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I started ballet lessons at age four. I absolutely loved it! I looked forward to going to my lesson every week. Most of my friend's from around the neighborhood were also in my class. So it was nice to see them there. It was a special treat for all of us.
Every year around the beginning of summer, we would have a recital. This was my favorite part of ballet class. We were allowed to wear make-up, and had the most beautiful costumes. We performed in front of our family and friend's. We worked very hard on our routine's all year long, so we were ready to give an all out performance. Often when the recitals were over, we were rewarded with ice cream, and told what a good job we did. Our self esteem soared.

Ballet taught me so many good things, for the first couple of years. It taught me rhythm, as well as participating in a group. I learned to walk with my head held high. I was also in very good shape. We had a class every week, and I was often sore from working so hard at class. Everything was fine with my ballet classes until I reached around age ten. When things weren't so perfect anymore.
I realized there is also a down side to ballet. Around age ten my teacher started preparing us for our first exam. We were taught the "Cecchetti method" of ballet. Around that time, I was approaching puberty. I gained weight, and had a growth spirt of a good couple of inches. According to my teacher this was a big no no!. I went from being one of the best in the class, to one of the worst. I was held back from my original class for two years before I was allowed to take my first exam. After that I dreaded going to class. My self esteem plummeted.
My mother removed me from studying under my teacher. I joined a ballet Group in our area. The first year I was picked for a semi-lead in a recital. Where I beat out some of the girls that were in my original class. This made me feel better, but not soon enough. Shortly after I quit ballet altogether.
However it doesn't have to be a bad experience, like I had. For parents thinking about enrolling their children in ballet I suggest checking out the teacher. Having a discussion with her about how she teaches her class. There are great teachers out there, but for the most part you have to realize that at a certain age the littlest, thinest girl in the group will get all the leads in recitals, and most of the attention from the teacher. It matters not how much a child practices, or how good they are. Physical appearance is everything in ballet. I would think long and hard before putting my child through something like that. To assure that they don't have self esteem issues, later on in life.
Enroll them while they are young. keep them in as long as they are enjoying themselves. If they stop having fun, let them quit. It isn't worth your child losing their confidence. Also remember only a scarce few make it to prima ballerina. I hate to burst anyones bubble but you must look at it realistically. After all if your child is having fun and getting good exercise, nothing else should matter!.

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