At what age can you put your child(ren) in a dance class, bella or gymnastics?

Question

hi, my daughter is 2.3/4 yrs old (33 months) and she's a very active child, she loves to dance, sing and just so full of energy. She might be starting head start this yr, and my mom keeps bugging me about getting her into some kind of dance class. It sounds interesting and something i would like to get my daughter into "some day" but im thinking about waiting til after she starts head start and gets use to being around other adults and kids, and if she still likes danceing and singing, im thinking about asking her if shes interested in dance classes when shes around 4-5 yrs old, would that be a perfect age? and how would i go about getting her started?

Answer 1

As long as the child has fun, truly wants to engage in the activity, and can follow an instructor's directions, any age is acceptable.

Answer 2

We can't tell the exact age because each child has their own different development. As long as a child can follow directions and able to focus on what they are doing, I think they can. We also consider the ability to make friends or being in a group. The child should have overcome these problems or else the child will not learn or enjoy it. It is important that they enjoy the class because if not it will not be beneficial all.

The average age is 4-5 because by this age a child knows how to interact and listen to instructions. The important issue here is that they are not obligated to do it and really likes and enjoys dancing.

With her age now maybe you can encourage her by watching performances and shows. And ask her if she likes to be a ballerina or someone doing the same thing. Or if you know someone who attends a class or teaches one maybe she can observe and sit-in with them. She needs to adjust with the new environment. If she is ready then you can enroll her by all means. It's also good to start learning young, because there are a lot to learn. It's all up to her and you.

Me, I started my formal classes at 5 or 6 but had my first performance when I was 4.

Answer 3

My oldest started at age 3, she has been dancing ever since & has tried a couple yrs in gymnastics, daughter #2 hounded us to start and at age 2 1/2 yrs was enrolled and doing beautifully, she has switched from dance to gymnastics after 3yrs in dance class. Daughter #3 however is really immature & even though she begged we held off until 4yrs, she is in gymnastics & I don't think she will be in any class next yr as she's not mature enough to handle it. I think you know your child better than anyone and should know how much she is ready for. There's no perfect numeral age for anything, people focus too much on the age in yrs when they should be more concerned with developmental readiness. By pushing too soon b/cuz another child is able to or whatever the reason, people do more harm than good w/ the child. However most studios won't accept children younger than age 3 and that's mostly due to behavior, attention spans, potty training, etc... You are right to ask your daughter as this needs to be something SHE wants to do. Not something she has to do b/cuz gma wants to see her in a cute pink tutu. Good luck!

Answer 4

Hello, to answer your question on when to start your daughter in dance class is 5-6 yrs of age is a perfect time! I have two daughter my first is 13 1/2 & my second is 6 1/2. Now my oldest started dancing when she was 7 and she's been dancing since she was born (LOL)....and I knew immediately she would be into dancing....so she did that for 2yrs, and then went staright into competative cheerleading and she's been doing it for about 5yrs now and she loves every minute of it! she has built up her tumbling skills from cheer which is a big plus and she is still learning so much. Now my lil one she has been going to all the competitions since she was baby and as she got older I would ask her do you want to do what sister is doing and she would say no, of course she was only 2 1/2 when I asked her and she was very shy too. But from seing her sister doing it and always tumbling on the grass with her she has developed a natural talent
for cheer also. So now my lil one can do a back handspring and a round off back handspring. When her eldest sister joined cheer it took her a while I believe she was 9yrs old when she learned how to do a standing back handspring. So there is definetely an advange to doing dance, cheer etc...at an early age I've seen the difference in my two daughters. So my advice to you is take you daughter to a couple of classes around 5yrs of age. Now I don't no how long practices would be for your child, but mine go for 2 1/2 hrs twice a week and that time consist of total practice and that kinda long hours might be too much for a beginner, but dance to me sounds very right on for introductory
at her age. But you will see the way your child takes to the class
she may be interested or she may not be. I know my eldest wanted to do tap, jazz, or ballet at 4yrs of age because of the cute lil tu,tu's they wear and that's always cute for lil girls. But check out your options and see what your city has to offer. I hope this will help you out some.

Thanks so much
Rosalie Gonzales 0_0

Answer 5

You can start pre-ballet or creative dance at 3-5 years old. It should mostly be working with the kids on coordination and flexibility. Level one generally starts with 5 or 6 year olds and this is where they start learning the movements. Techinique is not focuses on as much as movement. Level two will then focus more on small refining of techinque and moving onto new movements.

I know there are toddler tumbling classes. These can be a great way to start in ballet if your child isn't old enough. They will help build strength, coordination, and flexibility. It will also teach children how to respond to their teachers and how to take 'coaching' well.

Good luck to you and your daughter!!

Answer 6

If she is interested now I would do a summer class and see how she likes it. I danced for several years when I was older and wanted to start long before that, I started around age 9 and have been dancing since. Tap, ballet and gymnastics. You should start her now only because when they are young they absorb things like a sponge. She will pick up complicated dance moves and steps and have them mastered before her older counterparts. She will build self confidence like you wouldn't believe and she will learn to be around kids through the dance lessons. Your mom is right to get her started while she's interested because when you get interested in it SHE may not be anymore.

Answer 7

first of all ballet is not bella but about the dancing. i think she's at a perfect age. my mom put me in dance right before i turned three years old and i stuck with it until i was 12. i think if shes got the energy and the interest then start her early. dance can be competitive my as well get the upper hand and start early if she wants a successful career.

i'm serious people take dance very seriously lol

Answer 8

I have 3 daughters, all of whom began dance classes between 2 and 2.9. I think this was a great way to get them ready for school. Pick your school carefully and make sure they have a preschool teacher who specializes in young children. My kids are now 10, 8, and 6 and still dance at the same studio. Your mom is right, sounds like your daughter would love it!!!

Answer 9

Wait to put her in ballet until she is 4 or 5. Tumbling or "movement" classes would be better for her now. Get her moving with music and in the environment before you put her in ballet. If she still wants, look for a tap/jazz/ballet mix until she is about 6. If she wants to do ballet after that, that should be her focus, depending on how serious she is. If she does go into ballet, it is important to build her sense of body image so she doesn't get stuck in the idea that she has to be super skinny, which is always a danger.

If she happens to love ballet, and decides that is what she wants to do, 7 years old would be a good time to focus on starting serious training.

Answer 10

O.K., its too early for head start, really. Consider maybe next year... too early and she won't fit in, she's too young. 4 is a better age. As far as dance goes, dance at home, maybe a ballet video, for a year or so, then if she's still interested, then do indeed apply for classes... don't they have junior beginners? Alot of private schools provide dance as part of the curriculum. I had my kids in private through the first grade, it's a more personal environment. Alas, it was $650.00 a month, but worth the cost.

Answer 11

actually if you go to a dance studio when she's about 3, they'll probably put her in creative movement and then when's she's 4 or 5 she'll start ballet or a different dance class. I'm sure she can do gymnastics when she's 3 also.