Recreation Centers vs Dance School

We just moved here so I haven't tried the rec centers here but I had my daughter in the rec center ballet class near our home and I thought it was wonderful.

I grew up in dance and know that the preferred age to start structured ballet classes is 8. I know people who believe 5 or 6 is okay if the child is mature. Ballet centers on a lot of terminology and discipline. It takes a lot of patience and concentration. Many ballet schools will not start a child in a structured ballet class until 5-6 and recommend "pre-ballet" or creative movement for those younger. I don't know how old your child is but I believe the rec center is the perfect place to try new things and be introduced to ballet until the child is old and mature enough to study ballet.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for asking!! I was wondering the same thing. I think I will try the rec center. Then, if she loves it, we may try a real dance studio later - if there is some benefit. It is definitely much more economical to go to the rec center.

I ditto Kristen. The teachers at the rec centers are not always super great pros, but they are usually good enough to let your child get her feet wet & have fun without spending a ton of cash. At about 5, if she's still loving it, then you might consider a studio.

D.

I have learned that you should always try the rec center first! They are much less expensive and after a few classes you can see if they're still intrerested in dance and if they are good at it and then you can pay more money for a private school.

Hope I helped!

K.