Mothers of Ballet boys advice

[Someonesayroadtrip]

One of my boys started ballet about 18 months ago. I wasn't sure he would stick it out. There is no grading in our class which worked for us as he is shy and his sister who also does it is extremely distractible (I have other children with ADHD and think she maybe does too).

So, my son is doing quite well, he just turned 8 a few days ago. This is just something they do as a hobby and not any intentions grandness, but just wondering how to help him along. His teacher is amazed at his flexibility (he is hyper mobile) but wondering how different things are for boys I guess. I take it boys don't do point work, I'm working with my daughter (who is 5) to be able to do the splits (she's nearly there) but do boys need that?

There are no other ballet parents to boys there so just I guess wanting to talk to some ballet boys parents and understand the differences between boys and girls ballet.

Hi, yes, boys need to be just as flexible as the girls and do all three splits. If he’s hypermobile though he needs to work on strengthening muscles too. I have a 15yr old ballet boy who is hypermobile but not hyperflexible, there’s a difference. I would have a look out for some boy only workshops/classes, this can make a massive difference to their motivation. Can you say where about in the country you are and I might be able to give you some ideas of where to look?

I'm in Swansea, so we are very limited to experiences here. They had a mini show this week and he's doing well, I started him as I wanted him to build up his core strength as he is a bit squashy 😂 it seems to be helping.

I'll just keep encouraging him in the same way I do his sister then. Thanks

Yes, we are similarly ‘remote’ (in ballet terms!) and have had to travel with both of mine for experiences, but if you choose carefully it’s worth it. I’ll have a think and see what I can remember that might be near(ish) to you.

Thanks. As I said, I'm not thinking he will continue with it professionally or anything like that, I actually didn't think he would last this long but he's enjoying it a lot and just thought we would up our game with regards how much effort he and me put into it so just need to understand a lot more. Thanks.

I would definitely look for an all-boys class if you can find one. I take ds to one, and although he loved it previously at our village ballet school where he was the only boy, his confidence and passion has soared since starting at the boys only school. It is a different sort of dancing; they focus on leaps and strength. They do the plank and various other core strengthening exercises.

Ds has announced he wants to go to the Royal Ballet School - frankly I’m not sure he has the talent for that, but if he keeps it up he’s going to have lovely physique!

Oh hello, I am in Swansea too. My daughter is 16 and dances A LOT. There are a few things going on dancewise...

Who teaches your children?

Thanks both! Not sure we have anything like that, how old was your son when you mover him.

Irenie Rogers she's been absolutely amazing with him as he's so shy and neither of us were sure he would keep it up. It really suits us as I don't think at present he would be up for grading but he is very excited about having a part in the summer programme. I just know nothing about the ballet world, another reason this works for us.

I'll get him planking. When I try looking up ballet stuff online it's geared to girls or goes way over my head. I was so surprised at this demo thing yesterday that he's starting to know names for ballet steps.

He's funny though, he has amazing turn out and he just stands like it all the time now 😂

Ok have a 9 year old ballet boy he stated when he was 7. He has also started tap and jazz this year.
He is also very shy but this week took part in the show. In front of 800 people.
It was amazing. He also hasn't graded yet but I think he will next year so he needs too up his game a bit.

Have a look at what Ballet Cymru have on. They are based in Newport and do quite a lot of workshops etc which are generally very good and lots of fun.

He started at the boys ballet school when he was seven. He still goes to the one in the village as well. He enjoys both and gets different things out of them. But it’s the boys only one that has given him the confidence and passion, as well as massively improving his dancing.

Check out My Boy Can Dance on FB as well.

Fabulous! Thank you all so much. I'll look up everything suggested.

Other things to look into include the RAD's Project B. This is an initiative to encourage more boys to dance and includes workshops and so on. I don't think it is exclusive to pupils studying the RAD syllabus. The son of a friend of mine definitely attended RAD boys only workshops when he was younger and he was at an IDTA school.
Balletboyz is a male company that also holds various classes and workshops.
If Birmingham Royal Ballet come yo your area on tour or you can get to a performance they quite often hold children's workshops beforehand. These are not exclusively for boys but there may well be other boys there and male teachers.
Likewise, look out for English Youth Ballet auditions in your area. Despite the name they have been to Wales previously though it is likely to be only every few years. 8 is the minimum age so your son could audition. They have some excellent male staff and really encourage boys to participate.
Try to take your son to watch some professional productions. It can be quite hard for boys to know where they fit in if they are one of very few boys in a school. When they are just starting out it doesn't matter that much, but the older they get the more different male technique becomes and it can really help if they see some inspiring male dancers.
As with all these things, you need to kerp checking back as there may be nothing in your area at the moment, but things will probably come up at some point. Unfortunately you probably will have to travel for some opportunities. I found it hard enough to find things for my daughter at times and there tend to be less things for boys unfortunately - but it is worth travelling for good quality courses and workshops.
But at this stage, the most important thing is that it is fun and he is getting good basic technique. I hope he continues to enjoy it as it is an excellent hobby for boys and girls.

Irenie has a very good reputation. My daughter is with MTA, who also are based at the Grand. She moved to them quite recently, as she wanted to expand the number of genres/hours she dances and they offer a very wide programme.

I know Swansea Ballet School do boys ballet classes - the owner, Sheila,'s son runs London Boys Ballet School. However, I know she doesn't teach children who are also learning elsewhere, so that probably won't help you.

In general, though, there isn't a lot of difference between girls and boys ballet in the young age groups - but as they get older it becomes a lot more about strength, and he will need boy focused classes (possibly as well as taking class with the girls). I would imagine Irenie would offer him private lessons though, if there are no other boys in the dance school.

My daughter has danced with Ballet Cymru a few times, and loves it. they don't do a junior associate programme though, I think, so he couldn't do that until he is 11, and their summer school is age 10+.

You could think about letting him try other genres too (there are some good street classes around) or a different sport entirely, which might complement his dance (gymnastics, or maybe swimming for all round body strength?) But mostly, he is very young so whatever he does should be all about the fun.

That's wonderful, ballet is so good for flexibility and posture. Plus he'll be able to leap into the air !

I'm impressed.

Wow! Thanks both.

Yes Irenie is great, her support has been perfect for him and she really gauges when to push him etc. I love how ballet teaches them discipline too! It's been great for both of mine the last year and a bit.

I noticed there was another group at the grand but has no idea who they were. I love the location as I hate parking and this works well for us.

I will definitely look up all these different recommendations, I looked up workshops but he seems a little young yet.

I think I'll speak to Irenie in the new year about a couple of private lessons especially in run up to the show. My daughter has lovely pose and flexibility but is definitely the most distracted in her class, she could benefit from a few more focused lessons too.

I agree, we need to venture further afield for different experiences too, he needs to see more ballet boys even if it's not very regularly.

He wants to do gymnastics too but not sure if that will help or hinder him at this point. What is a good ballet to take him to see. I wanted to do the nutcracker but website was glitchy and kept forgetting to try again.

I would go for something with a storyline that is well known and/or easy to follow. Nutcracker is ideal, especially at this time of year of course. Coppelia is fun and suitable for a younger audience. Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty are other good options. Some companies do child orientated shortened versions of popular ballets with some narration to make it easier for young children to follow. If you are also planning to take your DD along you might like to consider something like that.
At their ages I would personally stick to the classics with strong storylines. Some more modern works will be difficult for then to follow and/or have rather adult themes. For instance, whilst I absolutely adore Matthew Bourne's work, I wouldn't take a young child, and some ballets, such as Manon, are definitely not child friendly. Even Giselle is rather dark really.
Geography is not my strong point...how far away from Cardiff are you? I notice that Nutcracker, Coppelia and Swan Lake are all on in December, and I would expect them to be traditional versions.
Northern Ballet are reknowned for their child friendly productions - next year they are touring with Little Red Riding Hood. Im not sure whether they will e within travelling distance of you, but if you can get to that I am sure it will be very good.
Another option would be one of the live showings of ballets in cinemas that are popular nowadays. Not quite the same as really being there of course, but a lot cheaper!

Brilliant. Thank you for the recommendations. Cardiff about an hour or a little less away so not too bad. I'll look into it. You have all been amazingly helpful.