"Jete!"

They squealed one by one: "Jete!" Holding up pom-poms in the air, Alpha, Fran and Mia hopped over the hoola hoops on the floor. Each one brimming with glee as they waited their turn. This is another one of Teacher Vic's many tricks up his sleeve for his Creative Ballet class, which is known as, although starkly unique from,  "Baby Ballet" classes in other studios.

"Young children learn better in a playful environment," he says. In my view, this is almost identical to the Maria Montessori method which claims that the mind is most absorbent when  concepts are taught during play.

Look closely at Alpha's picture above and you will find that the elements of the jete, are executed. There is obviously the plie and transfer of weight from one foot to the other during the ballet leap.

By using fun props such as pom-poms, fairy wings and wands, tiaras and garlands, the kids readily buy into "ballet" and learn how to plie, turn, tendu and jete while pretending to be princesses.

Alpha begging to have another go at a jete.

Alpha holding up her skirt and walking like a princess.

Princess Aurora, Cinderella, Odette and Odile are classical ballet roles based from fantasy. Teacher Vic asserts, "Why not start the role-playing early?" 

I wished Bella and even I had learned ballet this way! I remember myself at six years old, fighting to keep my balance in centre, struggling to reach the barre and behave while trying to comprehend my teacher's French. 

Here's a link to the VGUDS Summer Intensive which includes Creative Ballet classes for children five years old and above.