It is one of the most physically demanding of all dance styles, and as such, is a wonderful way for young children to gain strength, improve flexibility and stay fit. It teaches them how to stand correctly and walk with grace and poise - qualities that will be of benefit to them for years to come, even if they choose to explore other activities.
Ballet is the ideal activity for children who do not do well academically or find it difficult to concentrate in class. By joining a ballet class they will be mentally challenged in different ways, as they learn to put steps into a sequence and remember routines. It also teaches them coordination and how to identify the left and right hand side of the body.
Interacting with other children in this fun environment will also help develop their social skills and greatly improve their confidence. As they learn to hold themselves gracefully and move with purpose, their whole countenance will begin to change. This is particularly noticeable in children who are shy or timid.
It is also an excellent activity for hyperactive children as it channels their energy in a positive way and teaches them to focus and co-operate with others.
Children who have been studying ballet for a number of years will often go on to study other dance styles like jazz or contemporary, and will find that ballet has given them a wonderful grounding. They will be strong, incredibly flexible and able to pick up the steps much more quickly as many of the steps in disciplines like contemporary and jazz have developed from steps and techniques in ballet.
At What Age Should Children Start Ballet Classes?
Children can begin ballet classes at any age; however, most classes will accept dancers from the age of 3 or 4. The younger they are when they start, the more they will benefit and the stronger their bodies will grow. Classes for very young children are intended to be fun, so the focus will be on musicality and getting to know the very basic steps and exercises.
As your child passes through the grades, the classes become more challenging and the difficulty level of the exercises increases. This is when ballet demands dedication and discipline. Your child will soon tell you whether or not it is something they want to continue to dedicate their time to!
When Can Young Dancers Begin Pointe Work?
Pointe work, the art of dancing on the tips of the toes, is an exciting step in a dancer’s development, and your daughter or son may be impatient to begin the work as soon as possible. However, pointe work should not begin until a dancer reaches the age of 12. Prior to this, the bones of the feet are still growing and developing and pointe work can be damaging. All qualified ballet teachers will be well aware of this and will never begin pointe work until the student is ready.
What to Look for When Choosing a Ballet Class
When looking for a ballet class, make sure to check that all teachers have accreditation. The Royal Academy of Dance is the largest certification program for ballet teachers and operates throughout the world. You can rest assured that your little Nureyevs and Fonteyns are in good hands if their ballet teacher holds an RAD certification.
Jude Schweppe - Jude is an actor/writer/DJ/retired waitress who loves Diet Coke, shoes, potatoes and her tropical fish tank. She was born and brought up ...
