A Parent's Perspective: The Family Experience with Ballet & Books

Can you tell us about your child and how they first got involved with Ballet and Books? What initially drew you to the program?

We first learned about Ballet and Books from a flyer posted at the library. It seemed like a fantastic way to provide Pearl with a dance experience. I wasn’t sure at the start how intensive the reading component would be, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Pearl was assigned a mentor for one-on-one reading instruction after the group dance lesson! 

Pearl can be somewhat shy, but she became very comfortable with her mentor. The continuity of seeing the same person each week was so great! 

What has your child's experience been like with their mentor? How have you seen their relationship develop over time?

Bringing together UVA dancers/students with school-age children has been powerful. It made a huge impression on Pearl. She felt so “seen” and validated to be able to interact with and make connections with the young adults involved in this program.  All of the mentors, teachers, and staff demonstrated tons of passion for helping and supporting kids in the community. 

Have you noticed any changes in your child since they started with Ballet and Books—whether in their confidence, interest in dance, or in other areas?

Pearl definitely became more confident and interested in both dance and reading. It meant so much to her to have such inspirational, young and energetic, kind, patient, and positive role models.

What does a typical Saturday look like for your family with Ballet and Books? How has the program fit into your routine?

Our sessions actually met on Fridays at 3:15.  It was a nice routine that Pearl looked forward to which punctuated our end of school week. I brought both her older brother and baby brother along because my husband works late afternoon/ evenings/weekends.  Each class started with a circle for social connection during some light warm-up drills, and then the teachers had the kids do positions and dance.  Pearl loved the music and often went around during the week singing to herself the lyrics from a song played during the dance portion: “I feel better when I’m dancing”… so sweet and such a great message. Teachers had a lot of knowledge and presented sophisticated choreography yet always kept it fun and low pressure for the kids.  After dance the second half of the session was directed by the reading mentors. The mentor had a new lesson plan each week.

How do you feel about the connection between Ballet and Books and the UVA campus/students? What has that exposure meant for your child?

Pearl really enjoyed reading with her mentor and completing writing activities in the notebook provided by the program. I was surprised that Ballet and Books had ballet gear: leotards, tights, tutus, and ballet slippers to distribute to each participant. This made the entirely free program even more accessible (and easier for busy parents!) An unexpected benefit was that the group was taught a dance routine that they performed at Old Cabell Hall as an opening for a dance production, which was directed and put on by one of the Ballet and Books teachers. For Pearl to stay and watch experienced dancers do a show was the icing on the cake. She was so pumped!

How has Ballet and Books impacted your family beyond just the dance instruction?

Pearl and I are currently reading together a chapter book ( Katarina Ballerina ) that was a gift from the end of the spring sessions. 

What would you tell other parents who might be considering Ballet and Books for their child?

I 100% recommend this program to other families.  It is a very rich offering for area kids!