Ballet classes are seen as inevitable for young girls and boys, and many parents are eager to enroll their children as soon as they are old enough. Others may be concerned about the rising level of competition, as well as the negative impact advanced ballet classes may have on a child’s body image. The most important question to ask is whether or not your child wants to take ballet lessons.
Some girls see ballerinas through a sugarplum-painted glass and want to take ballet lessons, but not all girls want to be ballerinas. If your child expresses an interest in ballet classes, look for a gentle introduction to the world of ballet. This should also apply to boys. Some boys would love the opportunity to dance and express themselves through ballet, but they may be concerned that doing so will cause them to be teased other boys, especially as they get older.
It may help to remember that many of today’s best male ballet dancers are quite masculine. Ballet is also studied many athletes, such as football players and ice skaters, in order to improve their grace and body control. Ballet can be excellent body conditioning and should not be viewed as a source of shame for a young boy who wishes to dance.
Ballet classes can be strenuous or gentle introductions to this well-known dance form. Unless you want your child to grow up to be a professional ballet dancer, look for classes that are appropriate for his or her age, attention span, and ability to take criticism. For beginning dancers, early ballet classes should be a fun learning experience.
Some children, on the other hand, are receptive to criticism, even if it is harsh. A child who is serious about learning technique and mastering ballet may benefit from a less forgiving ballet teacher. If this becomes too much for the child at any point, a more fun-oriented teacher may be considered.
Ballet classes can be given to children as young as three years old. Basic dance and movement classes may be offered in a “mommy and me” format or with other toddler groups before that. The emphasis is on having fun and learning new ways to use the body.
Ballet classes can help people who have minor coordination problems or are clumsy. Ballet’s movements are so precise that training the muscles for this level of precision can lead to improvements in both fine and gross motor skills. Some children may not be ready to deal with the precision of ballet at the age of five or six, while others may be ready at the age of three or four. Consider deferring ballet for a year or two if your child appears to struggle with the instructions and is mocked the other students.
Allowing your child to participate in the decision is the most important factor to consider. Don’t forget about the many other types of dance your child can participate in. Ballet classes may not be as appealing to some children as tap, Irish dancing, or clog dancing. Another child may be interested in modern or jazz dance. Rather than training to become a professional dancer, the initial goal is to learn a little and enjoy the experience.