When I needed a new program for 3 ½- to 5-year-olds, I came up with a concept called “Petite Performers.” I wanted to give it a twist from the traditional preschool program, which combines two or more techniques, such as ballet, jazz, tap, or acro, in a 45-minute class.  Although children seem to enjoy them, to me, several aspects of these classes limited their appeal. First, young children are asked to change their shoes and their focus approximately every 15 minutes. Changing shoes can be a hassle when children can’t tie their own laces or don’t know which foot the shoes go on.  Or they think the break in activity means it’s time to go to the restroom or get a drink. Then, after each change, the teacher has to regain the children’s attention and get them to focus on a different technique. Some children do fine; others lose interest.

 

To minimize these problems, Petite Performers classes focus on one technique at a time in 6-week mini-courses that are repeated throughout the year: first jazz, then tap, then ballet. When each course changes to another technique, we post a notice on the bulletin board so that parents can equip their children appropriately.

 

The first mini-course is jazz, which is fun for the children; they quickly respond to the contemporary music we use. The class is divided into three parts, which helps the children maintain interest: First comes an easy center warmup using isolations; the second involves stretching on the floor; the third introduces easy steps, like step touch or kick ball change. Sometimes we ask the children to bring in music and have them improvise. We encourage them to express their individuality within the dress code by adding sparkles or other items with pizzazz to their dancewear.

 

The second mini-course is tap. First the children do a short tap barre, then they stretch, and then they learn beginning steps like shuffles and heel digs. At the end of class we bring out lummi sticks, tambourines, or other props, which make the class fun and help the children learn rhythm elements.

 

In the last mini-course, ballet, we start at the barre with an introduction to ballet terms; even if the children cannot handle the technique, they can repeat the terminology. At this young age stretching on the floor instead of the barre is important. In center, we teach simple steps like glissade and changement. Allowing the children to use props like scarves or wands adds interest. Introducing classical music, relating a ballet story, and handing out ballet coloring pictures all are wonderful adjuncts to the class.

 

 The Petite Performers students take part in our annual recital. Each teacher evaluates the strengths of her students and picks a technique for them to perform. The students begin learning the routine in January; once it is finished, a run-through becomes a part of each class, regardless of which technique is being taught.

 

By concentrating on each subject for six weeks at a time, the children and their parents gain an overview of each technique. When the children turn 6 years old, they have to choose which technique they want to continue with.  After a year or more of Petite Performers classes, parents know where their children’s strengths and preferences lie and can help them make an informed decision about the next step in their dance training.

 

 

 

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