Does Every Little Girl Have to Take Dance?

Hell to the NO! I dont know how it is where you live, but around here the dance classes are all cute and fuzzy, ballet, tap, and then, they hit age 5, and its "Hip Hop", make my little girl look like a skank class. NO, no NO!

Sorry this is a sore subject for me.

Good luck!

My sister and I took dance growing up.
It was fun for the most part but if I had a daughter, I wouldn't push it so much.
Half of the students where my son goes to taekwondo are girls and some of them can kick serious butt.
I'd promote an activity than gives them some aerobic activity and exercise but doesn't focus so much on looks and costumes.

Why not let her choose? My daughter at 3 said she wanted to do gymnastics then switched to soccer and now we're at dance (age 4 1/2). It's what they're supposed to do...experiment with different activities to find one or two they like and are good at. It's hard not to choose for them, but sometimes they know better.

My daughters have never done dance classes, and never will. How's that? LOL We just aren't into filling their schedule with stuff. They do play the harp, so we have harp lessons. That's it. You do not have to do any of those things. She will be just fine. And, at 2, I find it particularly disturbing to consider putting her in classes already. Let her be a baby still. Not an infant, but a baby. They really do grow up too fast, even if it doesn't feel like it today. Enjoy her without the madness. :)

My son cannot take any type of lessons as of yet because he is too young, however, I would be more concerned with the child's interests than my own. Is there a reason why you are so opposed to dance? If your daughter is getting exposed to dance by grandma and she shows interest in it, I see no problem with the class. If the opposite is true and your MIL is forcing it down her throat when she doesn't want to do it, then I would look for something that better suits her. By the way, my sister took dance but I took piano (I got to pick from all of the classes that were available).

I have three girls and I have a cheer leader, t-ball player, and my youngest is in ballet. I have never pushed dance on any of my girls and my little one only does ballet at my church. It is not studio at all and it is the only place I will allow her to take ballet/dance until she is older. I do not agree with the costumes that studios make little girls wear!

As the mother of three older (12, 15 and 18) kids I can tell you we have very little control over their passions and interests.
Parents and grandparents naturally want their children/grandchildren to love what they love, but it doesn't always work out that way.
My husband assumed our son would be a wrestler and baseball player just like he was. Nope, he hated both, he was a runner, a reader/gamer and a tennis player. My daughters? I love dance and gymnastics, and my daughters have done both. They have also played soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball and swim team. The youngest now excels at dance and the oldest had a long soccer "career" followed by two years of high school volleyball.
Trust me, once you start spending time and money on these activities you will be motivated to do what your CHILD wants to do, not yourself or anyone else. And since she's only two you still have plenty of time. Today's ballerina could be next week's karate kid :)

Sounds like Grandma is interested, and you've decided no. Really it's up to your daughter -- but at her age, she will not have any notion of what interests her until she tries it. Children aren't hard-wired for one thing or another at this young an age; they will say they're interested in whatever their parents seem to be interested in, so if you are for or against one particular activity, she will be too -- but she's modeling you; she's not able to base any thoughts on any experiences yet.

So I'd let her do a six- or 10 -week "tiny tutus" type of dance class, and then an equally short toddler swimming class, and then an age-appropriate gymnastics class...And an art class eventually, and Music Together (perfect for her age). I'm not saying overload her; I'm saying, give her ONE-thing-at-a-time tastes of different activites. No September to June long-term commitments, just age-appropriate ones. And you have years to do it in, so there is no rush. She eventually will find she just loves one or two things best and might like others but really want more of certain ones. Variety is the key at her age. And dance is definitely an option. I bet grandma mostly wants to see her perform somehow, which is not a bad thing to want as a grandma, really, is it?

I never danced or knew much about dance, but my daughter started little-kid classes at about three and a half and is still dancing (a LOT) at age 10. I would not necessarily have "directed" her toward dance but it is truly HER thing that she found and loved. She had, and still has, lots of other interests and opportunities in other things and she does other stuff, but dance is her big commitment and interest outside school. Had I directed her to just what I was interested in, she wouldn't have found that; I started her in dance because she loved to dance around the house and would actually listen to classical music so I figured ballet would combine those things for her. So keep an open mind not just about dance but about whatever she's interested in doing -- she might want to mostly talk about dinosaurs, and you might find them boring, but go with that for now.

Why don't you just wait to see what she's interested in? It could be roller derby, cello, tennis or science. Let her own light shine. Sounds like MIL might have had aspirations that didn't eventuate?

I love dance. My daughter, no. Daughter wins.

My daughter has requested it...and I don't really care if she does it or not. If she really wanted to do it she could. Here is what we have told her. She can choose one sport (soccer, basketball, softball at a time OR dance) and Girl Scouts. She keeps choosing GS and a sport.

But no I don't think ALL girls have to be in dance.

I think that your MIL is trying to share something with your daughter that she knows and loves. I don't see anything wrong with that. My MIL is into sewing, dancing, drawing, camping and cooking and she has tried to share all of those interests with her granddaughter. My MIL is enthusiastic and truly loves those hobbies--so why not share them?

My husband is into comics, drawing, martial arts and music. He has shared those with his daughter. He started sharing those things when she was just a baby.

I'm into gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, singing and musicals. I have shared those with my stepdaughter.

Her mom is into drawing, playing instruments and knitting. She has shared THOSE interests.

I think your MIL's intentions are positive. I think you should continue to let her teach your daughter ballet poses and "tap." It won't hurt her, unless she's trying to get away while your MIL is showing her and your MIL insists she listen and try it.

I think when you're a mom, your interests become secondary and you have to follow what your child likes. I helped my stepdaughter try all sorts of new activities until she found what she likes. She likes Jazz (which I don't care for) and gymnastics, cheer, drawing, cooking, acting, singing, soccer and tennis.

If you are close with your MIL, why not suggest that your MIL sign your daugher up for her first ballet classes? Although you will probably want to wait until she is at least 3. Let your MIL make it her thing with your daughter. Then you can gauge whether your daughter enjoys it or not and whether you want her to continue.

I am not into drawing and my MIL wanted my stepdaughter to be an artist so she paid for and signed her up for drawing classes. They went together and it was a great bonding experience. My stepdaughter didn't care for drawing "classes" so she only did one session. My MIL keeps buying her drawing kits and my SD likes to create things on her own.

Little girls don't *have* to do dance. But it's great to let them try all sorts of things to see what they like!

Not at all! My gal loves soccer and she plays with a crown on her head :) let your baby dabble and play what she wants. Just because I have a girl doesn't mean she has to wear pink! She looks quit stunning in black!

There are plenty of other activities that they can try out - I did not do dance as a kid and I was not really interested in dance for my daughter either. She has tried gymnastics and soccer and has loved both (she's 4). She is also doing swim lessons because I think swimming well is a skill they all need to have. I was not really interested in signing her up for dance but lately she's been asking to try ballet, so if she keeps up, I might look into it after the holidays. Once she is older, I would like her to learn piano since I did piano as a kid, then band, but really, it's whatever makes her happy and she enjoys doing.

A family friend of ours was a figure skating coach and judge and her daughter (same age as me) did figure skating as a kid and now is also a coach herself. She was really hoping that HER daughter (same age as mine!) would NOT get into figure skating but it looks like it's happening anyway!

Maybe you could ask your MIL why she seems to be "pushing" the dancing and remind her that there are plenty of other physical activities that girls can try out. At the same time, if your daughter starts to show a genuine interest in dance, I would not discourage it. I know so many adults who as kids had an interest in something but their parents would not allow it, and they still resent it to this day.

Let her do what SHE wants to do and she will do that better than all the other stuff you feel pressured to put her in. Everyone asked me about sports for my oldest. It was not his gig. But what boy doesn't want to sports is what I heard. Instead he asked for drum lessons. Oh...dear me. But it was what was his passion and we went ahead with it. Turns out he is a gifted musician. His private instructors are blown away by his abilities,natural rhythm and ease at quickly picking up new forms. He has a gift and passion for music.

Our daughter is an amazing swimmer and wants to try our gymnastics...so we will go in that direction.

Our youngest boy likes everything..he will most likely be good at lots of different things and eventually hone in on his favorite.

I do think it is important for each child to have some kind of hobby to pursue and become good at.

Let your little girl lead the way. 2 is young...let grandma keep teaching her for free!

Good luck and best wishes!

Of course they don't "have" to take dance. I actually used to hope that my girls wouldn't be interested in it because I saw what friends who had kids before me went through with their daughters. I never pushed them into it and while they showed interest when Girl Scouts would do a field trip or they do classes in PE, they never wanted to do it outside of that.

Instead they get to do a variety of activities through Girl Scouts and my eldest just recently made drill team. Whatever interests they have in addition we let them follow through with.

Any dance classes before age 3 is just for activity and fun. They play games and get to make lots of noise. It is harmless but not for learning routines or particular dances. If MIL is offering to pay the take her up on it. What a fun thing for them to share. If she is teaching her stuff it would be a wonderful bonding experience for them.

I say just because you didn't get to do it don't say no just because. It won't hurt her to take a tap/ballet combo class when she is 3.

I love this question. Growing up my sister and I took dance. Dance was my first career of choice. I danced from the time I was about 8 years old until I was 21. I suffered from sever stage fright and was very shy around new people and new situations. Dance taught me so many things. I still like to dance to this day. I no longer perform dance on stages. Dance teaches you dicipline, grace, poise, and so much more. All of my teachers were professional dancers. You also learn how to work well in a group too.

I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for dance. I just believe kids should be made to try many things. Some kids are like I was and are very timid about trying anything new and would gladly live in their tiny little shell. These types of kids would do well being encouraged to try new things.

I also went to camp where we did many various activities and was active in my church's youth program and teen programs.

There is no harm in her learning about ballet and other forms of dance. Dance seems to be your MIL's passion and perhaps her granddaughter can share that passion too. Make it work for you. My mother would have loved for my grandmother to have been able to do more with us just so she could catch a break.

My daughter hated ballet, but loved hip hop. She refused to try tap, but dabbles in gymnastics at times. I find the "professional" teachers were too strict and serious. The fun moms were the ones we went to since she is not going to be a professional dancer.

I have boys but it seems that so many of my friends that have girls put them in dance. At 2 years old, I'm sure she'll like most everything. I personally would put her in gymnastics if you have a gym nearby, it's such a great sport that's fun and has several good benefits!

My daughter's not into dance, but I'm thinking of getting her into gymnastics. She loves that she's flexible, and she would probably would like to show it off.

Of course they do not HAVE to.

I allowed my daughter to choose what she liked. She did not like dance, did not like gymnastics, no to soccer, etc.

She ended up LOVING martial arts and is a black belt!!

She took a turn in 8th grade and wanted to be a cheerleader. That one surprised us... She is in 11th grade now and has been a cheerleader and LOVES it and is quite good at it too, since 8th grade!

I like activities that teach self-discipline, confidence, a healthy self-image and modesty in addition to the physical activity. Yes, dance could teach these things, but so often it toes the line (so to speak...) into early sexualization of girls. The costumes are a case in point here. I can't stand it. Some people think it's cute, but I think it ridiculous and (potentially) asking for trouble. Also, the culture of dance is riddled with eating disorders, nastiness toward each other and an overemphasis on physical appearance - to an unhealthy degree, imo. Activities like Tae Kwan Do (for example) put the focus on strength, individual accomplishment, self-control, confidence, modesty, respect and commitment - qualities that I'd want my daughter to embrace

...if I had one. =)

I do think that 2yo is rushing it a bit for structured activities. I would just structure your play time around her interests and strengths and allow her to decide when she's older.

I was not and am still not interested in forcing my daughter to do any "activity" that she didn't want to do. I offered her many. She opted for violin lessons and baseball in elementary school, drama classes and chorus in middle school, and now that she's in high school she's in a coed Boy Scout program called Venture crew and we've both been involved with Girl Scouts for 7 years now.

2 is young.. Our daughter asked to take dance. She took it for 2 years and then moved on. In 6th grade she announced she wanted to take rowing and was on crew for 6 years.. No on else in the family had ever taken it as a sport.

We used to suggest, but in reality, she is the one that always asked.

I think it's great to let young ones try a variety of different activities, and then let them decide what interests them the most when they're a bit older.

Personally, I think 2 is a bit young for dance classes, and I'm a dance teacher. Now if the class is a creative movement class or mommy & me class, that's fine. I think most parents tend to start their kids out in things they liked as a child, so I see nothing wrong with you not signing her up for dance if it's not your thing. :)

Gymnastics will help her tremendously with her gross motor skills, and prepare her for future activities such as sports and dance if she likes it. Swimming is not a choice in my family - the kids have to take lessons because I'd be nuts worried they would drown.

My own daughter takes dance, but it's not her passion like it was for me. She likes Brownies and soccer, but says she's not ready to give up performing onstage at a recital every year. I truly think she's in it for the beautiful costumes. ha ha. Good luck!

My DD also wants to dance, but it's hard for me to find a program that works with our schedule and is affordable...we did mommy and me dance for a few months, but it wasn't a good fit for us. She still wants to try ballet though, so we will wait until she is old enough for pre-ballet, which usually doesn't start until about 5 years old.

If I had to choose only one type of lesson it would be swimming. You daughter will never be at risk for not knowing how to dance, but knowing how to swim can be a life saver!
Good luck!

I do not think any toddler/younger child HAS to take anything....but it's been my experience that offering/having kids try different things will help them find out what they really love in life!! Most dance places will not take the kids until they are 3 or older - and even before that, they are just playing, not really learning.

I had my daughter do 2 ten week gymnastics sessions and she loved them!! But her BFF (our goddaughter was also in there). When that ended, we decided to have her try dance. It's 9 months long but I figured I'd let her try it out for a few months and if she doesn't want to continue, I will let her stop (but I do want to say this is because of her age. I am a firm believer that when she's in elementary school and older, if she starts a sport, she finishes it!). We're into the third month and for a few weeks she said she didn't want to go but now loves it and really enjoys it!

My hubby said he thinks we should wait until she is in elementary school to 'figure out' what she likes to do...but I do not think starting earlier than that will hurt her. I also want to say that she's home with dad four mornings a week and then goes to afternoon preschool so it's not like she's gone ALL day long the comes home and is gone all evening. I think at her age, 1 hour a week of an activity is fine!

If she decides she doesn't want to continue dance next year, that is okay by me. That is how I learned that I really loved cheerleading over gymnastics and dance...I tried the different activities out until I found one I loved!

nope they don't have to.
May be the MIL was in dance as a child.
Let HER do what she wants to do though not what you are interested in her doing. She will even this young show interests.
My SON is in dance. He is a very talented tapper. He's on his 3rd yr he just turned 7. He started dancing because he saw his sister doing it and he ENJOYS it. My daughter is in year 6 of dance. She will try out for the company this next year.

Why don't you let your daughter decide. There is absolutely nothing wrong
with a few years of dance. It teaches more than dance. Teaches listening
skills, how to work together in a group and it is good socialization. Besides
those things, most little girls just love getting in those leotards. Some
continue on if they like it some do not.

I was traumatized as a child by being pushed into dance and gymnastics classes. It is not for everyone! And at age 2? I think it is really up to you but certainly don't feel like you are depriving her or she's missing out if you decide against it.

Dance at this age is just fun! My daughter does gymnastics, soccer and ballet -- anything where she is getting exercise and having fun is OK in my book.

She doesn't HAVE to. If she isn't interested, try something else.

My daughter is 16 and has never taken a dance class. When your MIL was raising kids (did she have a daughter, or just imagine that if she had one, she'd have taken ballet?), that's what girls did, they took dance. Nowadays, girls may take dance, but they also play sports like soccer, softball, basketball, field hockey and lacrosse. I would take the direct approach and tell MIL (or anyone else) that you have no plans for your toddler to take ballet and that when she is school age, if she shows an interest in sports or dance, you will allow her to pursue her own interests, not ones that you choose for her.

My daughter does not do dance. She is in swimming, Karate, piano, and theater. She loves to dance to music at home for fun. We once sent her to a 6 week recreational dance class, just so she could decide, and she hated it. Good thing, because I don't think I could have stomached dealing with "dance"....

I have my daughter in Tae Kwon Doe and dance. I think dance is great for excercise and coordination but if my daughter gets to the point that she doesn't like it then I won't force her.

Nope. Mine takes piano, did gymnastics for a short time, and now is in her 2nd year of Tang Soo Do (martial arts). She enjoyed the gymnastics, but scheduling was a terrible problem for our family. The Tang Soo do works out so much better as my son also takes it and has for YEARS. She has wanted to do martial arts also for a long long time. I don't think she would give up the martial arts for the gymnastics either.....

Martial arts actually can teach them a lot about handling their body in space as well. :)

Great question! My daughter is 4.5 and I find it odd that a friend's daughter has already had on recital befor her second birthday and we have not put ou DD in anything yet. In answer to your question--No, not every girl has to take dance. I think the pp about the move to hip hop is a real concern as well as the whole sexy costumes and that shake your toushie move that recitals can' be without.

My DD has asked once or twice to take lessons. I don't really think she knows what is involved..the time, the listening to another teacher, the no missing a class. I have had visions of her dancing for body awareness, and poise but fear that there is a push toward performing for audiences and competing too much. I don't want her to think dance will be her career! SO many dance schools by me use the selling pitch that " our dancers go on to
Bway and the like. Scarrryyyyyy!

Sorry for rambling--- what aabout the idea of let's try a season and then see. Might that work? or does it go against sticking with something and not quitting.

I have found it usefull to tell the questioners in my life that "i am doing a lot of research" into what ever they are buttin" in about. I shuts them up for a while and they think I am deliberating with such dilligence;)

U made me smile when I read your question.. My girls are 9 and 5 years old...but they have never taken dance or showed an interest. Although I started around age 2 mommy and me swim classes and kept up with year round swim lessons because they loved them.. And they both now do swim team :). I hear you on the dance thing.. It wasn't for my daughters.

Nope - every little girl is different. I danced growing up so I put my daughter in when she turned 3. She is now in her 6th year of dance, and this is her 3rd year competing. She LOVES it. I want my niece to do it, but that's up to my sister - and my niece is a bit more hard core than my daughter :). I can see her playing football! To each their own!!!

My kids take dance because I did, honestly... I had great childhood memories & wanted them to try it. I wouldn't have kept sending them, though, if they didn't enjoy it. But it is a commitment - especially come recital time - and if you're not into it, you'll end up resenting it!

I love the suggestion of having your MIL take her to classes though - it would give you a little free time, and it would be a nice way to encourage a bond between them. If you're not opposed to that, you could mention it the next time she brings it up.

But no - there's no reason why every girl should have to take dance... there's a world of other possibilities out there, & lots of time for her to discover them!

I'm one of 4 girls, and non of us took dance but I did want to do gymnastics, my cousin did. I guess it wasn't in my parents budget. My daughter didn't do it, however, if she wanted too, I would have considered it.

I have a two and a half year old that is begging to take dance classes. We jsut can't afford it. I used to teach tap and ballet to young children in a non competitivie environment (The Little Gym) and it was fantastic. It was all for fun! I wish there was still a TLG around here. I thought their dance program was amazing. It was 15 min of ballet, 5 of creative movement, 15 of tap and then 25 of gymnastics. It was perfect for 3 year olds who don't have the focus and commitment to give and hour long ballet class. The class was constantly moving, so it was great for little ones to get moving, have fun, and learn a little something.

I don't think it is necessary for every little girl to do it. Find something you both enjoy, for now like going to the park. :) Gymnastics is great at any age, kindermusik is fun for the little ones, and swimming is useful and potentially life saving.

For now my little girl and I dance with pandora, watch Angelina Balleriana and learn her moves, and then we you tube toddler dance and learn the moves togehter. She has a blast and I love seeing her have fun. The other day we were playing at the mall play place and she was yelling about her "releve walks" as she was doing it and someone asked me where she danced. It was adorable!

Of course not. I think organized activities at age 2 are a waste of time & money, honestly. Wait until she's old enough to choose for herself.

my daughter asked to take dance at 2. so we put her in. i would love to get her in gymnastics too. she is 4 now and still loves it. i dont do it because i want to fill her time up. i do it because she enjoys it and is learning a skill. it gives her vital listening skills too. she has been able to follow direction so much better since starting. she has also gotten on their competitive dance team (yes she is the youngest on the team). she also has great memorization skills from dance. she knows 4 different dance routines now.
no i dont think every little girl needs to enroll in dance. i also dont think every little boy needs to do a sport. i think that if they show intrest and want to try it let them.

Nope, don't have the money for it. But we dance together in our living room with the stereo up loud nearly every day. I think she's created some moves that have not been named yet...

I'm a dance teacher and not everyone enjoys dance. If your daughter isn't asking to take dance, I wouldn't do it (unless you want to.) I have parents telling me that their girls will twirl and dance all over the house and asking to take ballet. So if your daughter isn't interested, don't worry about it. Maybe your MIL would like to take dance...LOL and if she's giving lessons, then that'll save you money...LOL

My kids were given choices even at 3 and 4.
My girls wanted dance and gymnastics so that is what we did.
My oldest son also did gymnastics.

What wrong with letting her try it? Who knows, she may be very good at it.

I let my kids know what is available and let them choose. Now we do fencing, swimming and we just finished soccer.

My lil' girl so far only does gymnastics and swimming.

I never had any interest in my daughters taking dance classes. At 8 and 5 years old they are both in dance. Their choice, not mine. They also participate or have participated in t-ball, soccer, basketball, swimming, gymnastics and art classes. I think when they are young they should try out many different activities. Then as they get older they can narrow it down to what really interests them.