Expert: Connie - 3/15/2010

Question
My 6 year old daughter is learning ballet at school but she now says that she is not enjoying it very much as she is still doing the same things she did in kindergarten. Could you please tell me, approximately, at what level she should be and what she should be doing. I understand that you cannot make an accurate assessment via email but if I could have some information to discuss with her teacher then hopefully my daughter will not be put off ballet for life.

Many Thanks

Mrs Amanda Maloney

Answer
Your daughter should currently be in a creative movement class.  She is too young to begin intensive training.  Hopefully they are playing games in her class and cultivating a love of dance.  If she doesn't like it, perhaps she should take a break.  There is a good chance she may want to try ballet again when she is older.  However, if forced to continue it now she may develop a deep loathing of the art form.  It's more important that, at her age, she gets to do activities she likes.  I hope this is helpful. =]