Ballet is the perfect activity for kids to get involved in. Not only does it help improve their physical coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance; it’s a fun way to learn about rhythm, grace, and poise. Whether you want to inspire your kids to learn ballet or deepen their interest in this beautiful dance form; here are some creative ways to practice ballet at home with your kids.
Create an At-Home Studio
Creating an at-home studio can be as simple or extravagant as you’d like it. The main thing is creating a space that’s inviting and conducive to learning the fundamentals of ballet. To transform any room into a mini-ballet studio, start by removing furniture and clutter so there is plenty of space for movement. Set out a barre or even use chairs back-to-back lined against the wall – just make sure they are sturdy enough to support some weight! Hang up inspiring quotes around the walls that will help motivate your children while they practice. You can also mark imaginary lines on the floor with painter’s tape or add mirrors so that children can check their form from different angles (bonus: mirrors also create the illusion of extra space). Once you have set up your studio, decorate it with items such as tutus, ribbons, and twinkly lights for an enchanted effect.
Incorporate Music
Music plays a big role in classical ballet as dancers use it to stay in time with each other during class exercises or perform routines during recitals. Introduce your kids to music from various ballets such as Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite or Swan Lake Overture. There are dozens of CDs out there specifically designed for use in classrooms that reflect various styles once they reach more advanced levels so expect plenty of opportunities later down the line! Once you find music that both parents and children love, download individual tracks onto your digital devices so you can easily switch up songs whenever desired.
Hold A Costume Party
Costumes play an important role when practicing ballet – not only do they cultivate creativity but they make job roles during performances much easier for teachers (imagine giving directions when everyone’s wearing something completely different!). Before getting started with any exercises why not hold a costume party? Have family members dress up in items found around the house such as feather boas, tiaras, leotards and yoga pants. After playing dress-up have them move around using steps learned – perhaps somersaults if your children have mastered them already!
Come Up with Rhymes & Stories
To keep things light-hearted whilst learning stories is especially helpful when understanding complex movements within the choreography. For example, turning en dedans requires visualizing yourself sweeping across the floor like snowflakes falling from the sky – which has a story attached already – all you need now is rhymes! Singing or saying rhymes helps remember patterns introduced during class quickly which makes practicing easier too!
Enhance Lessons with Apps & Videos
There are plenty of apps available on tablets and smartphones today which offer interactive ways for students to practice technique anytime anywhere! By downloading applications tailored specifically towards teaching young dancers basic principles rapidly; options exist where users can watch video tutorials at home before engaging in mock lessons at their own tempo without worrying about keeping up with others within a group setting either – bonus points if these videos follow themes related directly towards exams being taken that term too!
These ideas come together to create what we could call ‘miniature classes’ – activities designed towards teaching classical dance principles without having access to locations that offer traditional classes structured by experienced instructors personally catered towards student needs instead!
