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Ballet time for tiny tots
TINY tots in pink tutus twirl around a dance floor giggling. In the centre of the room, teacher Claire O'Connor stands waving her arms above her head in an effort to get the children to copy her.
It is her weekly baby ballet class at Brewsters, Ainley Top, and as usual she is surrounded by toddlers from the age of one to five.
The 31-year-old, who has two children of her own, started the classes in 1999 with the intention of introducing toddlers to planned and supervised physical activity.
Since then the Brewsters class has become so popular that it boasts almost 40 pupils.
"I wanted to encourage parents to bring their children along to learn basic motor skills and co-ordination," she said.
"These days we are surrounded by adults who are hyper-conscious of the need to be healthy and physically fit. We tend to forget that if we can instil good practice in our children they will continue into their teenage years with an understanding of how to care and respect for their bodies."
Her classes, which are for both boys and girls, are set to music. The children learn basic ballet movements and play games within the group. "It beats sitting in front of the television," said Mrs O'Connor. "Being active from an early age has significant advantages and teaching a child to hop, skip, jump and enjoy themselves is key to teaching them how to incorporate exercise into daily life."
She said the ballet classes improved a child's agility, balance and co-ordination.
"This can have a number of positive knock-on effects," she said. "Generally they will feel more confident and most will also benefit by gaining some independence. "
Her company, which is called babyballet, is now expanding and further classes will be held at The Arc Day Nursery, Mytholmroyd, from September, and in Huddersfield and Holmfirth.
The Brewsters class is held every Monday and Thursday and costs 20 for a six-week course.
"It is a wonderful way for children to meet friends and have fun," she said. "But it is also very popular with the mothers and fathers who come along to watch. We have a social circle of parents who are engaging their children and offering them constant praise and encouragement."
Children aged 18 months to three years start with simple nursery rhymes and hand actions.
And Mrs O'Connor's son Charlie, who is almost two, is a big fan.
"He loves dancing around and playing with the other children. The best thing about it is it tires him out and I get a good night's sleep," she said.
Children from three to five are taught more complex ballet movements.
"It is a delight to watch," said Mrs O'Connor. "They just adore the whole experience and their faces light up. The classes are a great giggle but they also teach the children a certain amount of discipline, which is not a bad thing."
For more information on the babyballet classes call 01422 374137 or visit website www.babyballet.co.uk.
If you would like any more information, take a look at the Primary Care trust website at: http://www.calderdale-pct.nhs.uk/
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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