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Many children growing up go to dance class. The best class to start with is ballet since it is the basis of every dance genre. Even if your child begins ballet at a young age, they will have a certain dress code for their hair, outfit, and shoes. There may also be other requirements or expectations based on their leotard, ballet slippers, dance bag, arrival time, and how your child does in class. This wikiHow will help your child get ready for ballet class. Be prepared, but don't forget that it's all for fun!
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1Get a dance bag. In most dance studios, they sell merchandise such as leotards, tights, shoes, and duffel bags. They come in all sizes, patterns, and prints so get one that is right for your child. If they are only in ballet, get a small bag for their leotard, tights, ballet slippers, hair items, and spare shoes. If your child is in more than one dance genre (jazz, acro, musical theater, hip-hop, lyrical, tap, etc.), get a bag that will hold all their stuff (shoes, sweats, leotard, tights, hair items, etc.). Since this is all for fun, get a dance bag they like that fits all the items.
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2Feed your child a snack about half an hour before you leave for class. Give them something healthy, so that they're energized, and ready to have fun. The best options for a snack are fruit, yogurt, or a granola bar. Give them something small so they aren't too full or tired during the dance class. If your child is loaded up with sugar or too full, they may end up crashing, getting tired, slowing down, and throwing a tantrum. However, if they're hungry during class, they will also be tired and distracted from hunger, and not pay attention in class. So, remember to give them a little something before dance class.Advertisement
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3Take your child to the bathroom about twenty minutes before you leave for class. Even if your child says they don't have to go, make them try so they don't miss anything in class. Afterward, change them into their leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. Most ballet dress codes include black leotard (no sparkles, tutus, or fringe), plain white or pink tights, and pink, black, or white ballet slippers.
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4Put her hair into a bun about ten minutes before you leave for class if it's long. You may need to freshen it up right before class if it gets ruined while she's in the car or playing before class.
- The best method for a bun is to put your daughter's hair in a ponytail (preferably a high ponytail), and twist it tightly. This might pull her hair a bit, but it will be fine.
- Next, twist the twist so that it forms a bun. Add a hairband and bobby pins to the hair that sticks out.
- Add a pretty bow so your daughter looks cute in class.
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5Get to class fifteen to twenty minutes before, so that you aren't "that mom/dad" that always gets there late, and makes everyone else relearn every step they just went over. It is also crucial to get there on time because if you don't, it hurts your child when dancing, everyone gets annoyed with you, your child will be unhappy, and it makes you look unreliable. If you can't make it on time, have a friend or family member take them. Tell them about the uniform, snack, bathroom, hair, and when to be there.
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6Avoid buying ones with elastic strings when buying ballet slippers. It's a hassle to tie them, tuck them in, and have them trip your child when dancing. If you can't find any slippers without elastic strips, cut them a bit shorter, to the point where they won't drag, if they are untied accidentally.
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7Don't stress too much. You aren't going to be able to be on time every week. You may forget to tie their shoes or take them to the restroom. Just remember, this is for fun! As long as your child is happy, that's all that matters. Most children don't care if they show up to class in a sundress, and cowboy boots! You are their parent, and if your child is happy, you are perfect!
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI started ballet when I was 2. Can I go en pointe if I'm 10 now?Community AnswerIt depends on how strong your ankles are. Ask your teacher, because s/he is the best judge of your skill level and should be able to tell you when you'll be ready.
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QuestionI am 12 and have no ballet experience whatsoever. Everyone else does ballet and have pointe shoes. Do I need to know what I am doing to just buy pointe shoes, even if I'm not using them?Buggylu25Top AnswererIt is strongly advised that you do not buy pointe shoes before you need them, especially if you aren't experienced in ballet. Your feet will (most likely) grow before you are ready to go en pointe, and your preferences in dance shoes will change as you become more familiar with your body and its natural structure. Buying pointe shoes is not a one-size-fits-all ordeal; several components of the shoe that must meet your individual needs. Start taking ballet classes to learn the fundamentals and develop your strength, then consult your instructor about starting pre-pointe and, eventually, pointe training.
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QuestionIs 10 too old to start ballet?Community AnswerOf course not. As long as you practice each day, you will be fine. Misty Copeland, the world's best dancer started dancing when she was 13!
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Tips
- If needed, add a hairnet to your daughter's bun. To use, twist the hairnet around the bun.Thanks
- Don't let your child wear their ballet slippers outside. They are not street shoes. They will get dirty and worn out quickly, making the studio dance floors dirty and slippery.Thanks
- Ensure your child goes to the bathroom before putting on their tights and leotard. Taking everything off once they're already dressed is no fun at all.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Dance bag
- Ballet shoes
- Black leotard
- White or pink tights
- Bobby pins
- Hairband(s)
- Warm up shoes
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