Looking for ballet class recommendations for my daughters

[Not Sure]

I have no idea what I'm doing, but my daughters are interested in dancing and they love ballerinas. They're 4 and 5, so I'm not sure what to look for in a dance studio. Does anyone have any ideas on a website that reviews dance studios, maybe sorted by state, city or ZIP code? Any recommendations on how I can go about my search for a reputable dance studio?

Thanks,

"Lost Dad"

-Ryan H

[Lydia Leftcoast]

1. I don't know, but call the nearest ballet company and ask about schools

that they recommend.

A bad teacher can actually cause injuries by not insisting on proper form or letting the kids go en pointe (i.e. dancing on their toes) too early.

A good teacher will keep an eye on the kids, watch what they're doing, and actually put them into the correct position if they're out of alignment.

Actually, four or five is a bit young to start dance training. The recommended ages for starting ballet are more like seven or eight. Your daughters might be better served by a rhythm and music class at this stage.

Good luck!

LL (ballet fan and aunt of a promising dancer)

[Not Sure]

4. Thank you very much

This kind of response is why I posted my question here! Thanks!

[Roon]

2. Awwww!

You are so wonderful!! Lucky girls....

[OKNancy]

3. Since I'm a studio owner and a ballet teacher

I hope I can give you some advise.

I have had a studio for 33 years.

As the person above said, "serious" training starts at about 8, but classes geared for young ones
are wonderful preparation. I've noticed that most of our best students have a real head start if they have taken classes as a young one. They seem to develop a better sense of music, rhythm and of course, bonding with the teacher and the school.

At this point your daughters have no idea what they will really like or if dancing is something they will want to do. For Dads I use this analogy: Many boys play basketball. Some in PE class, some at a gym or on the playground and some on a team at school. All the boys benefit but there are very few that will go on to be paid for their sport. However, they all benefit from the activity.
It's the same with dance. DO not go into this thinking your daughters will end up a pro.
I will give them an appreciation for the art, and make them more well-rounded cultured people.

When you look for a studio, I'd ask first about teachers. Make sure they are taught by an adult and not a teenager. Second, I really believe in open observation. I don't mean actually sitting in the room, but a window to watch. I do it to keep my teachers from getting lazy and just sitting or playing.
Also, just in case there is a problem, it helps if there are witnesses...lol

In Texas competitions are a big deal. I wouldn't necessarily rule out a school heavy on competition, but given a choice, I'd steer clear.

Girls 4-5 can also take "combo" classes like Ballet-tap or ballet-acrobatic ( tumbling)
Anything you do at this age is not going to be "real ballet" What you need to look for
is someone who gives you a good vibe about walking a middle path. Not a party/play school but not a
severe structured environment either. In the first case you are wasting your money, in the second you may lose them forever because they hate it.

Dance Masters of America is a group that has a test to get in. Other professional organizations are just if you pay the money, you are in. Dance Masters used to be elite...but I'm not so sure now because they have gotten heavy into competitions.

PM me your exact location and I'll see if I know anyone in your area.

Edit to add: I looked at your profile and I see where you are. I'll check into it for you.
I have some connections there.

[Not Sure]

5. Thank you!

You've given me so much in your response already, OKNancy. Any additional information is icing on the cake. Thanks.

[OKNancy]

6. I did forgot to mention

class size. Ask how many are in the class. Over 12-14 for this age would be bad.
Also is they say, "well, we have 25 students, but there are two teachers"... that's a cop-out.
One will probably be a teen doing nothing but wiping noses. Only one teacher can run a class.

I looked up your area on google ( Dance Schools Ft Worth) and there are several good ones.
It's going to take a day of phone calling and visiting your possibilities.
I ALWAYS let a student come in and take a free class to see if they like us.

I'm also going to say this as an older teacher... don't walk away from a school because the teacher isn't young and skinny. Some of the best teachers in the world are the older, experienced, motherly types who really care about the kids. Watch to see if the teacher is looking at herself in the mirror, or the children.

Good luck!

[Not Sure]

7. Thanks again, OKNancy

Sorry I haven't checked in lately, but as the end of the year approaches, it seems they want me to move in at work and stay there all day and night.

[KitchenWitch]

8. At their ages, I would try and get them into a Tap and Ballet combo class

Straight ballet is a bit too rigorous for them at their ages.