DD1 has been going to ballet classes for about a year and, as she's just turned 5 she is now eligible to take her first exam which her teacher is proposing she does in November.
Since she's known this, however, she has suddenly started saying she doesn't want to go to ballet anymore. I've asked her why & she's been pretty uncommunicative saying she "just doesn't want to go anymore" and she "doesn't like it anymore". It doesn't take a genius, however, to figure out whats behind it all.
In addition to this, as part of the lesson, the teacher has introduced an 'improvisation' exercise (as it forms part of the exam) which she absolutely hates. Everytime the teacher tries to get her to do it she clams up & just stands there looking uncomfortable, shy & awkward (and almost as if she wants to cry 
).
I'm not entirely sure but I think she needs to do the exam to be able to progress to the next class so if she doesn't do it & all her friends in her class do then they'll all move up & she'll be left in the 'baby' class with the 3-4yo which she would really hate. That also doesn't solve the problem of the improvisation exercise they've now introduced in the class.
My dilemma, therefore, is, do I let her quit based on the fact that its supposed to be a fun activity for her & she's really not enjoying it anymore or do I encourage her to persevere & do the exam to try & teach her that sometimes you have to do things you don't necessarily want to do in order to progress to the next stage?
I don't want her to deny herself the opportunity to push herself or let her think the way to solve your problems is by running away from them but I also don't want to make her stressed & miserable over something that supposed to be fun (& in the grand scheme of things - really not that important!).
Aaarrrgh 