Sometimes the best parents are grandparents!
Bring your child on time to every class, when possible -
When a dancer arrives late to class, they are embarrassed, feel unprepared, and their confidence is low. Teach them that success begins with preparation, and that preparation always takes longer than we think. Bringing them on time also allows them to socialize with ballet friends before class, which is a vital benefit of ballet community.
Purchase and maintain dancewear –
A dancer’s confidence will be higher if they walk into the studio the first day in a clean, neat leotard, tights and shoes (with bow tucked in and tied), with hair pulled back into a neat bun, and bangs slicked back. You want them to FEEL like a dancer every time they don this attire. When your child needs new shoes, especially pointe shoes, please provide them in a timely manner to avoid causing unnecessary injury.
Become active in the ballet community –
Ballet families can be a wonderful community! Fellow ballet parents can be your support system as you navigate the ballet world. By being supportive and encouraging to other parents and their children, you become a respected, well-liked, and an integral part of your ballet community.
Don’t compare or compete for your dancer –
Every child blooms in their own season. They will not progress through the levels together, and that is perfectly normal. By accepting the decision of ballet professionals without creating excuses for your child, you are teaching your child to own their abilities, and spend their energy on herself/himself, rather than others, what a great life lesson!
Trust the professionals -
It can be hard to objectively observe your child in class, and naturally, every parent feels their child is best and brightest. We know you adore them, we do as well! We also know that many parents want their child to get the praise, the solo, and be front and center. However, please trust the ballet professionals and their decisions regarding corrections/praise, levels, and roles. If you do choose to argue the way an instructor is teaching a class, or the assessment of your child’s skill level, please begin by stating your qualifications and years of professional ballet study, so the ballet professional understands your level of expertise. If you do not have the expertise, then you know what to do…stop before you begin.
The most supportive comment you can make to your child, is not to lead with excuses –
“You are the best in the class, I don’t know why X got the lead role and you didn’t”.
“You have been in longer than X, you should be in a higher level”. Football players are not sorted by years of experience, but by ability alone. Ballet is no different.
“The teacher must not like you”.
It is simply this - “I love to watch you dance”. That is all…😊
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