by Patti Winters

Created on: March 16, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

When you are looking at putting your child into formal ballet lessons you need to decide on a couple of factors before you enroll them. You also need to remember ballet is not for everyone. Some children would prefer another type of dance lessons, so if you are adamant that you want your child in dance work with them to find out where their interests lay.

The positive side of enrolling your child in ballet is the discipline they will learn. Not only will they have to learn certain steps but they will have to spend a consistent amount of time practicing to be able to achieve any success. They will improve their health and become more fit with ballet. It is a strenuous workout and helps to make your body limber and strong. Ballet also helps you to be able to perform in front of crowds; it helps children who are shy and withdrawn. Many children blossom when they go into ballet because they find they can perform in front of people without worrying about being ignored.

There are negative side effects to putting your child into ballet and you need to examine them closely before you make a decision. Not all children are right for ballet. It is an exercise program that takes discipline and dedication. Some children have no desire to learn ballet and will become a disruption to class. They don't enjoy performing in front of a crowd and it makes them become shy and withdrawn.

You also need to choose your teacher wisely. You need to make sure that the instructor you choose has a clear plan for teaching the children. If a teacher puts someone into toe shoes too soon it can ruin their feet, so you need to communicate with the instructor and verify when she thinks it should happen. Once you find out when she would want to put someone into toe shoes, do some research yourself and find out what the optimal age is for going into toe shoes. You don't want your child to be permanently scarred because of something that you wanted them to enjoy.

Children are resilient and if they don't like ballet they will let you know. If you child does come to you after you have enrolled them and doesn't want to continue, find out why. They might decide that they would prefer tap, jazz or gymnastics. There are many options available for your child so don't force them into something they would hate.

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