Deciding on the right extracurricular activities for children is an essential part of parenting, as these choices can significantly influence their physical development, social skills, and even future interests.
Among the myriad options available, gymnastics and ballet stand out as two disciplines that combine physical activity with artistic expression, each offering unique benefits and challenges. However, this brings parents to a common quandary: between gymnastics and ballet, which is the better option to start a child on?
Introduction to Gymnastics and Ballet
Gymnastics is a sport that encompasses a broad range of activities, including floor exercises, vaulting, beam, and uneven bars for women, and floor exercises, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel bars, and high bar for men.
Gymnastics involves a wide range of skills including tumbling, jumps, flips, turns, and apparatus-specific skills. It focuses on demonstrating physical strength, agility, endurance, and coordination through various apparatus-based routines. Gymnastics for children often starts with basic physical conditioning, followed by learning fundamental skills and routines.
Entry Requirements For Gymnastics
The entry requirements for gymnastics vary depending on the program and level. Here’s a concise overview based on the latest information:
USA Gymnastics Development Program
The USA Gymnastics Development Program is structured into developmental, compulsory, and optional segments. The developmental segment includes Levels 1 through 3 and is designed for beginners.
These levels can serve as a non-competitive and achievement-oriented program or as an introductory/recreational competitive program. Equipment should accommodate the gymnasts’ size, and progression through levels requires meeting specific skill requirements.
From Level 4 onwards, gymnasts enter the compulsory segment, which involves more structured skill development and competition requirements. Levels 6 through 10 form the optional segment, where gymnasts have more freedom in their routines but must meet difficulty restrictions and composition evaluations (USA Gymnastics).
Xcel Program
The Xcel Program offers a more flexible competitive path with divisions ranging from Bronze to Diamond, and a pilot Sapphire division. Entry requirements are based on age and, for higher levels, previous achievement scores:
- Bronze: Minimum age of 5, no previous experience required, similar in skill requirements to JO Program’s levels 1-2.
- Silver: Minimum age of 6, no previous experience required, similar to JO level 3.
- Gold: Minimum age of 7, no previous experience required, similar to JO level 4. Progression to Platinum requires a 31 AA score in Gold or an 8.0 on an individual event.
- Platinum and Diamond: Entry at these levels requires minimum ages of 8 and 9 respectively, along with specific AA scores from the previous level or scores on individual events. These divisions are comparable to JO program’s levels 4-5 (Platinum) and 6-7 (Diamond).
- Sapphire (Trial): Minimum age of 12, with entry based on a 34 AA score in Diamond or skills beyond Diamond, comparable to JO program’s levels 8-10 (Complete Gymnastics) (GymnasticsHQ).
For gymnasts and parents considering entry into gymnastics competitions, these structured programs provide clear pathways for progression from beginner to advanced levels, each with its own set of requirements and expectations. Whether through the Development Program or the Xcel Program, there are options available to suit different interests, commitment levels, and skill sets.
Ballet, a classical dance form, is known for its grace, precision, and fluidity of movement. Ballet focuses on fluid, graceful movements and includes techniques such as pointe work, extensions, turns (pirouettes), jumps (allegros), and poses (arabesques, attitudes).
Ballet training focuses on technique, flexibility, strength, and expression, incorporating both barre work and center work. It is a foundational style for many other dance forms and can begin with simple steps and postures, gradually advancing to more complex movements and combinations.
Entry Requirements For Ballet
For those interested in pursuing ballet at a formal institution, the entry requirements vary by age and experience across different schools and programs. Here’s a summary based on specific prestigious institutions:
The Royal Ballet School
Ages 8-10 (Junior Associates): While no specific experience is needed, showing a genuine interest and a foundational skill in classical ballet is crucial. Applicants must be able to commute to the closest Associate center every Saturday during the school year.
Ages 11-13 and 14-15 (Full-time training and Mid/Senior Associates): Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to classical ballet and possess basic to good technical facilities from previous dance training. Females must be en pointe for certain levels.
Ages 16-20 (Full-time training and Advanced Associates): Continuation of dance training with the intent of pursuing a dance career. Females must be confident en pointe. Training involves boarding at The Royal Ballet School boarding houses in London (The Royal Ballet School).
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
Grades with Age Requirements: Starting from Pre-Primary in Dance at age 5, the RAD outlines age requirements for each level up to Solo Seal, which requires candidates to be at least 15 years old. Specific prerequisites exist for higher levels, such as needing to pass the Advanced 1 exam with distinction to qualify for the Solo Seal exam (United Kingdom).
English National Ballet School
For the 2024-25 entry, applicants must be 16 years of age by 31st August 2024 and have completed their GCSEs or equivalent. The application process includes submitting a video according to the school’s guidelines to be considered for live preliminary auditions. Final auditions will take place at the English National Ballet School on 23rd March 2024 (ENBSchool).
Each of these institutions emphasizes the importance of technical skills appropriate to the age and level, along with a strong commitment to pursuing ballet.
Many also offer financial support options to ensure that talent and potential are the primary considerations for entry, not the ability to pay. It’s advisable to check directly with each school for the most up-to-date information and detailed requirements for application.
Gymnastics vs Ballet: Which Is More Difficult?
Gymnastics and ballet stand as two towering disciplines, each embodying grace, strength, and dedication. But which is more difficult, gymnastics or ballet? It’s like asking whether climbing Everest or navigating the Amazon is tougher. Both journeys are embarked upon by the brave, require years of training, and forge individuals in the fires of discipline and artistry.
Physical Demands and Adaptability
Gymnastics requires beginners to quickly adapt to a variety of physical demands. Strength, flexibility, and coordination are fundamental from the start. For many, the challenge lies in developing the muscular power necessary for tumbling, vaulting, and balancing acts, alongside the agility needed for dynamic movements. The initial difficulty often revolves around overcoming physical limitations to achieve the basic skills required for more advanced techniques.
Ballet also places significant physical demands on beginners, particularly in terms of flexibility, posture, and footwork. The art form requires a high degree of precision from the outset, with a strong emphasis on proper alignment and graceful movements. Beginners may find the discipline required to maintain form while executing seemingly simple steps to be a notable challenge.
Technical Complexity and Mastery
Gymnastics encompasses a wide range of apparatus and skills, each with its technical complexities. Beginners must learn the fundamentals of body control and movement in a three-dimensional space, which can be daunting. The technical difficulty is compounded by the need for safety and precision, as incorrect techniques can lead to injury.
Ballet requires mastery of a codified technique that is intricate and detailed. Even the basic positions and steps can be difficult for beginners to execute correctly due to the required finesse and subtlety. Ballet’s technical language is vast, and understanding the nuances of each movement is a gradual and often challenging process.
Learning Curve and Progression
Gymnastics has a steep learning curve, particularly because of the acrobatic skills involved. Progress can be visibly marked by the acquisition of new skills or the mastery of a particular apparatus. This clear progression can be motivating for beginners, although the physical and technical barriers to advancement can be high.
Ballet offers a different kind of learning curve, where progress is measured in the refinement of technique and the ability to express emotion through dance. Improvement in ballet is often subtle and requires a deep understanding of body mechanics and artistic interpretation. This can be difficult for beginners who must learn to appreciate the value of incremental progress.
Emotional and Mental Resilience
Both disciplines demand not only physical but also emotional and mental resilience from beginners.
Gymnastics challenges beginners to overcome fears, particularly around inverted moves and high-flying elements. Ballet, with its emphasis on perfectionism and aesthetic beauty, can be mentally demanding as beginners work to align their bodies to the ideal forms and movements.
Making the Choice: Which Path to Take?
Making the choice between gymnastics and ballet for your child involves considering several factors beyond the physical demands and artistic elements of each discipline. As a parent, you’ll want to assess your child’s interests, personality, physical abilities, and your family’s schedule and commitment level. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this decision:
1. Assess Your Child’s Interests
The most crucial factor in choosing between gymnastics and ballet should be your child’s interest. Observe which activities they naturally gravitate towards.
Do they enjoy tumbling and jumping around, or do they prefer dancing and performing? Encouraging your child to explore both disciplines, even through introductory classes or watching performances and competitions, can help gauge their interest.
2. Consider Physical Aptitudes
While children can develop the necessary physical skills for either discipline with practice, some may naturally show more aptitude for the strength and agility required in gymnastics or the grace and flexibility needed for ballet.
Pay attention to your child’s physical strengths and how they align with each activity’s demands.
3. Personality and Learning Style
- Gymnastics often appeals to children who thrive on individual achievement, enjoy a mix of structured skill progression with the creativity of routines, and are energized by the physical intensity of the sport.
- Ballet might suit children who are drawn to expressive movement, appreciate the discipline of mastering technique, and enjoy the storytelling aspect of dance.
4. Schedule and Commitment
Both gymnastics and ballet require a significant time commitment, not only for the child attending classes and practice sessions but also for parents managing transportation, costumes, and meet or recital preparations.
Consider how each activity fits into your family’s schedule and the level of commitment you’re able to make.
5. Cost Considerations
Evaluate the financial commitment for each activity, including class fees, uniforms or costumes, competition or recital fees, and any additional equipment. Gymnastics and ballet can vary in cost, and it’s essential to understand these expenses upfront.
6. Facility and Instructor Quality
The quality of the facility and the experience of the instructors can significantly impact your child’s experience and development in gymnastics or ballet. Visit potential gyms and dance studios, observe classes, meet the instructors, and check their credentials and teaching philosophy.
7. Long-term Opportunities
Consider the long-term opportunities available in both disciplines, such as competitive teams, performance troupes, scholarships, and professional pathways.
While not every child will pursue gymnastics or ballet to an advanced level, understanding the possibilities can help inform your decision.
Making the Choice
After considering these factors, involve your child in the decision-making process. Some families find that allowing their child to try both activities for a short period helps in making a more informed choice. It’s also okay to reevaluate and switch paths if your child’s interests or goals change over time.
Ultimately, the best choice between gymnastics and ballet aligns with your child’s passions, physical and emotional well-being, and your family’s lifestyle and values. Encouraging your child to explore and develop their talents in a supportive and nurturing environment is the most valuable aspect of participating in any extracurricular activity.
