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Capoeira for the little ones
Here is a dance that appeals to boys (from 5 years old)! But is it really? Coming from Brazil, where it was invented by the slaves, capoeira is as much about wrestling and play. Flexibility and sense of rhythm are welcome. In the middle of a circle formed by the participants (the roda), two players face each other without touching each other, mimicking a fight. The music punctuates and guides the game.
The benefits : sketching and dodging blows without carrying them suppose concentration, attention to others, flexibility. Players and spectators to whom we distribute small percussions and which we invite to sing in rhythm, everyone participates in a good mood.
Good to know : although in fashion, capoeira remains an activity little practiced outside the big cities.
Equipment side : provide comfortable clothing.
From 4 years old, African dance
From 4 years.
Ideal for little ones who love to move in rhythm and in freedom! In some lessons, children also accompany themselves to the djembe (African tam-tam), increasing the pleasure tenfold. Dance is often associated with games, songs, stories.
The benefits : we move and we spend a lot. And we come out relaxed! The atmosphere, often warm, puts children who suffer from a physical complex at ease. Of course, the rhythm is in the spotlight. This discipline, allowing to get to know another culture, can only seduce curious children and encourage their open-mindedness.
Good to know : African dance being quite fashionable, you have to choose the course carefully by attending a trial session. A good criterion: the music is not recorded, but played live.
Equipment side : provide comfortable clothing.
Classical dance from 4 years old
Although it faces competition from other more playful forms of dance, classical dance is still popular with many young girls. Advantage for parents: there are schools in shambles. Rather, you will be spoiled for choice, which will of course depend on the educational quality of the course. Rest assured: the methods have “softened”. At 4 years old, it is an awakening: during the session, the little ones relax and have fun without being asked for big effects. At 5 years old, begins the initiation, already more rigorous, with its warm-up, flexibility and weight training exercises. The repetition of movements, at the barre or without, may tire the less motivated. But there is no way to escape it if you want to access the more fascinating sequences.
The benefits : becoming more graceful, that’s what will make most little girls dream. But in addition to improving posture, dancing helps manage breathing, works the muscles very effectively, and of course develops a sense of rhythm.
Good to know : even if classical dance is a school of will and perseverance, not too much is needed! Check that your child is not in difficulty neither morally nor physically. On the other hand, if he wants to continue and reach a good level, do not hide from him that he will have to provide a lot, a lot of work. Strong motivation is therefore essential.
Equipment side : a dance tights (from 6 euros), a leotard for boys (from 15 euros), a tutu for girls (from 30 euros), a pair of demi-pointe shoes (from 14 euros), gaiters (from 5 euros).
From 3 years old, long live body expression
As the name suggests, children are invited to express their sensations and emotions through their bodies. Nothing esoteric about it! They evolve in music and / or guided by a tale. They move, they dance, they mimic… Very gently, the only constraint remaining is not to indulge in the excitement. Few are those who resist it!
The benefits : bodily expression calls for both imagination and psychomotricity. Primordial at this age when the child leads the discovery of the world and that of his body. She makes her work on movement, balance, coordination, locating in space … In addition, indirectly, she also provides a musical awakening, since to move in rhythm, you must first learn to listen.
Good to know : it is important to check that the chosen practitioner has solid knowledge of psychomotricity.
Equipment side : provide comfortable clothing.
The Free Style, from 4 years old
The English name has supplanted that of “contemporary dance” almost everywhere. Free Style means “free style” and represents this discipline where the imagination is called upon. Clearly better suited than classical dance to those who are discouraged by rigidity and instructions. However, Free Style is not about doing just anything. From 4 years in alert, 5 in initiation, we also teach movements. The children are already doing small choreographies.
The benefits : this dance promotes above all physical ease, in a fun enough way not to frighten the most timid. It also allows you to exercise and strengthen the body. As the choreographies progress, the children learn to move together, in rhythm.
Good to know : freedom is not disorder! Make sure that the speaker has sufficient pedagogical skills to “hold” his small troop.
Equipment side : bring a pantyhose without feet (from 6 euros) and a t-shirt.
Figure skating, from 4 years old
Another discipline which combines art and sport and which makes many girls dream! Before embarking on figures and jumps, you have to learn to feel confident on the skates, to move forward, backward, turn, gain speed … This is also accompanied by a few minor falls. in most of the cases. Three to four years of practice are necessary to approach thereafter, if desired, ice dancing.
The benefits : it is better to show perseverance, and humor, to accept to break the face again and again! This graceful discipline is a complete sport, which makes the muscles work and maintains the heart tone. Finally, this skating very quickly provides exhilarating sensations.
Good to know : it is essential to make your child wear gloves, to prevent him from injuring his fingers.
Equipment side : for training, a comfortable and fitted outfit, a pair of skates (from 80 euros), possibly a tights (from 9 euros) and a tutu (from 30 euros) for the girls.