25.8.15

Investigating Evansville Ballet Classes For Kids? Here Is What You Need To Know

By Nancy Gardner


Evansville, Indiana is a city full of ballet experiences for youngsters. As home to many fine ballet and dance schools, the city has a well-deserved reputation for highly awarded and trained professional instructors who come from many of the world's outstanding performing organizations. Parents who live in the area are fortunate to have wonderful choices for dance training. Beginning dancers need to have the best foundation possible. Here are a few tips to help newcomers to the dance world look at training with a perceptive eye.

When you are the parent investigating Evansville ballet classes for kids, you should begin by visiting the studios that catch your eye. The study of classical dance techniques will seem strange at first. The steps are all given in French, so your child will also learn a new language. Your job will be to see how the students interact with their teachers. Photos of recent work only shows final results and what you really want to see is how those were achieved.

To receive permission to view classes, contact the studio administrator. Present yourself as the parent of a child interested in studying there. Most will allow you to observe from an adjacent area or to take a few moment sitting someplace in the classroom. Write down questions for later, so as not to disturb the class.

Before your child attends class, watch a session. You will look for several things. How does the instructor interact with the students? Once the instructor demonstrates exercises to the entire class, does he or she help students individually? Are struggling students encouraged or discouraged? Are students forced to hold difficult or uncomfortable positions? Try to gauge the general classroom mood. Look for happy faces, or concentrated, focused eyes. Ballet study is traditionally formal, so expect that discipline will be exercised. But with very young students whose bodies, minds and emotions are still developing, class should be more relaxed. Showing positions, using hands to guide young hands, arms, legs and feet is quite normal. Forcing young bodies into pain is not.

Once you decide which studio, ask about a trial class. One is often offered so that the instructor can evaluate your child's readiness. Each child knows if their experience was positive. You can discuss it. Then, it will be time to sign up for lessons.

Some studios will accept youngsters at any point. Others will ask that you begin with the first class scheduled. Introductory classes focusing on rhythm and movement are wonderful places to start.

Your child will need appropriate dance clothes and shoes. Each studio has its own dress code for students. Some are color coded by age or level. The basics include a leotard, a pair of tights and ballet slippers. Ask about appropriate ways to keep long hair contained, if necessary.

Some studios charge tuition by the class and others for a series of lessons, or even an entire semester. When you have the appropriate clothing ready, enroll your child. You may be starting a lifetime of happy ballet experiences.




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