How Can You Support Your Aspiring Ballerina?
Dance classes are a great way for your child to exercise and make happy memories that will last a lifetime. Ballet can also come in handy if your young ones ever want to try jazz or tap dance styles. As a parent, here are several things you can do to support your kids in ballet classes.
4 Ways Parents Can Help Their Aspiring Ballet Dancers
1. Get Them to Class On Time
In addition to avoiding class disturbances, getting your kids to ballet on time will prevent them from missing stretching and warm-up routines that can prevent injuries. Factor in 10 minutes of extra travel time to account for parking or long drop-off lines.
2. Provide the Right Attire
Kids who take ballet classes must wear tights, a leotard, and ballet shoes with elastics. These garments are snug and don’t get in the way of movement. Also, have your little ballerina wear their hair in a bun or French twist. This allows the instructor to check that they have the proper form by evaluating their neck and arms.
3. Encourage Good Sleeping Habits
Kids need up to 11 hours of sleep each night to allow their bodies and minds to relax after long days of school and extracurricular activities. Make sure your kids feel rested by putting them to bed early. Remove electronic devices and limit TV at least an hour before bedtime. This will lead to an increase in melatonin production, which is the hormone that causes sleepiness.
4. Support Them
Offer your children verbal praise when they learn new movements and advance to higher levels. However, don’t let them lose the sense of fun in dance. Allow them to set their own goals without pressuring them. Ask them what they want to accomplish, and help them challenge themselves to achieve those milestones.
When your young ones are ready to take ballet classes, enroll them in Elite Dance and Performing Arts. Located in Woodland Hills, CA, this dance studio also offers lessons in tap, jazz, and hip hop dance throughout the San Fernando Valley. Call (818) 704-1490 to sign your kids up for ballet classes, and visit the website to learn more about schedules and performances.