Then I got to thinking about it. (I don't like not knowing why I do somethings.) Its easy to figure out why some people use Disney Music, its easy for the kids to communicate to and they generally love listening to it so they want to come back. The other side of the board is using classical music for their students. I know using classical music helps children's minds to expand, bolster creativity and a better understanding of broader concepts later in life.
My reasoning for not always using classical music though is fairly simple, I'm a control freak. When you're working with a three year old its hard to teach them how to count music and understand it's different rhythms. They generally have a better understanding of Disney Music or pop because its simple. The beats rarely drastically change within the song and words really help them identify with each songs quirks. A child will be able to clap their hands to the beat of "Under the Sea" a lot easier than Beethoven's 5th. I also think its important to choreograph to the words of a song for children. Its a skill that they have to have for the rest of their dancing lives, so why not teach it to them young?
This is not to say I don't agree with using classical music, I obviously do from time to time or this blog would never have needed to be posted. I generally use classical music when doing warm ups with my kids. It teaches them there is a rhythm to each song, just watch me to understand it. Classical music is the basis of ballet. If a child cannot count to 8 they also cannot be choreographed. Its important for children to start learning these skills young, so it doesn't impede them in the future. Trust me, nothing is more frustrating than a fifteen year old who still doesn't know how to count music or hear the different tones in each piece. I also use classical music for freeze dance and other games like that so children really have to listen to
what they're dancing to.
Once a child has made the transition from "split level" classes into "full hour" classes, the entire game changes. The only time they get to listen to music with words in a ballet class is if their recital dance is to one. I guess I also use classical music so little ones are more used to it when they make the transition into older kid's classes. It seems like quite a shock on the system to be listening to music you've never heard on top of doing an entire hour of the same thing each week, when you're tired from school and maybe even have a different teacher.
I suppose you could compare it to having a child do Tendus properly every time but letting a few step points across the floor slide. It doesn't harm them to not force them to be perfect every time they do something, but in a controlled atmosphere, its crucial. The barre is the most important place for children to do things properly and later learning to take the thing your learn at the barre to the center or across the floor are important. Music is the same way. You can't rationalize expecting a three year old to understand music they aren't immersed in any more than you can expect a child to always do something unnatural to them without help.
As always, Message me or comment on here, My Lovelies! I'd love to hear some feedback! -Ms Ivy
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