How young is too young for ballet?

Question

I would like my daughter to participate in ballet at some point when looking in our local phone book I noticed that some instructers have classes available for one year old children, but can they really learn ballet that young?

Answer 1

I think 2 or 3. I mean..the kid should at least walk without falling down and being all wobbly.

Answer 2

yeah... i think during the toddler years its all fun anyways... maybe around 3 or 4 they can really start teaching them different dances

Answer 3

nah. that's just a waste of money to put them in that young.

i would say wait until she's at least 3.

Answer 4

Ballet classes for children (generally) is a good way for them to develop muscle tone and balance - it helps with good posture and so has positive benefits for the development and maintenance of internal organs .... however I'm not really sure a 1year old 'needs' instruction in dance or can comprehend any form of instructed dance and therefore, I would imagine, have problems in following instruction in dance .... all that I would see would be happening is them just being encouraged to do what they do naturally - walk and run about on their toes!  However the ability to learn, in one so young, is immense - so a 1 year old child might mimic dance movements without understanding or following instruction and in time comprehend this natural learning ability as dance .... they may then in turn also develop a better sense of balance and posture through this .... but let's keep a perspective on this .... this is a small moment in time in the life of a child ... let them keep it as just that - childhood - the learning and development can come later when they start to understand things and can see comprehend themselves in terms of their bodies .... why rush?

Answer 5

I would wait until my child expressed interest in learning it.  

1 is far too young.  Even if she liked it, chances are she would burn out on it before she was 5.

Answer 6

well, if you want your kid to be doing ballet for a long time, you can start at 2, but if its just for fun i say go w/ 3 years old, because 1 is way too young, but i guess if they are interested and you see them dancing maybe you should let your daughter join

Answer 7

My oldest daughter started at about age 2.5. Cami started at age 3. In my opinion, one is way to early. It's probably not actually ballet anyway. I'm sure it's more like getting used to the teacher and getting comfortable with the basic concept. Maybe they teach them like a turn or two, but I can't see them learning a whole routine. I would wait until at least 2.

Answer 8

3 to 4 is a good age...1 or 2 is too young in my opinion. You are going to pay all that money, and they arent really going to remember it. Also, its better if they do it when their bodies are more developed. 3 or 4 is a safe age to start at.  

Answer 9

Dear Alex's Mom,

         Classes for one and two year olds are more maternal bonding classes than ballet. I believe at this age or younger the child is developing music appreciation which will have long term permenent benefits.

        Enroll your child in any program willing to accept her and your money.... If your daughter takes pleasure from her classes she will let you know. If she does not like her classes SHE WILL LET YOU KNOW. Your choice is trying another program or another field of interest. DO NOT FORCE HER CONFORMANCE TO YOUR UNFULFILLED DESIRES. Let her select her own interests be it karate, soccer, softball or skydiving (When she turns 18). Give her a hug and APPRECIATE THIS TIME. They grow up so fast...too fast.

Best Wishes.      

Answer 10

i wish my area had ballet for my 1yr old!!!

she might not "learn" ballet, but she will learn about music, movement, working/playing with others, listening to the teacher

most places start them @ 2.5 or when potty trained...i have to wait til then!!! :(

Answer 11

Hun way too young for ballet, My daughter was 8 when she took up ballet BUT i'm not saying wait this long like we did i would wait till she is old enough to take direction and is wanting to do it say around 3 to 4 some girls grasp it easy and some it takes a while,  

Answer 12

5 YEARS OLD OR BEGINIG PRESCHOOL

Answer 13

I'd go for 3 years.

Answer 14

3 years is a good age and most classes are non exam until they are 5/6 anyway. Classes should be fun, so look around before sending her as a bad school could put her off for life.

Saying all that my daughter went at 3 and hated it because she wouldnt stay still, so she left and started again when she was 7. She still dances at a high standard now at 15 years old and i would recommend dancing to any parents as it is great for discipline, fitness, posture and a great social life.

Answer 15

i would say 3 or 4 cause at that age she'll know more if she wants to do ballet or not! don't force her into it if she doest want to do it  

Answer 16

No, that's too young. A good age to start would be 4 years old.

Answer 17

maybe when she is little older like 3 one is a little young considering she either doesn't know how to walk yet or just learning to walk. my daughter is 3 and I have been thinking about ballet for her she has shown some interest in it. maybe you should see how the classes are and how the kids that young react to it then that will answer your question.