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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

What is wrong with my dd's ballet school??

32 replies

mummyloveslucy · 08/03/2008 18:56

Hi,my daughter has just turned 3 and loves music and dancing. I've recently taken her to our local ballet school, that has a good reputation. When I arrived I wanted to talk to the teacher about my daughter, as she has very delayed speach and basic understanding so wanted to just let her know. She walked streight past and in to the dance room, and drank her coffee in there on her own. When we started the lesson it seemed quite strict and structured and Lucy didn't really have any idea of what she was ment to be doing.
It just seemed so ridged and not really much fun. Lucy loves music and dancing to it and when she hears the music, she just wants to dance and have fun expressing herself. I just wondered wether all ballet schools are the same or are there any dance schools around that are more fun and friendly? I feel as if this school would destroy her love of dance.

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DontDreamItBeIt · 08/03/2008 19:00

You are right. It doesn't sound as if it will be the righ plae for your dd.

Lots Some ballet schools are like this. I would ask around for something that is a bit more relaxed.

Desiderata · 08/03/2008 19:01

I would imagine that anywhere would be more fun than a ballet school. It's a very disciplined form of dance.

I'd have a look round, and see if there's something more suitable for her age.

nailpolish · 08/03/2008 19:06

have a look and see if any schools offer different kinds of dance. like tap. tap is mega fun. and they usually do a bit of ballet too. good luck

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 08/03/2008 19:08

I might try her at some different schools, as the first lesson is usually free. I phoned up one today and the woman seemed rather stiff on the phone. I might take her along anyway just to see what it's like.

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Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 08/03/2008 19:11

can they start tap at 3 years old ?

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nailpolish · 08/03/2008 19:13

im not sure.

what i was thinking was, if its a school taht offers different kinds of dance its possibly not as strict as a ballet-only school. just a thought!

stoppinattwo · 08/03/2008 19:14

MLL

our dance school is a bit strict and I hated it at first, but DD loved it and tbh that is why i put up with the aloofness?

THey like an air of professionalism that verges on snobbiness..........arragne to speak to her after the lesson, and if she wont even do this then she is ignorant not professional..good luck

CristinaTheAstonishing · 08/03/2008 19:19

We only tried 2, both v structured. DS kept with his (until he was old enough to start football training), DD1 didn't want to go back after her first lesson.

cory · 08/03/2008 20:18

Just 3 seems young to start at ballet school; isn't there something a bit less structured she could do? Dd didn't start ballet until she was 4, and yes it was quite structured, but she enjoyed it.

HonoriaGlossop · 08/03/2008 20:20

maybe try a more 'ballroomy' type place which does tap/modern/disco.

Agree that ballet is a very disciplined and structured form of dance and it doesn't sound right for your dd's age and stage. I guess some teachers could make it right, but clearly not this one!

modern/disco dancing might suit far more as she can express herself a bit more?

If it were me I'd save Ballet for a few more years when she will be more able to enjoy the control necessary for it.

indiechick · 08/03/2008 20:20

We go to one at our local theatre and it's very much fun orientated, no end of term shows, no exams. Where are you in the country?

3Ddonut · 08/03/2008 20:22

My dc used to go to a dance class called 'street dance' at the leisure centre and they loved it, dancing to Grease and Disney songs, the teacher also did a bit of drama type games, like open the box and show us what's inside while the rest of the class had to guess what it was, they mimed it btw.., then the child would tell them, it was very funny and so creative, but she left and no-one has replaced her yet, a lot of the leisure centres in our locality do this type of class, may be another avenue to explore, also, I would expect that classes that are held in church halls and community cntres would be more relaxed than an acutal 'school' maybe 3 is a bit young, might be better to wait until she is a bit older.. good luck.

cece · 08/03/2008 20:24

DD started ballet at 3 but the class was really fun and creative and not at all stuffy. Keep looking for something like that... Now she is older she goes to a different place that is more formal but it is appropriate for her age and she loves it.

pooka · 08/03/2008 20:24

dd went today to a fab ballet class that is so informal. You pay per session, no regulation hair-do or clothing, they dance around to tunes they know and there is no emphasis on rigid routines or techniques.
Is called baby ballet.

littleshebear · 08/03/2008 20:26

My daughter started at three and it is very laid back. In the baby class mums can stay and they can wear what they like - just 30 mins at first and half tap, half ballet. The teacher is lovely and smiley - but it's only her, in a church hall. There are other ballet schools in the area, run on much more formal lines, but I didn't want this as I used one for my eldest daughter and she didn't stay long.I think you just have to go along to see a few and find one that suits you.My dd loves music and dancing and I just want her to enjoy it.

TheFallenMadonna · 08/03/2008 20:27

Quite possibly you don't want one with a "good reputation" if you just want her to have fun.

DD has a whale of a time flouncing around the village hall like a baby elephant. She'll never be a ballerina, but she's enjoying herself. You need something more relaxed I think.

tissy · 08/03/2008 20:29

my dd's ballet teacher is lovely. Although there are uniforms, shows and exams, she's very relaxed, doesn't care what the children wear and welcomes younger brothers and sisters who want to join in. She also does children's parties based on fun and fitness, and they're very popular.

bozza · 08/03/2008 20:30

I would keep looking if I were you. Ours is OK I think. They have the balance right. I very much doubt DD is ever going to be a ballet dancer but I think it is good for her - exercise, discipline, an activity that DS doesn't do etc.

Original poster

mummyloveslucy · 08/03/2008 20:42

Thanks every one, I'll keep looking for a fun dance school. It dosn't have to be ballet, but it does have to be fun! or else there's no point in her going.
We could try ballet again when she's 4 or 5 if that's what she wants.

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heronsfly · 08/03/2008 21:02

Yes, this sounds just like my dds ballet school,we started in nursery and she is now in grade 5. Every term our news letter tells parents that teachers cannot discuss individual children before or after lessons but they are more than willing to make personal appointments, I think this came about because lessons were not starting on time and other parents were upset that there childrens lessons were being held up by the previous class parents wanting to talk ,I think in most dedicated ballet schools this is the norm,but it should be explained at the start.

spudmasher · 08/03/2008 21:12

You need to find a school which teaches contemporary dance.
I have no idea where you are but there is a centre of excellence in SE london called the Laban Centre where they take the child as the starting point for dance. I teach nearby and we have close links. I have been close to tears watching what they can do.

They have a waiting list of one year but it is worth the wait.

nailpolish · 08/03/2008 21:57

thats my biggest annoyuance re ballet
the hairdos
my dd has a chin lenght bob with a fringe (yes, siad fringe) and this just wouldnt do in ballet

she suits it,dammit! so instead she goes to art club

ruddynorah · 08/03/2008 22:01

mine does baby ballet too. it's fab, not much ballet involved, but lots of jumping around, shaking tamborines, throwing scarves around. lots of fun.

pooka · 08/03/2008 22:04

nailpolish - dd also has chin length bob with fringe and it suits her. The idea of having to find enough hair to scrape back offends me!

nailpolish · 08/03/2008 22:10

pooka

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