Is 17 Months Too Young?

Hi A.:
I see that your in Hudson, I am in Land O'Lakes. No 17 months isn't to young for either of those activities, you may have a hard time finding a dancing class though at that age. I do know that Suncoast Gymnastics on Congress has "Open Play" basically it is an hour that the little ones run around the equipment with you and try stuff out. The lady who runs/owns the gym also does some circle time, some little obstacle courses and little starter gymnastics stuff if your child will participate, some don't, they just run around and jump on stuff the whole time. Some dancing places have Mommy and Me, the one I know of is Contempo, but that is in Land O'Lakes and a little far for you. Good Luck
S. Gallo
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In my opinion...no, 17 months is not too young. If you can find a place that will take her, and she seems happy, then I think you should go for it. I have 2 girls and both have been dancing and doing gymnastics since they would let me sign them up. They love it and it's a great way for them to meet other little kids. It's also fantastic excersise and helps build their self esteem. I taught dance, cheerleading and gymnastics for 12+ years before becoming a stay at home mom so I'm all for it.

Good Luck!

Hi A.:
I don't think your daughter is too young for dance lessons provided you can find a class within her age range and that is not very structured. If it is a class more for just fun, I think that would be great. I noticed you mentioned you also have a 13 year old. How is it having children so far apart? I just had my 3rd child on July 25. I also have two teenage daugther and a soon to be 11 year old step-daughter so I'm just curious. T.

I don't have experiece with the dancing but I do with the gymnastics. My daughter (now 2) was 18 months when I put her in a mommy and me gymnastics class. While most of the other children in the class were well behaved and followed directions, mine wouldn't. The teacher said it was normal for the first few weeks. After three months of taking her each week I gave up. I'll try again in another year. She was awful. Wouldn't follow directions, threw fits, etc. She loved to do the actual activities, that wasn't the problem, she just hated to do it in a group, have to follow the teacher as when she could do them, take turns, etc.

I say try it for a month and see how it goes. If she follows directions and it's a pleasant experience then stick with it, if not stop going and try again when she's a little older.