“Dance like no one’s watching”
Analiesa from Red Shoe Dance Company says she wants her three-year-old students to dance like no-one is watching
A ballet class involves quite a lot of concentration, listening as well as the social skills to dance together with others. Analiesa described how she blends the structure with a friendly approach, some silliness and support so a child feels at home whether they're on a stage or in a classroom
Red Shoe Dance Company set up by Jacqui Roberts is a perfect balance of a warm and friendly atmosphere as well as the place to learn strong technique and exams if that's the direction you want to go. Set up in 2010, classes include ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop
Parents often ask what a three-year-old learns from ballet and Analiesa says yes there is technique, but there's so much more
I asked what a three-year-old learns for her classes
“I think they learn discipline, but in a nice way… ballet is very disciplined, and it’s very structured, and I think that they learn to really concentrate and really focus.”
I asked how she helps a child who might have stage fright before a performance
“I do little funny things beforehand… And then I hide under my T-shirt, ‘Oh, no, no.’ And they always laugh at me — ‘No, Miss Analiesa, we’re not gonna be like that.’”
“I’m on stage with them if they’re particularly young… they follow me and what I do, and I think that’s the comfort for them.”
“I was scared of my teachers when I was younger, and I didn’t ever want my kids to feel like that with me.”
I asked why there are so few boys in ballet today
“One boy in a class of twelve girls — I think it can be overwhelming. So I do understand.”
“It’s not all fairies and butterflies… It’s strength. It’s core. It’s discipline.”
I asked about her son, who is four.
“He doesn’t do ballet… I do see potential in him, but I will let him decide. I never want anyone to feel pressured into doing anything they don’t want to do.”
And I asked, what do you wish parents knew before the first class?
“If you have a little girl or a little boy at home that just loves doing that, then just bring them to dance class.”
I asked how the children are supported in class and on stage, and how parents hear of progress between performances. From her response, you really see the Analiesa's passion and care for the students and pride as you watch them grow over the months, as well as her openness to conversations and feedback with parents
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