How ballet can help toddler develop and thrive
Ballet is a great way for children to get active and build their strength and discipline.
But there’s no need to wait until your son or daughter starts school, your little one can start reaping the benefits of ballet as soon as they start to walk. Noodle Performance Art’s Ballet Totsclasses are a gentle introduction to ballet for toddlers and pre-schoolers, using movement, music and props to get them dancing.
Here are some of the ways getting your tot involved in ballet can help their development:
- Listening to instructions
Learning to listen to and follow instructions is a vital life skill which will help your child in all aspects of their life. Attending a toddler ballet class like Ballet Tots will get your little one used to following direction. Whether they are marching, twirling or pointing their toes, they will need to concentrate and focus on what their teacher has told them and how to move their body. It may take a while for your son and daughter to get the hang of listening to their class teacher but this skill will develop over time and will help prepare them for going to school and taking part in other activities.
- Controlled co-ordination
Carrying out even the simplest ballet movements will help a child develop their co-ordination skills, flexibility, strength and balance. Your daughter or son will learn to have more control of their movements. Ballet is a fantastic way for your little one to practice their gross motor skills, which include walking, running, jumping and rocking from side to side. It will also help your child if they want to take up other forms of dancing or sport in the future.
- Social skills
Our Ballet Tots classes encourage young children to spend time together with others of a similar age. Carrying out activities as part of a group is important in developing social skills and helps build confidence. As the children taking part are accompanied by the grown up looking after them, they are able to gradually develop their sense of independence at their own pace. Dancing also allows children to express themselves in a non-verbal way, which can boost their self-esteem.
- Practice makes perfect
Learning ballet moves and dance routines takes time and practice. Ballet classes introduce the idea that practicing a skill brings improvement. Developing a sense of discipline and determination is important for young children and helps them to understand that while something might be hard at first, it will become easier if they keep trying.
Noodle Performance Arts’ Ballet Tots classes are suitable for children from the moment they can walk up to three. From the age of three, youngsters can join our normal ballet classes, which are tailored to the age and ability of the group.
Find a classnear you today.