At what age can children start dance classes?

[MrsFogi]

That's it really, I'm just wondering how old they need to be to do little dance classes (ballet or other).

[nutcracker]

Depends on the class tbh. Most are 3 and up in my experiance.

[LIZS]

Think most dance classes start at 3 or 4 when typically toilet trained and of nursery/school age but some nurseries offer it as part of their curriculum to younger ones. Occasionally you might find independent "Baby Ballet" classes.

[partybabestitch]

dd#s ballet class is from 2 onwarrds. she has been going since just before he third birthday. i have seen kids in it who are still in nappies!

but she goes to a class tht is free as part of my gym mmebership. i dont thin k i would have sent her if i ws paying extra.

[Mercy]

dd's school does dance/drama classes from Year 1 upwards.

The tutor concerned reckons it's at about htat age they can start to follow instructions without being too distracted by the music, general excitement etc. Plus they are more likely to actively choose to do dance or football or whatever and to stick with it. Rather than parents shelling our for a whole term's fees in advance, only to find their child has lost interest after a week or 2.

But I'm sure kids of 3 and 4 would enjoy it too, as long as it's about having fun.

[nikkie]

3+tend to do games incorparating ballet/tap steps then 5/6 start doing it properly think they have to be 5+ for the first ballet exam

[rarrie]

My DD started ballet class at 2 1/2 - its mostly her prancing about in a hall with the odd bit of pointing her toes every 10 mins or so, but she loves it. Most classes I noticed started from three though.

[hulababy]

Most classes are from age 3, some take from about 2.5 but often stipulate the child must be out of nappies.

[HappyDaddy]

DD has ballet classes at her nursery, she's 2.5 and still in nappies. She loves it.

[frances5]

I don't think that my son would do ballet classes but he does gymnastics. In our area gymnastics classes start at 3 years old and they do take children in nappies, but if a kid is in nappies then the mum has to stay and change them if necessary.

However my son didnt start gymnastics until he was four years old. I really wonder if a child who cant use the toilet really has the thinking skills to benefit from a gymnastics lesson or a ballet lesson. My son didnt have the concentration to benefit from an independent gymnastics lesson until he was four even though he was potty trained.

I suppose a lot depends on the nature of the class. I am sure that many three year olds would enjoy a disco, but couldnt cope with formal instruction. Admitally girls tend to be more compliant at an earlier than boys.

[expatinscotland]

I started a sort of music and movement thingy at 3.

Proper ballet at around 5.

[poppynic]

I asked a friend with children who was a professional ballet dancer and she thought no point sending them before 5 unless they are desperate to go.
Having said that, my son started gym at 3 and it really improved his confidence.

[McDreamy]

DD started proper ballet classes at 3. She really enjoys them.

[Hulababy]

Dd originally started a ballet/tap class at 2.5 years old. I was told that it is generally 3, but they will consider others who are out of nappies before that.

[expatinscotland]

Exactly, poppy.

I went a really reputable school and they didn't start proper ballet before 5.

They also didn't start girls en pointe till they were at least 13, and then for the first year it was only at the barre. Starting girls too young en pointe can seriously injure them and jeapordise their career as dancers, should they pursue that route.

DD1 goes to 'music and movement' classes and she's 3.5.

[CountessDracula]

DD was nearly 4 when she started ballet

[castlesintheair]

I started ballet at 2 but I think 4 or 5 is more appropriate unless it isn't "proper" ballet and is just dancing about in a tutu, then 3 is fine.

[castlesintheair]

Just read expat's post. Exactly, I started FAR too young at 2. I had to give it all up at 13 as my back & feet were completely effed up from being en pointe from such a young age

[expatinscotland]

It's supposed to be enjoyable, and rushing things can change that, unfortunately.

[oxocube]

dd's ballet school takes kids from 4 but they call the class 'kids ballet' as opposed to the 'classical' ballet lessons which start at 7. The 'kids ballet' is more about music and movement, expression, musicality etc. Point classes begin at about 12 - 13 depending on physical maturity

[Troutpout]

dd started 'baby ballet' at 3.. It actually just consists of little girls with pop bellies in tutus...running up and down with wands and pretending to be fairies or elves as far as i can tell.
She also does 'baby tap' which just seems to be a contest to see who can make the most noise in their shoes.
Makes me laugh...but it's all that she needs (she loves it) and i want at this stage.

[expatinscotland]

The Bolshoi ballet does not put girls en pointe until they are 15.

And still turns out some of the best ballerinas in the world!

[Hulababy]

DD did a lovely dance class at age 3/4 - nly stopped when she started school as too tired to get up for 9am class! It was called Trendy Tots and it eventually led onto Ballroom Dance. No pressure to buy the outfit for a whiel, but all the grls anted it as it included sliver glitter heeled dancing shoes :0 They did little dance routines to Steps, S Club, Aqua as well as Superman. Agadoo, hands Up, etc and some known children's songs such as Puff the magic Dragon. For about 5-10 minutes max of the class they would practise some basic ballroom steps, with mums/dads taking the part of the male (no boys in class when we were there but were welcome).

Was really realxed, informal and fun.

[oxocube]

Wow! I didn't know that Expat.