Once your child expresses the desire to learn ballet, take this as an opportunity to expose him or her to the wonderful world of dance. Not only do ballet classes improve flexibility and physical strength; self-control and discipline are valuable life skills fostered by dance. San Mateo County has a number of ballet academies that accommodate beginners of all ages, even children as young as two or three years old. Looking for the right school for your child? Start your search with this list.

Westlake School for the Performing Arts (Daly City)

Since 1991, Daly City’s Westlake School for the Performing Arts has provided excellent training in ballet and other dance styles for children of all ages. Founded and directed by Malu Rivera-Peoples, Westlake School is not simply concerned with teaching children how to dance; the goal of each class is to make every child feel beautiful, special, and unique through dance.

Every student is closely monitored by the instructor and parents are constantly given updates about their child’s progress. Of course, the best way to determine your child’s progress is to attend the December Holiday Show, where the school’s young ballet and tap students show parents and guests what they’ve learned in class.

Classes are held on Mondays until Fridays from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Just like a regular school, Westlake’s school year follows a seasonal schedule, starting in September and ending in June with an exciting Culminating Recital. Kids between the ages of 3 to 6 can join the Ballet n’Tap class, which introduces the basics of each discipline in an entertaining, game-like way. For kids ages 5 and older, there is a ballet-only class that teaches two styles – Vaganova and the Royal Academy of Dance. All ballet students of the school participate in the full-length performance of The Nutcracker during the December Holiday Show.

For more information, visit Westlake School for the Performing Arts.

Ayako School of Ballet (Belmont)

The Ayako School of Ballet in Belmont believes that every ballet student must have excellent training from the very start. Founded by Japanese ballet dancer and choreographer Ayako Takahashi, the school focuses on teaching correct technique and form so that young dancers can grow to become true artists. Don’t be intimidated by how strict and serious this goal sounds; the Ayako School of Ballet actually has a supportive and relaxed environment. Although technical ability is indeed one of the school’s core focuses, the instructors also understand that students flourish better in environments that show the joys of dancing.

Children ages 4 to 6 can take the pre-ballet class, which is designed for students with little or no previous training in dance. As their coordination and musicality improves, students graduate to pre-ballet levels 1 to 3. At the end of Pre-Ballet 3, the serious student will be prepared to enter either the Professional Prep Division or the more relaxed open program.

For more information, visit Ayako School of Ballet.

Susan Hayward School of Dancing (Montara)

The Susan Hayward School of Dancing is a ballet school located in Montara. Unlike most dance schools on the San Francisco peninsula, the Susan Hayward School is affiliated with London’s Royal Academy of Dance, which opens plenty of doors to the serious student. Students get to participate in prestigious events like the American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards and are given the opportunity to take the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations every other year. Of course, there’s no need for young children to worry about competitions and grades; what’s important is that every student leave the school with an appreciation of the arts and the motivation to do their best in whatever they do. Though not all of Susan Hayward’s students become professional dancers, many of them come to visit and bring their children to a class.

Kids between the ages of 2 ½ to 4 can join the Early Childhood Program, an excellent introduction to classroom structure and following directions. Children are taught to use various parts of the body and are encouraged to move to music using clapping, mime, and creative imagery. Children ages five and up can enter the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus, a more formal teaching method based around a well-constructed teaching syllabus. Five-year olds start at the Pre-Primary grade and continue up until Grade 8.

For the class schedule, visit http://www.shaywarddance.com

Academy of American Ballet (Redwood City)

The Academy of American Ballet is not just any other school that teaches children how to do ballet steps. The school’s instruction is also built around anatomical principles so that students can prevent injury and use dance as a medium for self-expression. Every student is given lots of individual attention, regardless of their dance goals, and the academy’s culture of inspiration and love motivates children to move to the next level.

Children between the ages of 2.5 to 3.5 can join the Ballet for Tots classes, a creative class that requires parent participation. This is a great way for you and your child to explore movement together. The Pre-Ballet classes are best suited for children ages 3.5 to 5. During these important formative years, children further explore natural movement before learning more structured techniques. Dance games, musical instruments, barre exercises, and even obstacle courses are used to teach movements that can be applied to any dance form. The Academy of American Ballet even has an introductory ballet class specifically tailored for young boys between the ages of 6 to 10.

For more information visit: http://www.americanballet.com