Toddler Ballet and Other Extracurricular Classes Do Matter

Starting Ballet as a Toddler

Enrolling a 2.5 year-old in ballet may seem odd when you consider how they’re still struggling to control their bodies. But, having had my daughter in the classes for almost a year, I’ve seen benefits for kids her age, even beyond the benefits of learning to physically dance. Even for a toddler ballet and other extracurricular classes make a difference and encourage learning of important social skills.

At this stage, children are learning about having a class, what it means to have a regular pattern of actions: in the toddler ballet class, we greet each other, sing and dance similar things week to week, have a new activity, and sing and dance a goodbye song. Children learn to listen to a teacher and give turns to other classmates. In these classes where parents also join, the children also engage with adults other than just their parents in a positive way, which is incredibly useful for their social skills and confidence.

Children could learn a lot of these physical and social skills in other classes, not just toddler ballet classes, and that’s fine. Regardless of whether you choose classes other rather than ballet, just note what essential skills like this may be taught beyond the ‘core’ concept of ‘ballet’ or ‘gymnastics.’

When looking for extracurricular classes, consider these things:

• Is the class structured? Pattern helps encourage learning and comfort in the new setting.
• Does the teacher treat both the children and adults with respect? If the teacher talks down to the children and only seems to respect the adults, look elsewhere. Kids don’t if they aren’t being taken seriously.
• Is your child enjoying the class? If not, try another activity. Even if your heart is set on your daughter becoming a ballerina, her fighting going to every class is going to make her unlikely to enjoy other classes, ballet or otherwise. If the child is able to take a break from the activity and try it again in the future, the child may enjoy it later, like how taking a break between trying foods can finally get a kid to eat broccoli.

Regardless of the activity you choose, consider exploring the topic further through videos or books. Being able to see what professionals can do may help children visualize why they’re going to classes and give them goals to work towards if they’re enjoying the classes. This can also help you figure out if your child is actually enjoying the class and why. Does the child like reading books about the topic? If so, maybe there’s real engagement with the topic. If not, maybe your child is more interested in the class because it’s time to hang out with friends.

Books with a Ballet Theme

See other books “Perfect for Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)” and “Excellent for Early Readers (Ages 6–9)”.

Dance Tanya by Patricia Lee Gauch

Ages: 2–9

A little girl wants to go to dance classes like her sister. Tanya dances and loves it for how it makes her feel. A sweet exploration of loving dance from a young age.

Bea at Ballet by Rachel Isadora

Ages: 0–4

This picture book shows a toddler going to ballet class with friends. It also helps children learn basic concepts like names of pieces of clothing, so this is a book for learning concepts more than providing a story.

Firebird by Misty Copeland

Ages: 6–9

A beautiful story of a self-conscious young girl who falls in love with dance. With an empowering message, this book offers beauty and a positive message.

A Dance Like Starlight: one ballerina’s dream by Kristy Dempsey and Floyd Cooper

Ages: 3–9

This book is based on a true story of the first African American prima ballerina. As a girl growing up in 1950s Harlem, her dreams seemed out of reach, but that didn’t stop Janet Collins from reaching for the stars.