Ballet or gymnastics?

[manchestermummy]

Not sure where to post!

I'd like to see if DD would like either ballet or gymnastics (3.6) but don't know which! She loves jumping and swinging on bars, but by the same token loves dancing and music. I don't want to overload her, but I'd like her to have the opportunity (I never did: my mother said I was "too fat and uncoordinated" for any activity other than swimming).

Any thoughts? She's quite a sensitive soul and we've been working very hard to improve her confidence by taking her swimming and to a variety of parent/toddler groups as well as encouraging her to play with others in the park and it's working a treat.

I know she's still only young, but there's no harm in testing the water!

Why don't you ask her which she would prefer?

Or

Choose the one that is the most convenient time/day?

Can you tel I have 3 children and get fed up dragging around to all the clubs?

Do you know, I never even thought about that [thick emoticon]!

I have two DDs (DD2 teeny) so I guess whichever DD1 does, DD2 will follow...!

Thank you!

I did both as a child.

Gymnastics incorporates a lot of ballet moves, and other dance too.

Ballet will complement your gym, whereas if ballet is your main thing, gym can be a bit of a hindrance. Although it helps with strength, there are many aspects to gymnastics that will make your ballet less aesthetically pleasing. Ballet is very outwards-pointing and controlled, whereas gymnastics is very much about pushing yourself to new limits.

Both require a lot of work, and if she is to do very well,you are looking at starting at the right time.

As she is so young, she is in no position to use any of that info to decide, so your best bet is to see which is more convenient, with a view to changing of she doesn't like it. Or, could you try both with a view to stopping one?

Agree that you should ask your DD.

Personally I'm more of a fan of gymnastics but thats probably because I'm not, and never have been, particularly 'girly' and I see ballet as being a bit pink and twee.

My DD has done gymnastics for about 4 years now and I think its done wonders for her confidence. You also see lots of girls (and boys) well into their teens still doing it whereas I get the impression that a lot of girls 'grow out of' ballet quite early on.

Great advice, thank you all!

If you live in Manch, go to CMIG in Gorton. It is amazing...the regional gymnastics centre. Loads of British Team train there.

DD2 (7) does both ballet and gymnastics, and loves both. DD2 does gymnastics but gave up ballet after 2 years (she is a creative soul, and ballet was too structured for her). I'd say, try both, and see what sticks. No point in just asking your DD to choose yet, as without trying them it will be hard to decide which suits her best.
Also consider other types of dance besides ballet. DD1 gave up ballet but now does contemporary, and loves it.
Both dance and gymnastics are great for their confidence.

Be aware that ballet ends up costing a lot - not classes per se but shows and costumes for them, also exams.

DD does ballet and typical show costumes will be £30 +, also tickets for us all to see the show! OTOH she loves the performance which I guess you don't get with gym.

Ballet exams cost £15 or so a time (off the top of my head!).

DS2 does gym at a council-run session and class cost is comparable with ballet but exams (they work towards badges) are included (the badge costs £2 or so). No show or anything tho.

DD does love her ballet tho - she started aged almost 4 and is now nearly 10 so that's 6 yrs of good exercise and posture - I do think you can tell a woman who did ballet as a child to any reasonable level (ie into their teens).