Just want to say thanks for all your replies and sound advice and for helping me put it all in perspective...I had got it out of perspective I think, thinking taking more lessons = not having fun!!

I have decided to persue it but try not to make a big deal about it with dd...just let her continue having fun but twice a week instead of once!

Many thanks again

xxx

I think it is good to encourage but if she does decide to take it seriously it still has to remain fun.  She is only 7 and if she loses the fun element of it then she probably won't want to do it any more.  I have seen this happen to a number of children (I am stage manager for a local dance school).  My friend has been a ballet, tap and jazz dance teacher for over 30 years and her most successful students have been the ones who always found it fun (quite a number became professional dancers).  Most students go once a week and those that have a talent for ballet and really enjoy it also attend her Royal Academy of Dance class once a week.  That is more serious and hard work than the ordinary class but she still makes sure the children have fun.

if she loves to go why not, but if she does say shes not enjoying it doesnt want to do it so much ect stop. im looking for ballet for my dd now but classes are to far cant wait to get a car

Pursue it but also pursue a sport that will counter the muscular effects of ballet - so a more rounded sport like swimming or cycling etc

My personally opinion is to encourage it at this age... however, the moment she starts to not enjoy it, or expresses an opinion that it might not be for her, then I would pull her out... but thats just me!

I know where you're coming from.  My 6 yr old has been doing gymnastics for 18 months & loves it.  She's done her 6, 5 & 4 badges & now going for number 3 whilst the others in her class are just beginning on the numbers 4 badge.  Her teacher has said that if she carries on she would be eligible to join the local gymnastics team - which I'd love her to do.  I never got the opportunity  & I wouldn't want her to miss out neither - so IMO I say GO FOR IT!  Good Luck!

I'd persue it but its a good point about the impact on the body. Perhaps speak to the teacher again.

Just a word of warning, pursuing these things seriously takes its toll on lo body. I studied ballet when I was younger and I suffer from terrible problems with my knees. Ballet specifically is very high impact and joint trouble is inevitable. You over develop certain muscles and consequently underdevelop other ones. Just a factor to bear in mind when making your decision....

I would probably persue it but thats my personal opinion as its rare these opportunities come up but remember to say to yourself that if things get to tough for her, she loses interest or other things suffer because of it then just do it on a fun basis x

Taken dd to ballet today and her teacher has pulled me to one side to say that she feels she has natural flair and a great talent and that my dd (who is 7) needs to decide whether she wants to take things seriously or come for fun!!

If she wants to take it seriously they want her to take extra lessons and get through exams quicker etc but if she wants to do it for fun then they are happy for her to attend once a week they will allow things to take their natural course ie exams once a year but she will not receive extra support / tuition etc.

I have spoken to dd and tbh I don't think she understands what I'm going on about, she loves going to ballet and obviously if she has natural talent I want her to have had all the extra support she can get BUT I don't want to become a pushy parent who forces their child to do things they don't want to.

What do I do????  Do I encourage her to take it more seriously or not?????