The pros and cons of ballet classes for little girls
Ballet is a beautiful dance form, but if done incorrectly, the training can result in long-term damage to bodies that are still growing.
Should little girls do ballet? If your daughter loves dancing, enrolling her into ballet classes is a great way to help her develop and grow her passion. However, there are a few things parents should keep in mind.
Did you know that research has confirmed that dance, particularly ballet, is one of the most demanding physical activities undertaken by young people?
Ballet, like many other sports, can cause injuries later on in your child’s life if not done correctly, including ingrown toenails, tendinosis, stress fractures, ankle sprains, ankle impingement, or low back pain.
We discuss the pros and cons of ballet classes for small children and what parents need to know before they enrol their daughters.
Helen Malherbe started ballet classes when she was under three years old and continued until she was 18.
“In my teenage years, I was dancing four to five days a week,” said Helen.
“Today, although I have a certain grace, posture and am still very flexible, I also have terrible feet, rheumatism, sore knees, back problems and a vast list of other ailments. Sure, it may have been caused by inadequate training, possible weaknesses in my physique and a lack of knowledge on the part of my parents. But surely this can’t be what all little girls of today should expect in 20 years – especially if they don’t pursue ballet dancing as a career?”
Pursuing a ballet dream
How can we, as parents, help guide and protect our daughters so that their developing bodies are not damaged for life? Here are a few tips:
- According to experts, children should not start formal ballet training before the age of eight. Before this age, their bones are too soft for the physical demands. Pre-ballet fun classes are popular with younger children and involve a lot of creative movement rather than formal ballet techniques. The syllabus has changed radically in recent years after research showed the potential damage caused in very young children.
- Pointe work for girls should only start at around 12 years old when the toes and ankles are strong enough.
- Sit in on a class or two with your child. You must ensure your child is happy and comfortable in the class and with the teacher.
- Instil confidence in your child and teach them the importance of body image as they grow. It can become all too easy for an eating disorder to develop.
- While a classroom is probably fine for the little ones when formal ballet training begins, it becomes more critical for classes to take place on flexible wooden flooring rather than tiles. T
- Ensure that your daughter doesn’t overstretch, which could cause significant problems later.
- Stay involved and interested. If your child enjoys ballet, encourage them and support them to the best of your ability without becoming overly pushy.
