It is an acknowledged fact that children today are not doing enough physical activity in their day-to-day lives and that sport and physical exercise are habits that need to be instilled early on in life. Nannies can do their bit by introducing the children in their care to some or, at the very least, one of many physical activities at which we'll be taking an in-depth look. Let's start with dance.
WHEN TO START?
The days of pushing children into ballet pumps as soon as they can walk are over. But if you've noticed that the pre-school child in your care starts jumping around as soon as he hears music or that she responds enthusiastically to any impromptu dancing session that you initiate, you can safely assume that you're not being too pushy in finding out about local classes.
Dancing will help the child to develop good co-ordination, flexibility and suppleness. This kind of exercise is also good for the development of the heart and lungs, providing children are allowed plenty of time to run around and have fun, rather than being made to sit and listen to instructions for long periods of time.
But if the child in your care shows little interest in dance classes, you should avoid enrolling for two reasons. First, you risk turning a child off of all physical activity if you push her to take part in something she did not indicate a liking for in the first place. Second, children become enthusiastic about things at different stages. Many only become interested in dance after seeing a live performance or a film, and this usually happens when they're a little bit older. The Royal Ballet took on more boys than girls for the first time ever in the year following the release of the film 'Billy Elliot', so by all means take the child along to a performance, even if it's by a local amateur group. But don't ever assume that dancing is a must, just because you like it or you used to dance as a child.
CHOOSING A CLASS
Whether you choose a pre-ballet class, music and movement, or free dance is immaterial while the child is very young, say under seven. The important thing is for the child to thoroughly enjoy the class and to get used to being in a group and understanding how to follow instructions.
Once the child is older it helps to go along to different classes with her to let her see how they differ. Even if she has expressed an interest in ballet because her friend goes or because she has seen it performed, it is still a good idea to let her see a jazz dance class, a tap dancing class and an Irish dancing class before money changes hands. Reputable teachers shouldn't object to you visiting their class for a little look, and may even offer free taster sessions.
While you are introducing the child to what's available, you can also ensure that the class is worth going along to. Classes should be small enough for every child to get some individual attention and to have enough room to move around freely. No class should contain more than 20 children at any one time; preferably there should be fewer than 15. Ballet classes often still employ a pianist to accompany the movement, but jazz and other kinds of dance are quite likely to be accompanied by taped music. If this is the case, the music should be varied and properly set up so that it doesn't break down during lessons.
The teacher should know and use the names of the children in the class and should explain things in clear and appropriate language that is suited to that age group. There should be no shouting, harsh criticism or ridicule.
You should not see the teacher having her coffee break while teaching, or taking mobile phone calls.
The venue for the lesson should be clean, well-lit and large enough for the children to move about without falling over each other. There should be space and, with older children, privacy for changing. Toilet facilities should be close by and, if necessary, supervised, although with younger children it is normal to wait while the lesson takes place.
Do listen to recommendations from your nanny friends or parents of other children, but also respect your gut reaction to what you see going on, and listen to what the child has to say about it as well.
Finally, bear in mind that ballet calls for self-discipline and control, while jazz dance suits those who are good at improvisation and are not shy by nature. Tap dancing requires flexible ankles and feet and the ability to learn routines.
BE PREPARED
Whichever type of dance class the child in your care attends, she will need some special clothes and shoes. If you are taking her to the sessions it will inevitably fall to you to assemble the kit as well. Most dance schools have a 'uniform' that you buy from them or from a local specialist store, but you should resist the urge to get everything straight away. The child should be allowed to try the class for three or four sessions before making any commitment to buying the gear.
Classes usually call for practice tights and leotard and/or wrapover top.
Ballet and tap require the appropriate footwear, although it will be some time before pointes (shoes with blocks inside to enable dancers to move on their toes) are needed in ballet. There should never be any rush to get a child into pointes - it is very easy to sustain damage to leg muscles by over-exercising in this way at a young age. Twelve to 13 is the average age for children to start wearing pointes, and even then they should have been dancing for a few years beforehand.
Having a special bag for the kit and making sure that it is ready each week will help keep the sessions stress-free. If the child senses that getting to the class is a rush and a nuisance, he is unlikely to settle down and enjoy the time. It's important to allow enough time to get to the class, especially if you are driving. Ideally, the class would be close enough for you to walk to without rushing. If you have to drive, then before choosing a class it's a good idea to consider parking or the lack of it, and the timing of the class, such as if it takes place during rush hour or soon after school.
Along with the kit, it is also a good idea to take along a drink of dilute squash or water for afterwards. This should not get extended into a picnic - any snacks should be eaten in good time before the class, rather than immediately afterwards, to avoid upset tummies. But if the child always comes out feeling ravenous, you could also take along some fruit.
RESULTS OR FUN?
Some parents don't feel happy about their children attending classes unless they pass exams or receive medals. Many teachers respond to this by entering children in exams every year.
There are several examination boards, according to what type of dance the child has opted for, and it is fine to go along with this as long as the child wants to. Younger children may not fully understand or care about taking examinations - this is when you should discuss with your employer what is to be gained by going along this route. For older children, the dance class may be one of the few times during the week when they relax away from the TV and computer, so it is a shame if the dance class becomes yet another trigger for exam stress.
Whether or not examinations are taken, there should always be a show to look forward to. Dance is meant to be performed in front of an audience, and for the child, taking part in a show that their parents and nanny can go to watch and applaud, even if it's just once a year, should be part and parcel of any class.
Exams and performances aside, dance is an excellent means of increasing a child's self-confidence and body awareness. You may begin to notice after a while that the child you care for is developing in stamina, poise and agility. This will have a valuable knock-on effect through helping her to enjoy other sports and through confident interaction with her peers.
SO YOU FANCY A DANCE?
Perhaps when you're standing around watching the child in your care tap her way through 'Tea for Two' or do a passing imitation of 'Riverdance', you are seized with the urge to take to the floor yourself?
If you danced as a child, you will almost certainly feel a pang of regret that you did not carry on. But before you replace your copy of Professional Nanny with the classified section of The Stage, you could definitely use dance as a means to physical fitness yourself. Even if you have never danced, there's no reason why you shouldn't take it up now as an all-round get-fit and de-stress solution.
However, unless you enjoy a very close bond with the child in your care and the class he attends is very small, you should not try to join in with that session. Instead, ask the teacher where there is a session for adults. Even ballet, which is usually taken up at an early age, is gaining in popularity with adult beginners. This is because the discipline required focuses the mind and the warm-up and cool- down stretchings, combined with the actual practice, provide an excellent overall work-out.
