Re: Help with CMT kids and dance

[Guest guest]

Hi Amelia,

Years ago I met a Mom with CMT that joined a dance class after seeing how much

her daughter with CMT enjoyed her dance class.

was in ballet and tap when she was 4. She liked it a lot and her CMT

didn't get in the way at all. Actually no one noticed that had CMT.

Dance at this age is not competitive it is about fun, friends and cute outfits.

If you feel like it you can tell the teacher that you are using dance as a PT

and that Addy will keep up the best she can. With I was able to sit in

the same room as the class and keep on eye on things.

Her class did the 30 minutes of tap and then 30 minutes of ballet. After they

got drinks and changed their shoes it was more like 20 minutes of each. I don't

remember feeling any fatigue at all.

Keep this fun and if something becomes an issue focus on what Addy can do in the

class. The reason I say this is because of what I have gone through with my

boys.

Spencer quit playing the guitar because he couldn't keep up with his

friends. Adam has a harder time with the guitar but enjoys a lot! Adam focus on

what he can do and not on what is hard for him.Last year Adam told me he moved

up from being the worst in the class to

being third from the worst. He was so happy. LOL

Take pictures of Addy in her dance outfit for me. They look so dang cute in

those outfits!

[Guest guest]

Hi Amelia,

Speaking as a 'former' CMT kid and ballerina, I had no problems with

either fatigue or balance. Even tho at age 7, I fell alot at school,

that didn't happen with ballet. And ballet was on Saturday mornings,

first thing, so I had more energy. I loved it, learned so much, and had a crush

on my teacher, lol. (Sure have some great memories.) I wasn't

the 'best' in the class, but I had fun! Learning poise and grace was

important too. I grew up with a good understanding of the principles of ballet

and occassionally enjoy watching a professional ballet company.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Thanks Gretchen!

I was just debating between two different dance studios and one class

was at 7:00 pm and one was Saturday morning at 9:00. I definately

think the 9:00 would work better with her bod!! I appreciate the

feedback.

Take care,

Amelia

[Guest guest]

Hi Amelia,

I have CMT1A and just like Gretchen, I too have fond memories of ballet/tap

classes when I was your daughter's age.  I would definitely let her participate

in ballet.  The recitals can be very fun for little girls.  It might be good to

give the teacher a 'heads up' not to push her too hard and be patient, but at

that age, the dance teachers I've seen are typically are already very patient

and focus on having fun.

Based on my experience, I would say...let her have fun and don't hold her back

from organized activities she wants to participate in, since she will figure out

on her own if it's something she can't do.  Let her try, but keep a close eye

and listen to her joys and complaints.  If soreness, strains, fatigue or

frustration become an issue, then consider modifying or discontinuing the

activity.  In some cases, moms are able to watch the classes, so you could

monitor how she's doing.  I recall watching my daughter from behind a mirrored

wall when she first began her tap/ballet classes.  So you could make sure you

feel she's safe before you leave her.

Dance brought great joy to my life in the years when I was able to do it.  It

can be a wonderful experience!  I still miss it.