My dd just turned 8 on 7/18. She is very petite for her age (still can wear 3T or 4T shorts and 5/6 pants). She took a year of dance when she was about 4 but the teacher did not teach the kids anything, and my dd was bored to death, not to mention, I felt like I was wasting money on nothing. She also took baton for a year and loved it, but it too was a waste of money because the "teacher" taught them one routine for the entire year, they had one recital, and never did anything else the entire year. No parade routines, no new moves, nothing.

That's the problem in this very rural area I live. But I think I may have found a good dance instructor and was wondering if you all think she is too old to start dance.

I'll probably call the instructor and talk with her, but I wanted all of your opinions on the matter.

Thanks in advance!!

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 09:53 pm:

No, she is not too old. As long as she has the desire, she can learn. Jen danced 9 years, beginning when she was 4 years old. I remember new kids coming into the class at 10 and 12, having never had dance lessons before. Some stayed, some left. The ones who stayed were the ones who liked it, who WANTED to learn the dance moves, who practiced. If your DD really wants to do it, she shouldn't have a problem. I say let her go for it. She'll know soon enough if it's not something she wants to do.

I was so disappointed when Jen stopped dancing. I really enjoyed it. But I was smart enough to know I couldn't live that part of life vicariously through her! LOL She got burned out from competing, plus Jen was not a *natural* - she really had to work at it, and it stopped being fun for her, so she quit in her 10th year.

By Melanie on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 10:02 pm:

Of course it's not too late! Sign her up and I hope she has a ball.

By Luvn29 on Thursday, August 12, 2004 - 11:18 pm:

Awwww thanks guys! She LOVES to perform. She does karaoke contests and dances around and she really wants to do this. I guess she gets it from me. I did dance, twirling, and pom poms competitively for several years before we moved to VA and they didn't offer it here. I loved it.

I think we'll go for it and see how it goes. She is a natural at dancing and such...

By Coopaveryben on Friday, August 13, 2004 - 09:01 am:

I started when I was 13 and did better than the girls who had been taking since they were 4. She will do fine! I also read an article how the age of 6 and 7 is the ideal age to start sports. I started my son in baseball this year, he was 6, he was one of the best ones on the team and most of these kids had been playing since they were 3. I think she is a great age to start.

By Mommyathome on Saturday, August 14, 2004 - 11:49 pm:

Definitely sign her up! I bet she'll love it. Sometimes it takes a few years to find the perfect dance studio anyway. My oldest is 6, and she is moving to a new studio this year....so she'll be "new" there, and new to some of the dance moves as well. But, she'll be fine because she *loves* to dance.
Let us know if you sign her up and how she likes it!

By Amyj on Sunday, August 15, 2004 - 04:24 pm:

I didn't start taking dance until I was 10. I ended up going to college on a full tuition dance scholarship, danced professionally in summer theater and have taught dance for 20 years. I believe that girls often do better and enjoy it more if you wait until they are closer to this age to start. Finding a good school and teacher is what is most important. Make sure that the teachers have a dance education background (not just performance). Also watch for safty issues, like at what age to they start students on pointe. I once taught for a woman who had no idea of anatomy and had the girls doing things that were very dangerous for their bodies. Just something to think about when you are looking for a school. Good luck and I'm sure she will have a great time!

By Andyjoy on Monday, August 16, 2004 - 12:19 am:

One suggestion--check out attitude of the school/studio that you use. My sister started ballet at 8, was just as good as the girls who had started younger, and loved it, but the teacher was kind of rude about it. She was personally opposed to anyone starting that late because she was more concerned about performances/contests than the little girls having fun and getting exercise. She also didn't like me taking gymnastics at the age of 11 because it was obvious that I would not have the right body-build to continue it into the future because I was too tall. Watch out for snobs and find someone who will love and enjoy your little girl even if she isn't destined to be a professional dancer!

By Luvn29 on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 12:20 pm:

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I checked with the teacher to see what her opinion was on Emily's age, and she was thrilled. She said that kids do well at younger ages, but Emily is at the age where mentally and physically, she is ready for the discipline of dance.

Thanks everyone!

By Rayanne on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 10:45 am:

I hope she has fun.
You'll have to post pics. of her dancing.