Ballet is commonly perceived as a hobby or pastime for girls. Yes, on average the number of women & girls enrolled in ballet is higher, but the quantity of boys taking ballet classes is increasing little by little.

In its early beginnings as amateur entertainment for aristocrats in Italy and France ballet was performed solely by men. The evidence is real. For example %65 of students enrolled in the Canada’s National Ballet School are boys, and in 2014 the Royal Academy of Dance London (RAD) launched its boys-only masterclasses around the country amid growing interest among young boys in ballet.

The movie 'Billy Elliot' showed us that boys faced a tough time when following their dancing dreams but with Prince George now taking ballet class in school and many athletes like rugby and soccer players taking ballet as a way to work on both agility and core strength it is no longer seen as an un-masculine pursuit. In fact, the very idea that there is anything strange about boys or men as ballet dancers is a non starter in countries like Russia and Cuba where it is viewed as traditionally masculine. Slowly in the UK & USA the outdated stereotypes are changing too.

Perhaps some of you are already well aware of all of this and what really maters is how ballet can benefit your child. 

The facts on ballet:

Social and communication skills 

Dancing is a highly social activity and according to "FamilyTalk Magazine," dance lessons can help children learn how to be part of a team, as they must work with others to create unity. It also helps to alleviates fears related to performing in front of audiences which in turn will help with public speaking and leadership in adulthood.

Self confidence 

As they get a better sense of their bodies, they become more comfortable in their own skin. In the words of EduDance School, dance lessons can encourage children to foster a more positive attitude and explore their own self-expression. 

Well-being 

Children can learn the basics about staying healthy, and keeping active and healthy eating. 

Creativity

Ballet dancing inspires children to be creative in expressing their feelings through movement.

Self motivation 

Dance has a lot to do with self-discipline as it keeps the person working in a structured manner to perform new movements and steps. Ballet makes children realize that results don’t come overnight without effort and practice and this sense of dedication is a valuable life skill. 

All this is pretty amazing right? Well yes, But we know that ballet practice is not for everyone. 

Some children just may not like it, or are not interested in this type of workout, maybe they may prefer to create stories, adventures, and ideas in other ways. And we can definitely help with that! Now we know what you're all thinking, you've read this far and you're chomping at the bit to tell us that we have two ballerina dolls and no ballerinos (that's the correct term for a boy ballerina). Well, yes we have just released our new 'Ballet Class' doll and in the process we have received a lot of emails and messages from lots of people asking about a boy ballerina doll so we are committing to developing just that in our next stage of development in 2020!

Check out this years Ballet Class and Spring Celebration ballerina dolls for yourself: