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Dancers -are they born or can they be made?

27 replies

pinkhousesarebest · 15/06/2014 22:05

Dd (10) had her end of year Gala thing tonight. She has done ballet for two years and loves it, and looks like a little ballerina. But she lacks confidence hugely, looks to the others for guidance and is just a bit wooden. Some of the others are beautiful to watch already- every movement graceful.

I was wondering, as I watched her, should I encourage her to continue, when there is a wealth of other things she could enjoy and be good at. I know she feels she is not as good as the others and that makes her even more unsure of herself. Can children grow into dance or is it sort of pre-ordained?

OP posts:
OddFodd · 15/06/2014 22:15

I don't understand what you mean by can you make dancers? I think a poorer dancer can be made better but your DD may never be good enough to be a pro. Does it matter though?

MelanieCheeks · 15/06/2014 22:09

The confidence will come in time. It would be a little premature to abandon it now if she still enjoys it, just cos you think she'll not make the Royal Ballet one day.

My personal experience is that ballet is an excellent foundation for lots of things in future life.