Trust the Process: What My Son Taught Me About Baby Ballet (and Parenting)

Whilst Beau is still too little for ballet, we've recently been trying an activity called Gymbaroo — an Australian-owned and operated franchise that encourages children to develop their fine and gross motor skills through playing on apparatuses and gym equipment. While it’s been wonderful for Beau’s development, it’s also offered unexpected insight into the experience of parents with little ones, and reaffirmed advice I often give to families when their children begin ballet.

Too often, I see parents switch and change their child’s activities based on their level of visible participation within the first few classes. If their child doesn’t immediately join in, they ask their three- or four-year-old if they’re enjoying themselves. Without an enthusiastic "yes," ballet is replaced by tennis, then gymnastics, then soccer — leaving behind a trail of half-attempted activities. Jack of all trades, master of none. It might not seem like a problem now, but later in life, this habit of jumping from one thing to the next can ripple into more significant challenges — like commitment and career direction.

When parents tell me their child stands still during ballet class, seemingly not participating, they often ask if it’s worth continuing. My answer? Absolutely. If there are no tears or strong resistance to attending class, I always suggest continuing until at least the end of term. A full ten weeks allows enough time to build routine, familiarity, and trust in the process. In fact, I’ve had students appear to stand still in class for two or three whole terms — only to bloom in their fourth or fifth. It’s a beautiful transformation to witness.

Often, those same quiet students will show off at home — singing the songs, demonstrating the movements, or re-enacting class with incredible precision. Parents come to me sheepishly, saying, “I’m so sorry, she/he just stands there... but at home they put on a whole show!” I always reassure them — there’s no need to apologise. This behaviour is incredibly normal. If your child is showing signs at home that they’re taking in the experience, they are learning. They’re simply observing, processing, and preparing to join in — in their own time.

And of course, it’s easy to give this advice. But much harder to take it myself.

At Gymbaroo, the class is divided into two sections. The first half allows babies and toddlers to roam freely over ladders, slides, and climbing equipment — a sensory playground. After that, a song plays, signalling the start of "circle time" — 20 minutes of structured exercises focused on balance, control, and listening skills.

Beau adored the free-play portion, climbing and exploring with enthusiasm. But the moment that song played, signalling the transition to circle time, he’d race to the mat… only to last 30 seconds before darting off again. It felt like a game of chase — me dragging him back to the circle over and over, while he giggled and ran off.

I questioned whether it was worth staying. Clearly, he didn’t have the patience yet. But something in me said to persist — and so we showed up every single week.

At the four-week mark, something fascinating happened. Beau began singing the circle time songs at home — with actions! I was stunned. How could he possibly know the movements when he barely sat still during class? He was absorbing it all… from the sidelines.

I was frustrated. In class, he looked like the least engaged child out of 20 others. But at home? A star performer. And that’s when it hit me — this is what I tell my ballet parents every day. He’s just taking it in, in his own time. This was my opportunity to walk the talk.

Week after week, we showed up. Some weeks were even more chaotic than the last. But then, at Week 9, the music played and Beau ran to the mat, sat down, and waited patiently. He stayed engaged for 15 of the 20 minutes, watching carefully and later performing the activities at home unprompted.

Then, Week 10 came. He ran to the circle again, this time participating for the entire session. Not only did he stay, but he positioned himself front and centre — eager, focused, and proud. At the end, the teacher praised him and acknowledged how frustrating the previous weeks must have felt. She reminded me (with the exact words I often use myself) that every child learns and joins in at their own pace.

This experience reminded me of a lesson worth revisiting — whether in ballet, Gymbaroo, or any new endeavour: growth is rarely instant. Children need time to observe, absorb, and feel safe before they leap into action. Just because we can’t see the learning doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

So, to the parents feeling unsure… stay the course. Trust the process. Give your little one time, space, and the gift of consistency. You might be surprised by what blooms when you least expect it.