Anyone have their DS in dance?

schnappycat

I have been thinking of enrolling DS in a dance class. However, ballet is typically the first step and I think that is all that is offered through our local Parks and Rec program for 3-4 yos. I'm completely good with that, but I know it will be mostly (or all) girls and I wonder if anyone has any experience with something like this. He has been taking tumbling for more than 2 years now, but essentially it's just running around, jumping, rolling, etc. I just think it would be good to expose him to other types of movement since he doesn't seem to have much natural grace or rhythm. Anyhow, I'm just looking to see what kind of classes others have done with their sons. I am wondering if something more upbeat like tap or jazz would be more suitable.

ppants

I have 5 yo b/g twins and want to keep them in the same activities for as long as possible.  Around 2.5 yo, we did gymnastics which they both really enjoyed.  We did soccer and now they both do ballet/jazz. 

We started in August and the recital is in two weeks.  They are dancing to "Just Can't Wait to be King" from The Lion King.  DS is the lion.    They both seem to enjoy it, but aren't really interested enough to continue next year.

AgrippaRidesAgain

Does he like to dance? I wouldn't do it for either of my kids unless they showed an interest. My mom put me in ballet from 4-6 y.o. because I also don't have a natural sense of rhythm or grace. I was and still am a clumsy person. It was torture. I seriously still remember wanting to cry in the middle of class because I was so bored.

DS loves music and seems to really enjoy things that mesh well with gymnastics, so I will probably enroll him in that.

DeputiesWife

There werent any boys in DD's dance class - but there were a couple boys in the 5 y/0 class which is similar to hip hop I think.

I think if you're comfortable with him being in ballet - why not he may like it.

FWIW - Bruc.e Smit.h (huge defensive player) of the Buffalo Bills took ballet to help with coordination  

schnappycat

AgrippaRidesAgain:

Does he like to dance? I wouldn't do it for either of my kids unless they showed an interest. My mom put me in ballet from 4-6 y.o. because I also don't have a natural sense of rhythm or grace. I was and still am a clumsy person. It was torture. I seriously still remember wanting to cry in the middle of class because I was so bored.

Actually, I should clarify that he's quite coordinated when it comes to running, etc., but just can't dance well. Kinds of clods and stomps around in a very awkward way like my DH. LOL.  But he's very unaware of this and really seems to like dancing. So I figure I would try some sort of class and see what he gets out of it. I'm all for exposing kids to various things, but I certainly won't keep him in if he is unhappy. I remember not liking ballet much, but I loved other forms of dance. 

For him, the tumbling class is fun, but has become more about being crazy and silly and running, and not about actually learning skills like I had hoped. I don't know if it's that he's just not into the actual gymnastics part of it, he's bored, or he's just taken it so long that it's lost it's effect, but he's not actually progressing. I was thinking a dance class might be more disciplined by nature and show me more insight into his interests.  

JOEBunny

I would call around and see what is available in your area.  DD's ballet class has no boys, but the dance camp she is doing has a lot of boys.  It is ballet, yoga, tap, jazz, and hip hop.  They also have classes through the year.  He would have more fun if there were other boys probably.  Also, some martial arts are great for dance like movements.

Something like this This guy is amazing.  DD has taken some classes from him.

howleyshell

schnappycat:

Actually, I should clarify that he's quite coordinated when it comes to running, etc., but just can't dance well. Kinds of clods and stomps around in a very awkward way like my DH. LOL.  But he's very unaware of this and really seems to like dancing. 

I'm LOL'ing at this.

You described Dylan (and my DH) to a T.

He's JUST like my DH.  It's almost painful to watch both of them dance but jeeze do they both love to do it!  I often think of that quote:  "Dance like no one is watching" because they both seem to have the ability to do just that. 

I'm afraid that I squashed DH's spirit by pointing out that he can't dance to save his life but I'm trying hard not to let Dylan figure that out for a long long while. 

I just made my peace with it and let it go.  They can't be great at all things.

If you want to try out the rec center I say go for it!  

 

schnappycat

howleyshell:

schnappycat:

Actually, I should clarify that he's quite coordinated when it comes to running, etc., but just can't dance well. Kinds of clods and stomps around in a very awkward way like my DH. LOL.  But he's very unaware of this and really seems to like dancing. 

. 

I'm afraid that I squashed DH's spirit by pointing out that he can't dance to save his life but I'm trying hard not to let Dylan figure that out for a long long while. 

I just made my peace with it and let it go.  They can't be great at all things.

If you want to try out the rec center I say go for it!  

My DH is very aware at how horrible he is and actually thinks DS might still have a fighting chance if we get to him early enough. LOL!  

I agree that a cool hip hop/similar class with other boys might be more fun. I am thinking those are only for older kids, though.  But I'll start checking around and see what I find. I will likely just start with Rec classes first, regardless, just so I'm out less money and time if it doesn't go well. Heh.

MaxandRuby

When we get to a place that is bigger and provides more opportunity of things to do (which will be this fall), we are debating on putting DS1 into ballroom dance since both myself and DH do it.