Jean M Wong is quick to dispel
the myth that ballet builds big legs:
instead, it makes legs slim and toned.
Joan Campbell says learning about
weight transfer and movement control
can aid aspiring actors and models.
According to Jean M Wong,
ballet is not expensive compared to
many activities, requiring only ballet
shoes, a leotard, tights and neatly
tied hair. Joan Campbell admits that
whilst some people say tuition fees
are expensive, most hobbies require
an investment. She estimates the cost
of regulation clothing to be $600 to
$850, depending on the child’s age.
And ballet is not just for girls. Ms
Wong is keen to point out that ballet
is a physical and athletic activity for
boys, too, who might find inspiration
in movies or musicals such as
Billy
Elliot
,
or from modern hip hop dancers
they see on TV. Her school offers
mixed-gender classes and also offers
special training for boys with male
instructors.
Encourage expression
Emotional support and
encouragement from parents helps
budding ballerinas and danseurs
(
male dancers), even if most parents
won’t be able to check technique. But
Jean M Wong cautions that parents
shouldn’t expect too much – after all,
not every child is destined to dance
professionally, but everyone can have
fun and enjoy the experience.
Formal training towards pre-
professional level usually starts when
a child is nine years old, Jean M
Wong says, when serious kids become
more intellectually, emotionally and
physically developed. Those who want
to pursue a career in ballet should be
aware that it entails determination,
courage and discipline, as well as a
slim, healthy body. Sacrifices, time
and energy are required. And whilst
Joan Campbell warns that it’s hard to
make a living as a dancer, the rewards
for successful dancers are high.
The beauty of ballet, whether
danced for finesse, fun or fitness, is that
it’s a hobby far removed from everyday
life that keeps you on your toes.
Ballet, the foundation of many
types of dance, aids poise and muscle
development. Whilst techniques
may take years to master, children
learn commitment, dedication and
perseverance. Kids understand hard
work and humility, since there is
always room for improvement. For
mum Clarissa Chu, the benefits
gained by her daughter are discipline,
coordination, peer interaction and
performance opportunities.
Dance directory
•
The JMW School holds an annual International Summer Dance School, along
with special classes, for those with professional potential. For more information,
visit
www.jmwballet.org.
•
The Hong Kong Ballet encourages young talent via its Guild Junior
Membership Programme, with ballet-related education events and activities,
including backstage tours and notifications of upcoming auditions. For
a taster session during the Easter holidays, it is running a Swan Lake Ballet
Theatre Camp. Suitable for ages four to 12, this camp consists of active and
fun sessions for which no dance experience is required. To find out more, visit
www.hkballet.com
.
•
Those seeking stardom should check out The Gifted Young Dancer
Programme at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (HKAPA), which
provides technical and artistic training. Visit
www.hkapa.edu
for more
information.
Whilst techniques
may take years to
master, children
learn commitment,
dedication and
perseverance.
March 2013
51