WHY is ballet so important? Ballet has been around for over 400 years; and within that time, the "method to the madness" has been perfected, science and physical study has changed immensely, and there is a reason why everything
is done the way it is today--and why some things are not. Other formal forms of dance are mere "babies" compared to the grandmother of ballet, and use the foundations that ballet has established as stepping stones to their own forms. In a perfect world, ballet should be taken whether or not a student sees themselves as a "ballet dancer"...it is the seed from which everything has grown and changed into. For any dancer, classical ballet training is invaluable because not only are most dance forms based from ballet, ballet also provides a basic understanding of dance principles and instills the proper execution of dance techniques. Ballet will also develop the line and form (the two and three dimensional images created by the dancer’s body), muscle strength, joint flexibility, balance and co-ordination; all of which is vital for a “good”, strong dancer. I know what you're thinking. Blah, blah, blah. Here is my analogy that may help you understand what all of that "mumbo jumbo" means. Dance is like your dinner. You need to eat a good, nutritious meal so that you can function at top performance. Think of ballet as the "meat & vegetables" of your dinner. Some people love veggies, while others need to acquire a taste for them... or drown them in cheese, sauces, etc. Can you have dinner without vegetables? Certainly! But, after time, if you don't eat your vegetables, you will get scurvy and your hair and teeth will fall out. (ok...so maybe extreme, but to pirates and sailors, scurvy is no laughing matter). Can you eat your dinner without meat? yes...BUT, you need a protein source from somewhere to stay healthy. Without doing ballet, your overall performance will start to lack, and you won't have the stamina, strength, or flexibility to keep up with the students who are "eating their veggies and protein".
The following excellent points are quoted from "Livestrong.com":
Physical Benefits
Like all dance forms, ballet is physically intense. The Colorado School of Dance website points out that ballet improves muscular strength, flexibility and range of motion. Ballet training also boosts coordination and balance while correcting poor alignment, according to the Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago. Combinations that involve jumping and leaping increase heart rate, which can improve endurance, stamina and overall cardiovascular health. Like other forms of dance, ballet can improve body awareness and physical self-control.
Emotional Benefits
In addition to its physical benefits, ballet can also help to improve children's mental and emotional health. The Brighton Ballet Theater website asserts that training in classical ballet instills a sense of pride and accomplishment, which can boost self-esteem. As children improve and master more challenging movement combinations, they feel more self-assured, which can carry over into other areas of their lives. Dance training can also be a great way to relax and use excess energy productively after school.
Social Benefits
Ballet classes provide a social outlet for kids. Attending classes regularly can help young children develop their social skills. The National Dance Education Organization claims ballet and other dance forms help foster teamwork, communication, trust and cooperation. Ballet can also help children to forge new friendships, overcome shyness or awkwardness in social situations and reduce the fears associated with being in a group and performing in front of an audience.
Educational Benefits
Ballet also offers certain educational or cognitive benefits. Ballet training exposes students to a combination of movement, music and performance. The National Dance Education Organization asserts that through that exposure, children enhance their sensory awareness, cognition -- which includes attention, memory and learning -- and overall consciousness. These are skills that benefit kids in all areas of life. For kids who want to explore other forms of dance -- such as jazz, hip-hop or tap -- ballet offers a solid foundation and serves as a great starting point.
Here at the Academy, our dancers train in a ballet-based curriculum in our Early Child Dance
Program (ages 3-7). We then continue to encourage ballet training first and foremost in all of our dancers, and add on jazz and tap classes rather than drop ballet class.