There is nothing in this world that can teach grace, coordination, poise, and balance better and combine it in a more effective package than ballet. Not even modeling lessons can compare to the training that ballet gives its students and practitioners. How can you even think otherwise, when you see the beautiful and delicate postures and movements that combine to create a masterpiece of grace and skill. Students that learn and apply the lessons of ballet almost subconsciously integrate what they have mastered into their life, and at the very least, one can inexplicably see and sense the increase in self-confidence and self-esteem that will last them a lifetime.
The physical toning and muscle development that ballet training brings is another significant factor to consider. You may see a ballerina as soft and delicate, but so very many people are still unaware that the constant practice in ballet positioning, postures, and movements all help to mold the body into a very fine, well-developed specimen. A ballet student’s strength and stamina increases on a daily basis, while their body weight and metabolism are regulated and stabilized. Mental development also takes place, as perseverance, determination, and discipline is inculcated into the student. The student learns to control his or her emotions, as well. Strength, endurance, grace, and fluidity are all integrated into one form.
With so many positive reasons for studying ballet, is there anything about learning ballet that may be cause for concern for parents? Well, one of the most important factors to consider is that young children whose bones and muscles are still not yet fully formed should not take ballet. This is actually for their own safety, as many of the ballet postures that they will be required to learn will involve contortions of the body; these could definitely injure someone who has still underdeveloped bones and muscles.
Moreover, youngsters may find it very difficult to follow or endure several of ballet’s more strenuous movements. As a result, I have seen countless kids become frustrated at it. Ballet can indeed produce self-confident and self-assured children, but it can also prove to be very stressful, emotionally and physically, to others. Parents must remember that even though the spirit is willing, sometimes the body simply cannot hold up. Not everyone can learn or do ballet. Some parents also find that they cannot maintain the expense of putting their kid thru ballet school. Lessons, costumes, shoes, recitals, and other details can indeed entail a lot of money and time for parents that they simply cannot afford in the long run.
When you do decide that you and your kid are both ready for ballet, try to think about a few critical factors first before plunging right in. For instance, one of the most important things to consider is that enrolling your child in formal ballet school is not all about the poise, grace, skill, and strength that ballet will teach him or her. Granted that all of the things I just mentioned are very good and significant, but it’s also critical that your child enjoys the training. No teacher in the world will be able to fully train a kid in ballet who’s not into it in the first place. You’ll just get a stressed-out, frustrated, and angry child.
Ballet can be very demanding and difficult to learn, but with the right class, instructor, and studio, children can learn and accomplish a lot. In the end, only you and your child can truly know if ballet is right for you.
