How do you choose a dance teacher for your child?
Very carefully!
Do take the time to visit the school, understand the curriculum, and ask questions about the teacher who will be conducting your child’s class. Don’t just tag along with a friend or neighbor’s child to the nearest neighborhood school. Take time to learn something about the school, check the program for the class your child will attend. What is the child expected to learn? What are the teacher’s credentials? Are the premises safe for young children? Can you observe a class before you enroll your child? Will your child be expected to entertain by performing in a recital after only a few months of classes?

Fifty years ago, when Posey School was founded, things were quite different then they are today. Here is what George Balanchine (founder of the famous New York City Ballet and its School of American Ballet has to say about children beginning ballet. You can read his complete comments in his 1954 book, Complete Stories of the Great Ballets, available in the Northport/East Northport Libraries. (There are newer editions available.)

When should a child begin ballet training?
"Children should begin to study when they are eight, nine or ten years old—certainly not before they are eight. All you can really do with children before the age of eight is permit them to run around, dance a little, and sing songs."

What is the age limit for starting ballet training?
This really depends on the individual case—on the person’s build and on the softness of his joints. Beginning students with professional theatre careers in mind should certainly start before they are fifteen years old—preferably earlier.

While this information is as true today as it was fifty years ago, keep in mind that it is only advisable if you are considering professional ballet training for your child. The majority of children in the United States who study dance are not training to become professional ballet dancers. If that is indeed what you want for your child, I advise you to heed Balanchine and take him or her to audition at the School of American Ballet in New York City between the ages of eight and twelve.

If you want your child to study closer to home, to enjoy dance classes with their peer group in a nurturing environment with experienced dance educators—we invite you to visit Posey School. Dancers of all ages study at Posey School.

Our youngest dance students are toddlers. We also have classes for mature adults who are just beginning dance, and every age between the two. Our curriculum is carefully planned so that each student is able to learn and enjoy dance. Posey School’s dance programs are carefully planned so that those who go on to professional careers in dance receive an education in dance and are able to succeed at subsequent levels of study.