AIBU about DD at baby ballet?

[justnotaballetmum]

DD goes to baby ballet. She concentrates for the first part of the session but then loses focus, wanders off and just dances (after a fashion) by herself. She's not in anyone's way and she's happy (likes the mirrors.)

One of the mums commented to me in quite a pointed manner last week and I'm a bit about going back now!

AIBU to think she's fine?

[Janecc]

Laurie my DD does a dance class and ballet is part of it. The ballet aspect isn't very high level and for those children, who want to do more disciplined ballet they go elsewhere. I do appreciate what you're saying. I just see it differently that's all. If my DD wants to do a structured, disciplined ballet as taught by experienced ballet dance teachers, where she will end up on points, I'm happy to take her. For now, she's having fun even if she sticks her bottom out and her wrists are limp. She is aware that there is more advanced stuff out there and she's not convinced she really wants to give up other activities to do it. She's 7, these kids are barely out of nappies.

[Janecc]

Of course. And it's all the love, care and attention from everyone around that gives a child security and a feeling of place in their world, which is what as humans most of us are looking for. However confused we are.

Sadly many adults don't consider others children as important as their own. This is is exactly what your post was illustrating to me anyway. Your DD has just as much right to be there as anyone else. She has a place.

[LaurieMarlow]

Janecc, no problem with that whatsoever. But that's a dance class. Ballet is a specific discipline and what makes it specific is exactly what makes it not toddler friendly.

2 year olds having fun, moving to music, playing with their peers - lovely.

[justnotaballetmum]

I just dislike the expression, Jane; the village didn't decide to have a child, I did.

[Janecc]

The expression is not literal. I am saddened that this is all you've got from my posts.

[justnotaballetmum]

I don't think I want a village raising my child, thanks!

[Janecc]

dolkaspots yes I know what you mean about some parents and out of all the classes, I think baby swimming is great because it gives babies water confidence and babies will relax release their heads in a way that toddlers and young children often won't. I agree it should be a fun non pressured activity but yes, try telling that to certain anxious parents! But that's why I think it's especially good that these parents can participate on and witness these classes because it may give them cause to question their behaviour and feelings. If the parents didn't go to such classes, they would live in ever increasing isolation as sadly for many, gone are the days when it took a village to raise a child.

[dolkapots]

I think any "baby" class is a waste of money seems to bring out the best of neurotic/competitive/anxious parents. What is supposed to be a fun class for the majority is treated like an olympic sport by some.

I witness a baby "swim" class once a week and it is interesting to see the behavior of the parents.

[Janecc]

Or maybe little girls or boys just having fun and integrating Laurie. It is great that little children can be exposed to a variety of classes at such a young age. It's got nothing to do with aptitude. My DD (7) doesn't do a dance class because she wants to be the best, she wants to be with friends and have fun.

[LaurieMarlow]

What differentiates ballet from other dance is the degree of discipline/control/often unnatural postures it forces the body into.

I adore ballet, but what I've posted above shows just how unsuitable proper ballet study is for a toddler.

I'm all for music and movement at this age, but the desire to send to 'ballet' class (which seems to mostly be prompted by cute tutus/ballet shoes) is misguided at best and a little sick making at worst.

[justnotaballetmum]

I asked the teacher this morning who said she's a sweetie and seems happy so am sure all is well!

[hippiedays]

i don't think the aim of Baby Ballet is to actually teach ballet....

Ummmm I'm not so sure. There is s baby ballet class on just before my DD's class and the teacher does attempt to teach something. Personally I think it isn't the best class for toddlers and I think they are better off in a class where they can socialise and interact more and use more creative energy than in they do in ballet where they just follow the teacher's lead. Alternatively joining something like toddler football can be more fun rather than just enjoyable. Waiting another year or two until they learn to follow more formal instruction is not necessarily a bad thing.

[LillyGrinter]

I don't think the aim of Baby Ballet is to actually teach ballet but to entertain the toddlers. I can't understand any parent getting het up about a child not doing as their told in one of these fun (and bit daft.classes) to be honest and if she's listening to a bit of it then she's doing ok

[GoldenPlatitudes]

I wouldn't bother unless she enjoys it. My DD went to ballet at 3 and had no patience for it so stopped. She started dancing again at 5, and now she is 10 and lives to dance!

[Xmasbaby11]

I think for a 2 yo she's doing well! Dd is 4 and we gave up dance after a few months because she just wandered and did her own thing. I was disappointed but she's not good at following instructions or joining in.

Your dd enjoys it so I'd carry on! I do think it's good to get used to doing an activity they enjoy and attempting to follow a class.

[halighhalighaliehaligh]

If she enjoys it carry on. Expecting a 2 year old to fully focus for a whole half hour or whatever it unachievable for most. Can't stand it when parents feel you should go by their rules so their child will follow them.

[FarAwayHills]

Save your money and go back in a year or two. Also watch a few episodes of Dance Moms with your DH - if he thinks dance is cute he needs to see where it leads to

[justnotaballetmum]

She enjoys it; I think it's harmless enough :) Thanks for advice.

[BertrandRussell]

”I'm not sure, really - perhaps I should ask DH if we can take her out"

Bloody hell. Please read that back and think about it.

[Only1scoop]

'Dh thinks it's cute'

Bit of a daft reason to take her.

It's too young.

[Taja123]

Oops posted to soon
My daughter loves it we play the CDs and dance at home for us it's just another playtime

[Taja123]

I would keep taking her if she enjoys it and the teacher is fine

I take my dd to BB she is 16minths old lots of the kids wonder in and out of joining in and their fabulous teacher is fine with that . Baby Ballet is just a name the classes are really just fun music and movement no pressure no one getting ready for their Royal ballet auditions .
I'd be more shocked at parents taking it too seriously at that age

[katemiddletonsnudeheels]

I think usually parents who are concerned about their child's behaviour aren't the parents who need to be, so I wouldn't worry about that

[PrincessHairyMclary]

I remember one particular class it took the whole lesson to get the children lined up to skip from one corner of the dance floor to the other. We had a watch week last week and they were doing similar activities and did it all immediately, it was lovely to see how all of the children had developed, not to mention how they are all doing proper ballet now.

[PrincessHairyMclary]

My DD used to lick the mirrors at "Mummy and me classes" and she wasn't the only one. I wouldn't worry about it, if she enjoys it let her carry on.

My DD is now 6 and beautifully behaved at dance class.