Ballet for Kids: What Your Child Learns in Ballet
Children love ballet because they like to move to music. Your offspring can start classical dance from the age of four. Find out here what children learn at ballet and what equipment they need.
When can children start learning ballet?
Children can start ballet from the age of four. With early dance education, little ones improve their movement, coordination and expression.
What do children learn in ballet?
In order for children to give physical expression to their ideas in ballet and eventually dance “Swan Lake” or “Nutcracker”, they need a lot of practice. In addition to the correct posture, they learn various techniques in this classic dance, which they can use to dance animals and figures.
How much do ballet lessons cost?
The monthly fees for ballet lessons vary greatly – they are usually between 30 and 50 euros. In a gymnastics club, your offspring can often train more cheaply.
Where can children learn ballet?
Ideally, if you want your child to learn ballet properly, you should enroll them in a ballet school. But dance schools and gymnastics clubs also offer courses with trained ballet teachers. Arrange a trial lesson at a school of your choice. This way you can get a first impression of the premises and the ballet teachers together with your offspring.
What equipment do children need for ballet?
- Slippers: Whether they are made of satin or leather – especially at the beginning, children do not need pointe shoes for ballet, but the so-called ballet slippers.
- Leotard: The ballet leotard is a tight-fitting body. It is available in different versions – with short or long sleeves or with wide or spaghetti straps.
- Tights: There are also a wide variety of designs for tights – with feet or without. The ballet teacher can certainly give you a tip for the right tights.
- Chiffon skirt: The ballet skirt is usually made of very thin fabric and can be ideally adapted to the needs of your child with a ribbon.
- Wrap jacket: Children wear the thin wrap jacket during warm-up exercises.
- Miscellaneous: It is also important for ballet that your child keeps their hair together. Ideally with a ponytail and hair clips, some dancers also use a special “hair net” to hold their hair together.
As a ballet beginner, your child needs nothing more than a pair of ballet slippers and comfortable sportswear. Only buy the right equipment if you are sure that your offspring will stay with ballet for a long time. The ballet school will then surely tell you exactly what equipment your child needs. Some dance schools have strict rules regarding the color and shape of clothing.
What skills does ballet promote in children?
- Health: From head to toe, ballet is a good full-body workout for kids.
- Motor Skills: Exercises that involve simultaneous movement of the head, arms, legs, and feet require a high level of coordination. Ballet also improves your child’s sense of balance and body flexibility.
- Cognitive skills: By moving in harmony with the music, your child learns more about themselves and develops a greater awareness of their body.
- Social skills: Your offspring gets to know other children while dancing and has to adapt to their movements. But self-confidence in one’s own abilities and self-discipline are also encouraged.