Our 3 1/2 year old daughter is very outgoing. She enjoys showing off and doing things like dancing when there is music. She also shows some natural ability towards gymnastics, doing things like back flips on the rings attached to our outdoor swing set. My question is what's the right age to start her in gymnastics or dance lessons? I want to do this when she can really learn and enjoy it, and I want to avoid spending money on lessons when she's too young. She's pretty mature for her age, but she is still only 3 1/2. Would appreciate hearing from those who have had success with lessons at this age, and/or those who found it to be too young and a waste of money.
I started my daughter right at 3 years in ballet/tap. She took to it immediately and did a fantastic job. She took direction well, and after the first week, was telling us about her dance moves - plie, releve, arabesque, etc. She loved it.
My daughter is also 3 1/2, and started gymnastics at 2, and dance at 2 1/2. It wasn't so much about raising a gymnast at that time - but they were all learning about taking turns, listening to "coaches", opening their eyes and minds to new experiences.
She's also very outgoing, and "type A" who needs to burn that extra energy.
Gymnastic and dance are great outlets for not only the "sport" but for all the extras that they learn at this age.
It's a GREAT time for her to start!
J.
My youngest started gymnastics (aka power tumbling) at 2.5. His older brothers were in the class. And he couldn't stand that he couldn't participate. The instructor gave the ok for him to participate with the understanding that he may be ready physically, but maybe not mentally, ie. following directions, waiting for his turn etc. That if he could not do those things or learn them in a reasonable amount of time, then we would wait a little bit longer. He did fine and has been tumbling ever since. He is 8 now. And he loves it. I would suggest putting her in if she is going to like it, but if you have to make her go or she is less than enthusiastic, or disruptive to the older kids, she is not ready. Even if she enjoys those things at home. A more structured environment may not be what she would find "fun" although you might.
Good luck,
L.
In an non-competitive gym or dance studio, she will have a great time at this age. If you work full-time and she is in daycare all day, I would look for a Saturday morning class so she can really enjoy it. You'll have a blast watching - they are really fun at this age.
I think 3 1/2 is perfect. My daughter started at Dance Academy USA when she was three. They are great because they have a lot of young students. You may want to look into it. http://www.danceacademyusa.com
I started my daughter in Gymnastics at 4 and feel like it was a great age. She is old enough to tell me that it is what she wants to do, follow instructions from the teacher, and to just have a great time getting rid of all that extra energy. Every week she wants to know when she has class again. My daughter takes classes at Metroplex Gym in Allen and loves it and they have wonderful teachers who make it fun for the kids. Some of my daughters' friends take classes at ASI Gymnastics, also in Allen, and I've heard good things about them too.
HI! I say expose them to everythign and as long as they WANT to do it- go for it. Just stay out of competetion and all until like 12 or so. My dgt danced from 3 to 13 and now takes on basketball and volleball as her primary sports-She is actually on a HIP HOP Barney segment.
I see a lot of kids do TOO much and get burnt out- so expose her to it all but be aware of competetion overload and burnout!
D. Sansone
www.partyangelsus.com
I believe 3 1/2 is a good age. My daughter is almost 3 1/2 and is has been in gymnastics since she was 2 years old. And she loves it. My daughter sounds like yours, loves to dance, show off and be center of attention. The first couple of weeks were a little hard since she wasn't aware of what she was doing. But she caught on quickly. She is also in dance. That is her favorite. The outfit and shoes add more excitement to her joining the class. But you will know if these classes you sign them up for is right for them. My best friend put her little one in it and she didn't want to do a thing. She would run around at gymnastics and not participate. Then at dance she would just sit there and crying because she didn't want to be there. Although I do believe you daughter my enjoy it. Good luck!
I started my daughter in gymnastics at 5 but I wish I had started a little sooner.
She will enjoy gymnastics even at 3 1/2.
I'm not so sure about dance so young because it's such a structured class but gymnastics is alot of fun for kids and great exercise.
Take care!
