9 Reasons Melbourne Parents Are Choosing Ballet as an After-School Activity
- Kalman Warhaft
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Published 1st August 2025
Ballet is more than just a dance class; it's a powerful way to support children's physical, social, and emotional development and a meaningful part of their overall growth and development. As an after-school activity, it combines structure, creativity, and discipline, helping children wind down from the school day while developing lifelong skills.
Here are nine valuable reasons why so many Melbourne families are choosing ballet classes at Melbourne Institute of Dance as an after-school activity.
1. Physical Fitness
Ballet builds strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility in a way that's engaging and safe for children. Parents value classes for their ability to keep children active and healthy in a structured setting, especially after a day of sitting at school. Melbourne Institute of Dance offers age-appropriate ballet classes that promote physical development in a fun and safe environment.
2. Mental Focus
Ballet classes improve children’s ability to concentrate, follow instructions, and stay focused. These skills support academic performance and help children develop discipline through structured movement. In our Deepdene studio, discipline is taught in a positive, encouraging way that fosters resilience.
3. Confidence Building
Performing and mastering new steps helps children gain confidence in their abilities. Ballet encourages a growth mindset, celebrating progress rather than perfection.
4. Emotional Wellbeing
The expressive nature of dance offers an emotional outlet for children to process feelings and manage stress, becoming a healthy way to reset. The cognitive demands of ballet - remembering choreography and matching movement to rhythm - improve memory, sequencing, and pattern recognition. These are foundational skills that extend beyond the studio.
5. Creative Expression
Ballet provides a beautiful outlet for self-expression through movement, inspiring imagination and storytelling through movement. Melbourne parents appreciate how classes encourage kids to explore their creative side after structured school days.
6. Social Confidence
Parents often seek out extracurriculars that help their children connect with others. Ballet classes offer a supportive group environment where children build friendships, learn teamwork, and gain confidence. At Melbourne Institute of Dance, inclusivity and community are central to every children’s class.
7. Structured Routine
Ballet offers a calm, predictable routine, allowing for mental decompression at the end of the day. This consistency supports emotional regulation and is beneficial for children who may feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, helping them transition smoothly from school to home life.
8. Screen-Free Time
Ballet gives children a much-needed break from devices, encouraging real-world engagement and body awareness. Parents love the balance this brings to their child’s weekly schedule.
9. Listening Skills
Ballet classes require children to listen actively to verbal instructions, musical cues, and teacher corrections. This sharpens attention and strengthens multi-sensory learning. Improved listening translates to better behaviour and focus in the classroom, something every parent wants to support.
It’s an investment in both their present and their future.
Ballet is more than just an after-school activity; it’s a transformative experience that builds skills for life.
Are you ready to choose ballet as an after-school activity for your child?
Enrol for a trial class today!
Or contact us to learn more:
+61 436 342 295
Let your ballet journey begin - one step at a time!