Ballet Moms

My daughter has gone to the Studio of Classical Ballet in the Ace Hardware plaza on US 301 since she was 3 years old. Ballet and soccer are the best sports for kids at that young age because the cross-lateral movement stimulates the reading part of the brain. So not only will your young child have fun, but she will also be getting ready for school. My daughter is now 7 years old in 2nd grade, still takes ballet, and reads at a 5th grade level. There is also a brand new dance studio in Parrish called Freestyle Creative Dance (in the new Publix shopping center). They have a variety of dance classes available, including Princess Ballet. The website is www.FreestyleCreativeDance.com

Hi C.,

I don't know about the schools in the area, but would warn you against starting a child that
young in ballet. That is because their bodies are still forming and ballet's training could
cause distortions. I would recommend that you try to find some creative movement for your
4 year old which will give her a good basis for later dance training. In general, the rule has
been not to start ballet before 7 yrs. I was trained to a professional level in ballet, modern and other dance forms. I am now a Naturopath (natural health) . S. D.

C.,l
I am not sure of the name of the school but there is a ballet school in Ellenton on 301. It is in the same shopping center as the Ace Hardware. I have heard good things about it....

The Studio of Dance and Music is great for us. My nearly 5 year old has gone there for about a year. It's well organized yet lots of fun. They have a summer session in June and July that's $120 and is on Tuesday and Thursday. It's off of Lakewood Ranch and University. ###-###-#### Hope this helps.