Help! What do I do with triple-threat 4 yo?

[Hopesprings]

Help - I don't want to be a stage mother but my DD is 4 and I've been told by various of her nursery teachers and a music therapist that she is "very musical" and a natural actor (whatever that means). She can also sing and dance, er.., well (sorry, I'm trying to be objective). God knows where she got this from, DH has two left feet and I have no background in this stuff (except for a bit of ballet). Problem is, she is not a pushy child and I'm worried any talent she has may just get ignored or she will become shy (she is already starting to) and not have the confidence to express it.

What should I do? I thought about Stagecoach but a (fantastic) dance teacher at my gym told me it was "for the masses" (gulp) and it was better to get her some serious ballet training to start with. Is that right? DD is already doing a bit of (very informal) ballet (which she loves) and gymnastics (which she likes). No idea how you should start teaching kids musical instruments, acting or singing. Kind of out of my depth - any advice???

Hopesprings x

[UptoapointLordCopper]

Don't know about ballet and the stage but for music I would try something like the musicianship classes run by people like www.ejms.org.uk/ and www.qymc.org/index.html near you. My kids enjoy them.

[NickOfTime]

there are loads of dance schools which offer musical theatre as well as the full range of ballet/ tap/ jazz/ modern/ freestyle/ cheer/ whatever floats your boat. ours used to have a summer workshop culminating in a show etc as well, so twice a year.

google and your local dance shop will be able to help. just call a few teachers and ask them what they offer.

it is a bit early though for full-on classes in each discipline. two of mine have been dancing since two, but the other add-ons are only usually offered form school age i think, depends where you are.

same with learning an instrument - what is she interested in? there are very good keyboard lessons here from early, but for most other things they ask that you are 7.

i hope you have very deep pockets btw...

[NickOfTime]

incidentally, i wouldn't worry about the confidence thing - dance and performing has definitely instilled confidence in my 3. it's quite amazing to see how performances change as the children grow (and grow used to being on a stage).

[elphiethropp]

My daughter started Stagecoach at the age of 4 and ballet at the age of 5.

If you want to be a dancer then you need to do ballet at a dance school. However I think that Stagecoach has really developed her drama and singing side and she stands out amongst those who only do the dance. My dh tutors at two of the country's top dance/drama schools so we do have a bit of knowledge in this area.

There is a bit of a prejudice against Stagecoach though for some reason.

[elphiethropp]

Forgot to say that dd also does optional extra LAMDA speech and drama exams. You can start these at age 5 and it is a very gentle confidence building process at first, you learn a poem and "share" it with the examiner. Almost impossible to fail the introductory grades then by the time they get to the proper Grades it hopefully doesn't fase them. This year she won the local speech & drama festival for her age group.

[Hopesprings]

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I thought I had already posted a thank you but nothing seems to have come up (bit of a mumsnet virgin, sorry). It sounds like we should continue with the ballet and maybe add a drama class and the music can wait until later...

Hopesprings