Mommy & Me Dance Classes in Oxnard

What a Mommy & Me Class Looks Like

Every class is built around guided play. You and your toddler move together to traditional folklorico music, practicing simple steps, gentle turns, and playful skirt swishes that make little ones giggle. Ms. Itzel leads each activity in English and Spanish, so children hear both languages naturally from their very first class.

Classes are short and structured for toddler attention spans: a welcome circle, movement games set to music from Jalisco and Veracruz, parent-child dancing, and a calm goodbye song. The goal is comfort and joy in the studio, so that dance becomes something your child asks to come back to.

Why Folklorico for Toddlers?

Toddler dance classes build coordination, balance, and listening skills at the age when those foundations form fastest. Folklorico adds something more: culture. The music, the colors, and the rhythms of Mexican folk dance connect Oxnard families to a living tradition, and many parents tell us this class is as meaningful for them as it is for their child.

It is also the natural first step in our program. Dancers who start in Mommy & Me move up to Semillas, our preschool dance class for ages 3 to 5, already comfortable with the studio, the music, and Ms. Itzel.

What to Wear and Bring

Keep it simple: comfortable clothes your toddler can move in, soft-soled shoes or bare feet, and a water bottle. Parents dance too, so wear something you can bend, sway, and sit on the floor in. No costumes or special shoes are required to start. When your dancer is ready for a practice skirt, Ms. Itzel will let you know what to look for.

Common Questions from Parents

Is my child ready at 18 months?

If your toddler is walking steadily, they are ready. The class meets children where they are: some dance, some watch, some wander, and all of that is normal at this age.

Does it have to be mom?

Not at all. Dads, grandparents, and caregivers are all welcome as the dancing partner. What matters is a consistent grown-up your child trusts.

Do we need to speak Spanish?

No. Every class is fully bilingual. English-speaking families and Spanish-speaking families dance side by side, and the little ones soak up both languages.

When are classes and how do we sign up?

Live class times are on our schedule page, and registration is online through Jackrabbit. Questions first? Email Ms. Itzel at itzel@garciafolklorico.com.