My daughter is 4 and she wants to take ballet. Can anyone recommend a place? I did not want to put out a lot of money for it incase she is bored and does not like it. I know most places have this huge recitial at the end which cost a fortune for a custome and seats to see it. We live in Clearwater/Largo area.
M., Try your local YMCA. The one in North Pinellas has a beginner class that is not expensive and you can go month to month in case she gets bored. The recital fee was only 10 dollars and the costumes came to about $75. Good Luck. K.
Hi Michelle, I don't have daughters, but I do have 3 little boys. Mine all take karate. (Two are 4, one 7) I think the best thing to do is look around for a school that might offer a week free and take her to a few classes. She might love it or hate it. Also, look for one that offers month to month, rather than 6 months or so payment. Talk to the instructor and ask her how long it will be before the recital and how much the costumes and such usually run. You will probably have 6 months to a year before she is ready for the recital. Just plan for it, knowing that that expense will be in the future. Leotards aren't that costly and if she refuses to take the classes, every little girl still loves to dress up like a ballerina, so just put the clothes in her dress up bin! Best of luck, but remember, one day she will refuse to go and the next she will insist. Just keep taking her. And also, in the beginning it is very intimidating. Most of the girls will know what to do and she will be new and not know the moves. This makes them want to quit. Once she learns the moves, she will be more excited about going. Good luck, R.
There is a dance studio on Missouri Ave. called Bay City Ballet. The rates are reasonable and the owner always offers a free trial class to make sure your child is comfortable. There is no contract and they do the Nutcracker and an end of year show. The fees for shows never exceed $150 per family. He rents his costumes and does not dictate the kind of leo the children wear to class. It is a relaxed, family friendly environment. The Nutdracker as well as the end of year performance takes place at the Largo Cultural Center. Hope this helps.
My nieces took ballet through Dunedin Recreational Center on the corner of Michigan Ave. It was really nice, small class and they had a recital but at the rec center, not at Ruth Eckerd or anything big like that.
I haven't yet tried them, but I know of the following places--Good Luck!:
Suncoast Dance Academy:
Dance instruction for Children and Adults. Phone: ###-###-####; Located at 5915 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33703
http://www.suncoastdanceacademy.com/index.htm
The Studio Dance Academy:
Learn new dances, arts & crafts, acting, music games & meet new friends! Ages 3 & up! 2440 State Road 580 #8, Clearwater, FL 33761 Phone####-###-####
http://www.studiodancers.com
M.,
Wherever your take your little one for dance. Make sure you can pay month by month. No contract.
That way if she is not happy you are not signed up to pay for extra months. Not all dance studios require that you participate in a dance recital. Perhaps the largo rec. dept. will offer classes. That way you can try out dance for a minimal fee. Make sure that moms are permitted to see their children or go to them if they feel insecure during their inital class. Lastly, choose a teacher that is kind. Your daughter will always remember how she felt when she attended her first class. If it is a positive experience she will probably keep dance as a part of her life.
