Is 9yo too late to start ballet & tap?

[comfortseeker]

Dd loves all the dances but we didnt have the time and money to give her the opportunities. But this term after she tried a few lessons she realized she really want to do them although she s not good at them especially compare with all the others in the lessons. As many of the students have been doing dances since 3 or 5yo. Although the dance school let her start with grade two so she can be with children who are more of her own age. But she does seem not quite keeping up with others at times. Should her stay?

[dodobookends]

Yes of course let her stay if she wants to. It will take weeks before she starts to become familiar with the terminology and the exercises, so let her know that she isn't expected to be able to keep up with the others or do things right straight away. She will also need to gradually build up her strength, especially in her core (back and stomach muscles), and her legs, feet and ankles, and that will take time - you (and she) will start to notice a difference after a term or two.

[JasperDamerel]

Of course it's not too late. Plenty of professional dancers started later than that, and as for a hobby, I went to my first contemporary dance class aged 40, and I love it.

[AuditAngel]

As long as she is enjoying it, let her stay.

DD1 started lessons almost 2 years ago, but is now desperate to start gymnastics. She is 8.5

[Solo]

Yes, let her stay. My Dd was almost 7 when she started leaning ballet two years ago. She's very good and has just started tap and jazz too. It's all good exercise and will get her nicely toned up for going into her teens and puberty.

[AsTimeGoesBy]

I've just started both aged 48

[Solo]

Well done to you! wish I had the energy!!!

[AsTimeGoesBy]

Thank you, yes, it's great fun, my feet will never turn out fully, but I'm feeling the benefits in my core.

As for starting at 9, I think it's fine too, my DD is 9 and been doing ballet since she was 3, tap since she was 6, others do still join her classes from time to time and they do catch up.

[comfortseeker]

Don't know how I managed to send the same thread twice. Anyway thanks for your replies. Dd is very happy since I double her lesson time. She looks forward to every dance lesson despite she does look a bit clumsy and embarrassing at times.

[dodobookends]

It all takes time - balance, co-ordination, rhythm, musicality - let alone the actual dancing!

[Devilishpyjamas]

My son started age 13. I think he's in a tap class with 9 year olds (which he finds slightly amusing). He refused to do any dance at all until he was 13. A year later he does 10 hours a week.