Why should your child start ballet?

Posted by Olga Leibrandt on August 1st, 2023

By Olga Leibrandt Last updated: April 5, 2023 Ballet Guide 4 min read, original in German language

If you are reading this, you are probably interested in ballet. You may even consider taking up ballet yourself or sending your child to a ballet class. Whatever the reason, you should know that ballet is not just any physical activity for your child, but also has many positive side effects. On this page, we're going to delve a little deeper into the benefits of ballet classes.

1. Ballet as a basis for many dance styles:

Classical ballet is one of the oldest and most traditional dance forms and forms the basis for a variety of other dance styles. It is an art form that combines elegance, body control, technique and expression, offering a structured approach to learning movements and steps. Even if you or your child later decide to switch to a different dance style, you will benefit from the skills you learned in ballet class. A solid foundation in ballet allows you to learn other forms of dance more easily and adapt to new movements and techniques more quickly.

2. Muscle building:

Another argument for ballet training is the even muscle build-up. In ballet, many muscle groups are strengthened and toned, which means that muscle tension is increased and energy is built up. There are exercises for almost every part of the body, from the legs and arms to the shoulders and back. For example, exercises like plies and relevés help strengthen and tone the leg muscles. Port de Bras strengthen arms and shoulders. There are many different exercises in ballet that target different muscle groups and strengthen the body overall.

3. Improved flexibility:

Another benefit of ballet training is the increase in flexibility. Many stretching exercises are performed in ballet to stretch the muscles and increase the flexibility of the body. A flexible spine and joints help you move easier and faster. It also helps you improve your posture, loosen muscles, and do progressively heavier or more complex exercises.

4. Improved Posture:

Ballet training requires an upright and balanced posture, which is beneficial in everyday life and in other sports. Many of the ballet exercises train the shoulders, arms and back - which visibly improves posture. Poor posture can lead to back pain, neck strain, and other health problems in the long run. The outward appearance of good posture is very important. It says a lot about a person and gives us a first impression of that person.

5. Improved Body Control And Coordination:

Numerous ballet exercises and choreographies ensure improved body control and coordination. In order to successfully perform a pirouette, children learn to control their body movements and coordinate their muscles. The same applies to jumps. A correct jump requires precise technique and body control to distribute weight evenly on both legs and land safely.

6. Learn Discipline:

Discipline is learned in ballet. Children learn in ballet the importance of being on time, wearing appropriate clothing, taking the correct place on the dance floor, being quiet, listening carefully, and following the teacher's directions. Ballet schools are places of discipline where students learn that hard work, perseverance and self-discipline are necessary to achieve the goals set. Learning discipline prepares children for later life, where self-control and self-discipline can be crucial. A public ballet performance with many classes can only be carried out successfully with the disciplined behavior of all students.

 

7. Improved Focus And Memory:

The complex steps and techniques in ballet require a high level of concentration and attention. Regular ballet training increases your ability to concentrate and helps you concentrate better on tasks. The ability to consciously focus on something without being distracted is very valuable, especially for children, and is of great importance when learning at school. In ballet, many steps and combinations must be memorized. Regular ballet practice improves memory and increases the ability to remember things.

 

8. Improved Self-Confidence:

Working at the mirror in ballet school teaches you to express yourself effectively, to smile and to recognize how you come across to others. Through practice in class and public appearances, your child will learn to perform confidently in front of others. This ability proves extremely useful later in life.

 

9. Reduces Stress And Anxiety:

Physical training in ballet releases endorphins, also known as the "happy hormones". This reduces stress and anxiety. Also, exercising as a relaxation method helps take your mind off everyday problems.

 

10. Promotes Social Connection:

Ballet offers the opportunity to establish contacts with other dancers and to make friends. Training and performing together creates a sense of togetherness and builds self-awareness and self-confidence, leading to better relationships within the class. Ballet classes are a wonderful way to encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone to make new friends and make lasting memories.

 

11. Joy And Fun:

Ballet not only brings physical benefits, but also brings joy and fun. Dancing to classical music has a meditative effect and leads us to a feeling of relaxation and inner peace. It is an artistic form of expression that allows the dancer to express their emotions and feelings through movement.

 

In summary, ballet offers a multitude of benefits for children. It promotes physical fitness, improves posture, strengthens muscles and improves flexibility and coordination. It also promotes discipline, concentration and learning to surpass oneself as well as self-confidence and self-esteem. If you are looking for a new activity for your child, ballet is definitely worth considering.

Why should your child start ballet?

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Olga Leibrandt

About the Author

Olga Leibrandt
Joined: August 1st, 2023
Articles Posted: 1