Ready a Young Child for Ballet Class
Many children growing up go to dance class. The best class to start out with is ballet since it is the basis of every dance genre. If your child is starting ballet, even at a young age, they will have a certain dress code that contributes to their hair, outfit, and shoes. There may also be other requirements or expectations based on their leotard, ballet slippers, dance bag, what time you get there, and how your child does in class. This wikiHow will help your child get ready for ballet class. Be prepared, but don't forget that it's all for fun!
Steps
- Get a dance bag. In most dance studios, they sell merchandise such as leotards, tights, shoes, and duffel bags. They come in all sizes, patterns, and prints so get one that is right for your child. If they are only in ballet, get a small bag that will hold their leotard, tights, ballet slippers, hair items, and spare shoes. If your child is in more than one dance genre (jazz, acro, musical theater, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, etc.), then get a bag that will hold all of their stuff (shoes, sweats, leotard, tights, hair items, etc.). Since this is all for fun, get a dance bag that they like, and that is a good size for all the items.
- Feed your child a snack about half an hour before you leave for class. Give them something healthy, so that they're energized, and is ready to have fun. The best options for a snack are fruit, yogurt, or a granola bar. Give them something small, so that they aren't completely full and tired during the dance class. If your child is loaded up with sugar or too full, they may end up crashing, getting tired, slowing down, and throwing a tantrum. However, if they're hungry during class, they will also be tired and will get distracted from hunger, and not pay attention in class. So, remember to give them a little something before dance class.
- Take your child to the bathroom about twenty minutes before you leave for class. Even if your child says they don't have to go, make them try so that they don't miss anything in class. When they're done, change them into their leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. Most ballet dress codes consist of black leotard (no sparkles, tutus, or fringe), plain white or pink tights, and pink, black, or white ballet slippers.
- Put her hair into a bun about ten minutes before you leave for class if it's long. You may need to freshen it up right before class, though, if it gets ruined while she's in the car or playing before class.
- The best method for a bun is to put your daughter's hair in a ponytail (preferably a high ponytail), and twist it tightly. This might pull her hair a bit, but it will be fine.
- Next, twist the twist so that it forms a bun. Put a hairband on it to secure it, and bobby pin the hair that sticks out.
- Add a cute bow so that your daughter looks cute in class.
- Get to class fifteen, to twenty minutes before, so that you aren't "that mom/dad" that always gets there late, and makes everyone else relearn every step that they just went over. It is also very important to get there on time because if you don't it hurts your child when dancing, everyone gets annoyed with you, your child will be unhappy, and it makes you look unreliable. If you can't make it on time, have a friend or family member take them. Tell them about the uniform, snack, bathroom, hair, and what time to be there.
- Try to avoid buying ones with elastic strings when buying ballet slippers. It's a hassle to tie them, tuck them in, and have them trip your child when dancing. If you can't find any slippers without elastic strips, then cut them a bit shorter, to the point where they won't drag, if they are untied accidentally.
- Don't stress too much. You aren't going to be able to be on time every week. You may forget to tie their shoes or take them to the restroom. Just remember, this is for fun! As long as your child is happy, that's all that matters. Most children don't care if they show up to class in a sundress, and cowboy boots! You are their parent, and if your child is happy, then you are perfect!
Tips
- If needed, add a hairnet to your daughter's bun. To use, just twist the hairnet around the bun.
- Don't let your child wear their ballet slippers outside. They are not street shoes. They will get dirty and worn out quickly and will make the studio dance floors dirty and slippery.
- Make sure your child goes to the bathroom before they put on their tights and leotard. Taking everything off once they're already dressed is no fun at all.
- If it's the last week of the month, bring your checkbook so you can pay your tuition for the coming month. Or, just make sure to pay as required - whether it be in advance, weekly, monthly or quarterly, etc.
- Don't allow your child to bring toys to dance class, having something to play with could be distracting. If there is any downtime in class, have them practice or get a drink, not play.
Things You'll Need
- Dance bag
- Ballet shoes
- Black leotard
- White or pink tights
- Bobby pins
- Hairband(s)
