elements may be added, every lesson will contain a stretch, technique practice and a dance routine. 

To recap:

Workshops are intended for: 

• For children/young people who have previously taken a demo lesson or workshop 

Workshop style:

• Various activities 

• Parents can join in!

• Cheering and clapping during show backs

• Easy and fun dances to learn

• Learn and practice English

• Anyone can join 

• There may be a schedule change 

Lesson style: 

• Lessons aim to teach discipline and focus to improve dance skills 

• Parents can watch the first and last ten minutes but cannot participate 

• Dance routines may be long with a few difficult dance techniques

• Learn and practice in English 

• Members showcase at the end of the term

• Every lesson there is a stretch, technique practice and dance routine 

Hopefully this article was able to help with choosing which event is suitable for your child. LiD Kids is a very very very small start up venture, therefore resources are limited. In creating this explanation, the team hopes that parents and members can understand the type of events they are attending while upholding safety and inclusivity for everyone involved. Thank you for reading and looking forward to seeing you at the next LiD Kids event!

*pictures are from Wix Media and not form real life events at LiD Kids.