How to Help Your Daughter Become a Ballerina

Your little girl pirouettes nonstop all around the house. Her bedroom is filled with posters of famous dancers and she begs to go to the newest ballet showing in town. First you feel it may be a phase but after time you realize your daughter is serious about becoming a ballet dancer. Even though most young dancers do not go on to a career in dance, yours may be the exception and you likely want to offer her the best opportunities. Taking the essential steps to engage her in this classic activity will help her on her way to becoming a prima ballerina.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read books such as "Becoming a Ballerina" by Nancy Ellison or "Ballerina: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ballet" by Jane Hackett to your young daughter. If she is older, purchase dance magazines and novels about young dancers. Point out the stamina and dedication necessary for such a strenuous activity to be sure she has the commitment level necessary to be successful. Accompany her to both local and visiting ballets at theaters and fine art venues.

    • 2

      Gather materials on the ballet classes available in your area. Read about the benefits and costs of each one before you decide which is most suitable for your child. Ask the schools for permission to observe classes or even take a beginning class free of charge. Most will be only too happy to accommodate you. Be sure the schools you are considering offer serious instruction -- ask for the backgrounds of instructors and inquire as to the successes of former and current students.

    • 3

      Enroll your child in the dance school of choice. Be sure she is placed with children her own age to make it more social for her. An older child in a beginning class of toddlers will feel awkward and out of place. Observe her from the window that is provided for parents -- many dance venues have monitors in waiting areas for you to watch your little ballerina practice and meet other parents. This will enable you to review her progress compared to that of others in her class. It will also enable you to determine if the teaching methods of the instructor are effective and engaging.

    • 4

      Purchase dance wear and shoes for her classes. Be sure your child realizes that the exotic outfits and fluffy tutus are used mainly for dance recitals and shows. A simple leotard, ballet shoes, leg warmers and tights should suffice for both lessons and practice. A dance bag is also handy to keep all of her apparel and supplies together. Dance costumes can be expensive so it may be prudent to shop around and compare pricing among several outlets.

    • 5

      Support your child in her choice of dance. Encourage her when it may seem too difficult or the practices and classes too strenuous and tiring. Take an active interest in her progress and continue to accompany her to new ballet recitals and dance shows of all types that may periodically be available in your city.

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