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?

If she only started dancing seriously this term you need to give her time!

I imagine it is like music and gymnastics - an early start helps, but ultimately the students who succeed are those with both the physical and mental aptitude (for dance this would include the right body type, plus stamina and perseverance).

How many classes a week does she do?

I ve just increased to 2 half hrs lessons each = 1 hr ballet, 1hr tap and 1 hr modern. So not more than normal.

Older children may have missed out on the early physical experiences, but they should be more mature to understand what is required when the teacher tells them things.

Is ballet, tap, AND modern not spreading things rather thinly? Might she do better if she concentrated on the one/s she likes best, and is better at?

I agree but i let her try for a while and may drop tap later if she find too much. But she like them all at the moment.

My DD has just turned 9 and she has only been doing dance since earlier this year. She also does ballet, tap and modern as well as musical theatre - it's common to do several styles and we find they complement each other in developing her muscles, skills and confidence in learning steps and routines. She is with younger kids as they put her in Grade 1 ballet class but she is taking the exam soon so progressing quickly. I would say if your DD enjoys it, don't worry about whether she seems to be keeping up - she'll improve and get loads out of it.

The dance teacher at DDs dance school says starting age groups both have their benefits, younger ones don't lose their natural flexibility but can take a long time to learn things. Older starters pick things up quicker and can understand directions easier but have to work harder on the flexibility.

If she enjoys it let her do it she definitely isn't too old.

Thanks mums, sorry about typos. That s the problem when using smart phone to type also often didnt see the errors until sent.
She wants to do jazz as well but i think it will be too much for her as i find jazz requires more fast and advance moves.

Comfort - you seem to have two threads going at once, so I'll post on both!!

Jazz would probably be best left for a bit until she's increased in strength, flexibility and technique, otherwise she might be spreading herself a bit too thin. Although she might pick it up fairly quickly, her technique won't yet be at the right level for her to be doing the exercises correctly and she might find she will have to un-learn ingrained habits later on.

Dodo i only sent the thread once on my phone then two massages appeared. Dont know why.
I think so too. Last night i tried to persuade dd to drop jazz but she confidently said "… just give me a little while to settle in i will be fine…"