Many people who are interested in performing arts are put off from taking their first steps towards getting involved because they can't access information. I know that this was the case with me. I hope that the information I have published on this blog will help you to get involved with the performing arts. Over the past couple of years, I have had the pleasure of learning lots about the performing arts and I would like to share this knowledge with you. I have taken part in dance shows and I have even acted in plays. I hope you enjoy this blog!
Here are a couple of very common misconceptions about kids' ballet that might result in a child who would love this activity not getting the chance to try it out.
Practising ballet will damage a child's developing feet
When parents do online research about ballet, they may be confronted with images of famous ballerinas showing off their rather gnarled and blistered feet. As a result of this, they may incorrectly conclude that they should not let their kids go to ballet classes in case this activity damages their developing feet.
It is absolutely not true that a young child's feet will be ruined by practising this art form. Most professional, adult ballet dancers only get sore feet as a result of two things; the hours upon hours of extremely intense daily practise they do and the extended periods they spend 'en pointe' (i.e. dancing on their tip-toes) during these sessions. Ballet teachers who teach young children do not let their students go en pointe, because they know a person's feet must be fully developed before they can safely do this. Many teachers don't begin teaching this technique to their students until the students in question have reached their teens.
Furthermore, classes for children typically last less than an hour and most ballet teachers will discourage their young students from practising too intensely in their own time. In short, a child is at no greater risk of getting foot injuries during ballet classes than they are whilst doing any other type of dance or sport.
Boys who practise ballet will be teased by their peers
Another misconception parents sometimes believe is that if they allow their sons to go to children's ballet classes, these boys will be teased by their peers at school for partaking in a 'girly' activity. The truth is that whilst some people who are unfamiliar with this type of dance think it is all about wearing frilly tutus and prancing around a stage, ballet is an art form that requires its participants, both male and female, to demonstrate huge amounts of endurance, strength, focus and skill.
As such, whilst it is possible that a boy who goes to these classes might initially hear a thoughtless or insensitive remark from one of their peers about this hobby, the chances are that when his schoolmates see him dance and showcase his abilities, any mild disdain they may have felt will soon turn into admiration.
Furthermore, it's a good idea for parents to encourage their children to try out hobbies that are not stereotypically associated with their gender so that these children don't miss out on activities, like dance classes, that they might enjoy and be very good at, just because they decided to label those activities as too boyish or girlish.
Now that you know the truth about kids' ballet classes, look for ones near you.