How early can my child start Ballet?

My daughter is only 3 years old. I would love for her to do ballet. What is a good age for her to start? August 1, 2006 | In Questions | 15 Comments

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  1. Take her to a “creative movement’ class where she can move to music and learn about her body and how it works — please don’t force her into proper ballet, she is far too young both mentally and physically. There is no need to start training in regular ballet classes until she’s about 8 – if SHE wants to do it.

    Comment by Zoe — August 1, 2006 #

  2. As your daughter is so young, I would recommend she start a dance movement class for a couple of years to help develop coordination and provide some basics of dance without any pressure. At my dance school we have some ballet students as young as 5, and because our focus is on fun at this age, the little ones love it. Each child is individual in their development and if you find a qualified dance teacher in your area, I’m sure they can advise you as to when your daughter is ready for “real” ballet classes.

    Comment by Lorrae — August 2, 2006 #

  3. These is no urgency for your little girl to start Ballet at the age of three, and your daughter certainly will not be disadvantaged if she starts at a later age. She can however join a creative movement class where the focus is on fun, imagination, musicality and creativity. The children are encouraged to use props, sing, and move to music without the technical expectations. If she is still keen at the age of 5 or 6, then a basic introduction to Ballet movement can be commenced.

    Comment by Rosanna Castellana — August 2, 2006 #

  4. The above three answers are caring advise, for your daughter of only 3 years old.
    Where to from here?
    Be sure you look around for a qualified Classical Ballet dance teacher – that offers creative dance. Qualified teachers are registered teachers usually with a syllabus. Unfortunately it is not yet mandatory for dance Teachers to be qualified – just to open a school!!! It is recommended to find a suitable teacher that offers possibilities for your child’s future. This is why I recommend you look for the right teacher for you and your daughter’s interests.
    Kind Regards
    Ms Naomi Bishop.

    Comment by Ms Naomi Bishop — August 2, 2006 #

  5. Hi Folks,

    Here in France, we have a regulation of ballet schools. And kids under the age of 4 can not begin taking ballet lessons.

    My personnal opinion is that it _IS_ too early to begin ballet at the age of 3, as a kid is neither able to say I do like / I dislike this or that nor able to actually like something.

    Olivier – http://www.dansephoto.com

    Comment by dansephoto — August 4, 2006 #

  6. i was only about 3 when i started to do ballet go for it just make sure shes at a good school and that she starts right down in something like pre – primary i dont no if its still the same but when i was still in RAD ballet and i was that age which is a few years ago you werent alowed to you above primery before age 6 but get her started and see what she thinks!!!

    And i do think she will very quickly tell you if she doesn’t enjoy it!!

    Comment by meg — August 4, 2006 #

  7. I agree with everyone above…I started dancing lessons at the age of 5, but only twice a week, just for fun. She has to get adjusted to dance, but don’t make it too serious, she is only young. When she is old enough to make her own desicions about what she wants to do, then that’s ok – you musn’t push her into something she isn’t happy with…:D

    Comment by Jen — August 14, 2006 #

  8. see if dance schools in your area offer kindy dance/moventment class these classes are designed to help your daughter learn to dance and move to music without the strict technique and discipline of a ballet class she will learn to have fun and love dance as well as meeting a new group of friends! If she finds the class scary or over powering u may want to ask if you can join in with her to make feel better.

    Comment by elisa — August 24, 2006 #

  9. At my dance school we have a class for 3 and 4 year olds called pre-ballet. It’s 1 day a week for half an hour and the kids really like it. I started ballet when I was 4 and I still love it.

    Comment by serena — November 6, 2006 #

  10. Hi! I’m thirteen years old and have been dancing since I was three. Ballet dancers have to start developing long, lean muscles, flexibility and articulation early, so starting at 3 is fine. However, don’t push it. Bring her to a creative movement or pre-ballet class (most ballet schools offer these in addition to their pre-pro. program) where she can learn simple ballet moves and dance vocabulary.

    Comment by Carrie — December 13, 2006 #

  11. I’m an assistant pre ballet teacher and we require children be at least 4 to take pre-ballet,and it is made very fun and not to strict(they usually move up to childrens ballet when there 6,then start regualar classes at 8-9),and then we have a class for 2-3 year olds that is more like a creative movement and not really ballet. But please try your child in a class first and if she cries and really does not seem to want to be there then dont enroll her because she will more than likely be that way for the whole year then end up hating ballet,and its harder for teachers and assistants to handle the class because it causes the others to cry. good luck,
    Avie’

    Comment by Avie' — December 23, 2006 #

  12. shes old enough, its a good age to develop coordination and flexibility, if she starts now she may be able to go on pointe by the time shes 13!!!!

    Comment by mecaskey — February 22, 2008 #

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    Trackback by Anonymous — March 24, 2008 #

  14. My daughter took her first ballet lesson at her daycare just a couple of weeks ago at age two. She LOVED it and the teacher (and us , we saw the video) was amazed by her concentration and love for ballet. It makes me wonder if we should start her sooner than most kids. She asked me to take her to ballet class so many times ever since and often put on her tutu by herself to move in front of a mirror. My only worry is if we start her too early, if that will affect her body, such as bone development, since ballet is such a demanding dance.

    Comment by laura — February 11, 2011 #

  15. I usually use the microwave oven in one of two ways. Ok, so buying freshly roasted whole beans is the way to go.

    Comment by Lowell Scherbarth — May 6, 2011 #

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