Twirling, dancing and skipping around is what little girls do, right? Many girls started their self-directed dance careers almost as soon as they could walk; pirouetting through the store and practicing tendus along the curb. As soon as a child turns three, they can be enrolled in recreational ballet classes. Kids can learn many important things by taking ballet such as following instructions and improving balance and coordination. Additionally, a ballet class is great exercise and a fun excuse to dress up in glittery outfits and dance shoes! Here are six ways little girls can benefit from taking ballet.

FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Taking ballet is a great way to teach kids how to follow instructions. Kids recreational ballet classes are often customized for specific age groups. For 3 and 4-year-olds, kids will learn how to follow the teacher’s simple instructions and learn basic ballet steps, such as the plie (plee-ay), releve (ruh-leh-vay) and saute (soh-tay). Because many girls love to dance, they are eager to carefully listen to the teacher. Often a ballet class will teach kids a choreographed dance routine. Older kids will learn more complex ballet moves by following the teacher’s instructions and example.

BALANCE

Many little kiddos have trouble balancing, and practice makes perfect! Ballet teaches kids precise if simple ballet moves. Kids can significantly improve their sense of balance when they practice the repetition of simple ballet moves. Ballet class teaches girls how to point and balance on their tippy toes, stand on one foot, and gracefully extend their leg behind them in an arabesque.

COORDINATION

Coordination is another great benefit kids learn by taking ballet. Little girls learn how to precisely move their feet while also gracefully moving their arms and positioning their hands. Ballerinas are required to stand up straight and pay attention to their minor body movements. Even a 10-week recreational ballet class can be so helpful for kids to practice their coordination, which will also help with running and playing at the playground. Kids who learn basic ballet techniques at an early age will be able to quickly advance to more technical (and fun) ballet instruction.

GRACEFULNESS

Little girls can always benefit from practicing their gracefulness. Straight posture and graceful movements can go hand in hand with learning manners and etiquette, which are often under-emphasized topics in today’s society. Graceful and precise movements aren’t just for girly girls either; kids who practice the intricacies of ballet can go on to excel in gymnastics and other precision-based activities such as martial arts.

EXERCISE

Of course, the rigors of ballet and repetition of precise movement is great exercise! Most girls are tired after their 30 minute ballet class. Kids will have fun burning energy while twirling, leaping and running the length of the dance studio. Chances are, if your girls love ballet, they will also spend much of the week practicing their moves in all sorts of impromptu settings.

DRESSING UP

Finally, the best part of taking a ballet class is dressing up! Often a ballet class will end with a recital and kids can show off the skills they’ve learned. My girls love dressing up in their recital outfits and performing with their class on stage.