Toddler Ballet or Gymnastics

As a grandma I guess I have to ask why you feel the need to start a 2 year old in classes? I realize my perspective is a little different coming from a different era but it seems 2 year olds only need to play with others and learn to share, their little bodies are usually not ready for disciplined skills like ballet.. maybe just join a play group.

hi T.,
You can try The Little Gym. I currently have my 5 yr old in a combo gymnastics, tap and ballet class and my 2 yr old in a gymnastics class. I really like it and they seem to enjoy it.

I live in Anaheim and my kids both did gymnanstics through the city's recreation program. Also, in Anaheim Hills is a gymnastics studio called KIPS Gymnastics. It is suppose to be quite reputable.

I hope that helps.

C.

I agree with the other grandma. You may burn her out before she is old enough to appreciate and capable of really enjoying ballet and gynastics. Have her in a play group and encourage large motor activities and movements at home.

T., I agree with Marie's suggestions. Here is a little information for each: Monkey Business ###-###-####. Lynn treats the children with a great deal of respect and helps them gain confidence and build self-esteem while building their physical skills. Laguna Dance ###-###-####. Miss Ellen is a former Rockette and is one of the best instructors of young children I have ever seen! For a two year old, I believe Miss Ellen offers a Parent & Me class, which is a lot of fun for both the child & the parent. The best way to determine which might be best for your daughter, is to take one dance class & one gymnastics class. Perhaps your daughter will then be able to tell you which one is more interesting to her. Have a great time! Peace, B.

A two-year old is much too young for either ballet or gymnastics. I have three children who have been professional dancers, and no decent dance school starts a child on formal ballet before the age of six -- maybe even older for some children. Before that, you need a creative movement class, and a two-year old is even too young for that. Put on some music and sway and clap to the music with your daughter. Make rhythm instruments of pots and pans (or you can purchase a simple set) and use those to have fun moving to music. Try skipping, jumping, hopping. I've been around gymnastics training, and I think you'd get a similar answer from anyone in that field.

Around four years old, you might find a very good class in creative movement for children, and spend two years there. Also, Yamaha has excellent classes that are theoretically piano classes for quite young children, but they also include rhythm and are good training for eye-hand and any kind of movement. Then it may be time for ballet or gymnastics.

Don't burn your child out, or turn her into one of those children who "does" ballet for 6 months, and then goes on to the next thing. Your child may never decide to be a dancer or gymnast, but good training in dance, music, or movement at the correct age by excellent teachers will be of life-long value and enjoyment.

S. Toji

Kidnastics in Los Alamitos and Scats in Huntington Beach both have toddler Mommie and Me gymnastics classes.

My son takes gymnastics at Azarian Gymnastics in Aliso Viejo. We've been really happy with the place and he loves it! They have a website. I believe it's www.azariangymnastics.com.

-M

If you're in the south oc area, you should try Monkey BUsiness with Lynn Turley in Lake forest. also, for dance, Laguna dance theatre in Mission viejo is wonderful.

You're a busy lady! Good luck with your blossoming family!

M.

Newhope Gymnastics in Fountain Valley is wonderful and SO fun for the toddlers!! My kids loved it at that age. Ballet is slow and I think at her age might be a little boring!! Congratulation's on baby #2 :)

Try your city rec center. I've been sending my daughters since they were both around 18 months old. Now they're 2 1/2 and almost 5 and the older one's classes are more geared towards beginning gymnastics. They both love it and look forward to going. My older one has also been to baby tap/ballet classes through the city and now she's a part of Webby Dance School through her pre-school. They're tiny kids so the things taught aren't going to be anything too advanced or impressive, but it's a good way to get them started in a class situation and they get more structured as they get older. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Good luck!

And I don't think they're in danger of being burnt out. It's like 45 minutes or an hour once a week.