Ideas for Teaching Ballet to 2-3 Year Olds

Set Rules

• Whenever teaching a class to kids, it is essential to go over what is expected. Decide what will be most helpful in having a productive class and set these as your main ground rules. Go over them before each class begins and make sure all the kids understand. One rule you may want to incorporate is each time you clap, the kids need to return to a designated spot. It's an effective way to ensure classroom management without having to raise your voice.

Stretch Time

• Teach kids the importance of stretching before any activity. You might want to start by playing some children's music and encouraging them to jump and swing their arms around for several minutes. Then slow things down to directed stretches. Have kids touch their toes and reach high. This is also a great way to warm them up for what's to come.

Dress Up

• What better way to put the kids in the mood for ballet than having them dress up? Have a supply of pastel tutus and ballet slippers for kids to try on. This will get them excited for ballet and also help them understand the concept a bit more. You may also want to give each child a scarf that can be used during the ballet practice.

Moves

• Begin by teaching kids the correct posture and stance needed for ballet. Have them use their scarf as they swing their arms to teach them the art of graceful and precise movements. Teach them the basic positions and the names and movements ballet incorporates, but remember that it will be difficult for the kids to do the moves. The most important thing is to encourage them to have fun and introduce them to ballet. As the weeks go on, incorporate other moves based on the class' progress. Remember to move on quickly from one move to the next since this age group has a quick attention span.

Reward

• At the end of each ballet practice, make sure you compliment each child with something positive. You may want to assign someone as the star of the week or even give small prizes like a ballet sticker as each child walks out. At the end of the class span, consider having a recital where they can show off their ballet skills for their loved ones.