| Who can resist the dance? The graceful beauty of | | | | access to some basic classes and they are on the |
| dancers around the world continues to move into the | | | | way to their own private dream come true, |
| hearts and minds of children everywhere. From the | | | | regardless of whether they become famous, world |
| poorest homes to the richest estates, children are | | | | renowned dancers or not. |
| drawn to ballet dancers and their fairy tale costumes | | | | Ballet started as the dance interpretation of fencing |
| like nothing else. From the time they can walk, many | | | | and over the centuries morphed into what it is today. |
| children find themselves doing whatever they can to | | | | As techniques became more and more refined, its |
| convince their parents to let them attend a local | | | | influence on other areas of dance increased. Today, |
| ballet class. | | | | you can see how classical ballet has affected styles |
| Although it emerged centuries ago as a dance | | | | of ballroom dancing and the newer hip hop ballet. |
| interpretation of fencing it has become much more | | | | No matter what the style of dance though, the ability |
| refined through the years. The techniques developed | | | | to draw people in is universal. The popularity of ballet |
| and used in ballets now have a strong influence on | | | | school and shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" |
| many areas of modern dance, including ballroom | | | | prove just how attractive dance can be. In fact, it is |
| dancing and even new interpretations, such as hip | | | | the chance to become successful, for just about |
| hop ballet. Popular T.V. shows such as "So You Think | | | | anyone with talent and a whole lot of drive, and |
| You Can Dance" are consistently filled with | | | | break into the world of dance that makes it such an |
| contestants who have or are still attending ballet | | | | attractive opportunity for people from all walks of |
| school. Some even go on to teach dancing styles of | | | | life. |
| their own. | | | | Reasons for being drawn into the dance can vary as |
| In fact, with so many options available to the aspiring | | | | widely as the opportunities that are available. This |
| dancer, it isn't very surprising that dancing seems to | | | | activity is one of the few things available to just |
| attract people from so many different walks of life. | | | | about anyone. If your child is hitting you up for such |
| For some, this is not only an obvious extension of | | | | classes, then start out small. |
| personal expression, but a way to a much better life. | | | | Take them to the local theater and let them see a |
| Is it any wonder why little girls (and boys) find | | | | show. Get them into some basic classes and let them |
| themselves drawn to the beauty of dance in a world | | | | see what it is all about. After all, you may find you |
| that sometimes seems so drab and harsh in | | | | have the next Evelyn Cisneros or Mikhail Baryshnikov |
| comparison? Give a child a pair of ballet shoes and | | | | living right in your own home. |