Appropriate age to begin Bharathanatyam training in children

[Vedavalli]

Hello,

What would be the most appropriate age to begin Bharathanatyam training in a child? My daughter, who turned 5 in June, is completely uninterested in dancing so I do not wish to force the issue now. But I've heard that most dancers start at or around 5, so I'm a little concerned that she may soon be too old to learn.

Kindly advice?

Thanks.

-Vedavalli

[Nick H]

Shouldn't her interest be the deciding factor?

I'm sure that an early start is advantageous to any art --- but only if the person wants to do it anyway.

[ksl]

Start at an early age, 5-7 is a good age. It is easier to mould her interests when she is younger compared to when she will be older and god forbid, still be disinterested/becomes too conscious. Find a teacher who has small kids and she might focus once she sees other kids of her age dancing seriously. Also, leave her alone with the teacher. Most of the times, moms sitting in front are the biggest distraction/excuse for the child to act childish. They behave themselves better when they are left in hands of a teacher who knows how to handle them.

[vakul12]

How does one get interest? Unless you take her to many bharatanatyam performances, you cannot create interest. My observation is one does not get interest in arts overnight, especially small children. Unless one is exposed to mathematics for a long time, and see various facets of it, one does not get interested. At some point, they will go on their own if they feel so. My daughter started learning adavus when she was 4 years old. For 3 years they dont do any solo padams. She did arangetram when she was 11. So you have enough time to guage if you should continue. Given all right circumstances and if you create the right enviroment - show them lot of performaces, listen to lot of carnatic and full margams, good but strict taskmaster in teacher, motivating and helpful parents, right set of friends are all key to success

[ardhanariswar]

I agree with vakul12 about taking children to performances and exposing them. Its even better if you can play carnatic/bharatanatyam cds or mp3s during the day when the children are just hanging out at home. I think this makes it easier to acclimate to dance class, since it already feels natural and reminds them of home. I grew up similarly, my parents loved to play old tamil filmi songs and some carnatic music, and that's what inspired me to start learning veena and dance later on, even though my parents never suggested it.

Earlier the better is good for dance, since it is such a physical activity. To supplement this, I think carnatic music classes are essential for the child to gain full appreciation.