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Original poster

Baby ballet tinies vs Ballet at a proper ballet school

48 replies

Hopitihop · 05/02/2022 21:50

My DD is almost 2 and we want her to do ballet classes.

This is firstly, to introduce her to some form of dance, secondly to meet other mums and thirdly as having her at home and entertaining sufficiently is becoming a challenge lately!

In our area there is the popular "baby ballet" franchise school and another proper more academic ballet school that has students from babies to adults.

We tried both and although I prefer her to start at the proper school, she was more engaged at the baby ballet tinies class.

The proper school class had a faster pace and it was more focused on ballet stuff. The baby ballet tinies class was more like a sensory class with a flavour of ballet in it.

Which would you prefer?

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NuzzleandScratch · 05/02/2022 23:40

I used to be a ballet dancer, and started mine off at Baby ballet, then onto a proper school a bit later. At 2, I would say Baby ballet is a better fit, partly because you go in with them, which you don't at a proper dance school. It was fun, and more like a ballet-themed playgroup! You say about her getting to know other children, but honestly at 2, she won't pay much attention to who's in the class. Then you could move to a proper dance school at around 4. Look for a teacher that does the RAD syllabus, as that's normally a sign of a decent teacher/school.

Sausagesausagesausage · 06/02/2022 06:53

There's loads of different sorts of baby classes - why ballet? Especially if it's not something you're into. At 2, we did classes I liked (a tumble tots style thing - pandemic permitting of course) and then since 4 DS has tried a few different classes to see what he enjoys.

eurochick · 06/02/2022 07:16

I'm puzzled given your past experience why you are taking this so seriously. She's not even 2. Just let her try a few activities and see what she enjoys. Not all little girls have to do ballet.

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SonicBroom · 06/02/2022 07:23

I’d stick with Baby Ballet for now and then move when she’s bigger.

I’d also suggest some kind of multi sport activity, they’re so good at this age for all round skills, confidence and coordination. Personally I think girls sports are hugely important for when they grow older, it’s a far healthier environment with far less emphasis on how they look and what weight they are, more focus on skills, health, speed, sportsmanship and team play. At least by doing both then you give her a broader foundation and sense of confidence, then let her choose her interests when she’s older. Basically try as many things as possible, don’t limit her.

Original poster

Hopitihop · 06/02/2022 07:29

@TheSpottedZebra and @Sausagesausagesausage it’s only because I believe that ballet is the foundation of all dances, teaches discipline and attention to the detail. My DD is not a 2 year old that dances all the time at home, she is more rigid, and I hope the baby ballet class will unlock her a but.

We also go swimming and to a baby gym class. She is the same to all… reserved, quiet a bit stiff and mainly observed other kids.

I was hoping she would enjoy all of the classes more as she goes to the nursery full time a year now and is used to being around with other kids…

Is my thinking wrong?

OP posts:

00100001 · 06/02/2022 07:33

[quote Hopitihop]@Parker231 Thank you for the advice! It's only because when in 1-2 years from now she would like to do real ballet classes, then it would be beneficial for her to already know other kids there, to know the environment, the teachers etc. It won't be a completely new start... but maybe I am overthinking it.[/quote]
Yes. You're over thinking it.

Lampshading · 06/02/2022 07:34

But then when she went at the proper ballet class and the teacher started with good toes, naughty toes she was not getting it.

Well yes as she's not even 2 yet! I'm surprised they take children on under 3, that's the youngest in the pre school classes I've ever been involved in and even then of course they're not doing doing structured lessons in the way the primary aged and above children are. I'd stick with the one for babies for now and then join the school in the future.

00100001 · 06/02/2022 07:35

[quote Hopitihop]**@TheSpottedZebra* and @Sausagesausagesausage* it’s only because I believe that ballet is the foundation of all dances, teaches discipline and attention to the detail. My DD is not a 2 year old that dances all the time at home, she is more rigid, and I hope the baby ballet class will unlock her a but.

We also go swimming and to a baby gym class. She is the same to all… reserved, quiet a bit stiff and mainly observed other kids.

I was hoping she would enjoy all of the classes more as she goes to the nursery full time a year now and is used to being around with other kids…

Is my thinking wrong?[/quote]
She's still so young.

You can't expect her to be interacting with kids at 2. She'll gradually move from observation to parallel play

DappledThings · 06/02/2022 07:45

DD is 4 and still does Baby Ballet. She'll do that till she starts school then if she's still enjoying it I'll look at more formal classes.

The older classes (Movers I think she is now) do more actual ballet but it's still light touch. She is learning some proper terms now like plie and first position but also still running round with coloured scarves.

daisypond · 06/02/2022 08:15

Are you wanting to do all these classes after full-time nursery? It might be a bit much. Tbh, the swimming and tumble tots seem more than enough for a child who is still not two.

Seeline · 06/02/2022 08:53

If she's not even 2 yet, she's way too young! My DDs school advised 2.5 as a minimum, but DD herself kept asking to go, so they let her try at 2.2. As I said, she fitted straight in so they were willing to let her carry on.

I have no idea where her wish to dance came from - she must have seen something on TV I think, but she told me frequently that she wanted to learn to dance!

ChildHeadache · 06/02/2022 09:26

I didnt realise she was at full time nursery too! Honestly these baby classes are usually for parents at home with their kids to fill the time. If she's full time just cut the classes. How do you even fit it in? I'd spend the evenings/weekends going to the park/playi g/ unstructured. After a fulltime week of structure she probably just wants to play and interact with you.

Even baby swimming - at 2 if she isnt into a "class" go and just play the 2 of you. Have fun!

Dont wish it all away. She's plenty time for classes once at school.

Scirocco · 06/02/2022 10:04

If she enjoys the baby ballet class, then I'd say go with that. She's still really young - there's loads of time for her to explore what she likes and dislikes and try new things.

I started dance classes at 3. The first couple of years were focused on fun and developing things like balance and other motor skills, before starting more 'formal' aspects about 5. I think dancing was a great way to develop my coordination but it has to be led by what the child wants - there's no point in pushing them into a structure that doesn't work for them. It's also worth thinking that sometimes the parents, teachers, even other students in more formal classes can be quite full on and put pressure on children - a fun introductory class will help shield you and your daughter from that!

taxi4ballet · 06/02/2022 11:37

We also go swimming and to a baby gym class. She is the same to all… reserved, quiet a bit stiff and mainly observed other kids.

I was hoping she would enjoy all of the classes more as she goes to the nursery full time a year now and is used to being around with other kids…

Is my thinking wrong?[/quote]
Upthread you say she is 22 months, so she isn't even two yet. She's still a baby really. Baby ballet classes at that age are intended to appeal to the parents as much as the kids, and she won't learn anything meaningful at all, except hopefully a little bit of rhythm and a love of dance.

Take her to the baby ballet thing and stifle your revulsion at the sea of pink! She'll either like it or she won't.

00100001 · 07/02/2022 14:13

Your baby must be fucking exhausted doing all that stuff.

Original poster

Hopitihop · 07/02/2022 15:00

Well, she goes swimming on Friday PM and I pick her earlier from the nursery on this day.

Then baby gym and baby ballet are just two 30’ classes on Saturday morning 9-9.30 and 10-10.30.

It would be a disaster if I had her all morning at home and trying to entertain her… She really enjoys being out, is it too much?

OP posts:

daisypond · 07/02/2022 15:08

I think it’s too much, personally. Three classes for a baby after being at nursery full time. Your child will be happy pottering around at home, being with you, following you about as you do your day, with a trip to the park here and there. You shouldn’t need to entertain her as such for long periods.

guineapigs · 07/02/2022 15:16

Both my dd and ds did baby ballet. Ds mainly run around and only was interested in the bit where they give you flags and fairy sticks. He didn't continue ballet after that. Dd was calmer and followed the lessons but showed no interest in ballet.

Original poster

Hopitihop · 07/02/2022 15:41

My DD is one of them that is full of energy, gets frustrated and looking for her coat/shoes when is for hours at home. We could go to the park instead but the swings/slide are always wet during this time of the year… the gym class doesn’t count as a class as it is a free play time really like soft play, not a structured class.

It’s only baby ballet and swimming. I would stop swimming as I believe is a life skill and this is why I am questioning baby ballet…

OP posts:

Original poster

Hopitihop · 07/02/2022 15:42

Sorry I meant I wouldn’t stop swimming*

OP posts:

00100001 · 07/02/2022 18:04

@Hopitihop

It’s only baby ballet and swimming. I would stop swimming as I believe is a life skill and this is why I am questioning baby ballet…

Well it's not "only" baby ballet and swimming.

It's full time nursery,( which is full on whether Or or FT)
Swimming
Baby Gym
Ballet

You'd probably be worn out working full-time, and swimming and doing ballet and going to a gym class., As well as running the house, going out etc.

She's not even two, life is overwhelming at that age at the best of times, she learning sooooo much, becoming her own little person.

I'd ditch the ballet for now.

Stick to swimming on one weekend day and do the baby gym in lieu of getting to the playground.

ilovesushi · 27/02/2022 13:04

Go with the one that she enjoys most. You can transfer her to a more serious school later on. I wouldn't worry about technique at this age as it will just be skipping, running, pointy toes etc. My DD (now secondary school age) has dance classes most week nights but still remembers the with great fondness the ballet club she went to as a pre-schooler. It was very creative, lots of lovely music and lots of props to dance with - hoops, ribbons, enormous toy mice! I used to get a real kick out of seeing her so joyful in class.

SnowyPetals · 27/02/2022 13:10

Do the one that's easier to get to and fits in with your life better at this stage. Your DD is so young, it really won't matter which one she starts with.

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