Is My Child Misbehaving in Ballet Class? Or Just Learning in Their Own Way?

What looks like misbehaviour in a ballet class is often just age-appropriate learning. At Tiny Tutus, we recognise that running, clinging, or not following instructions may be how young children process new environments, not a sign they’re being naughty.

Behaviour or Development? Here’s the Real Question

You’ve taken your little one to ballet, expecting sweet smiles, twirls, and maybe a few wobbly pliés.

Instead… they run in circles.

Or refuse to join in.

Or cling to you and cry.

Or shout out, copy the wrong move, or interrupt.

You find yourself looking around, wondering: Is this normal? Are we the problem?

Let us reassure you:

It’s not bad behaviour. It’s age-appropriate learning.

At Tiny Tutus, we’ve seen it all - and we can tell you with complete confidence that what many parents call “misbehaving” is actually just a child working through their environment the only way they know how.

What “Misbehaviour” Often Looks Like and What It Really Is

Here are a few common behaviours we see in class — and what they really mean:

They’re Running Around Instead of Following the Routine

What’s really happening:

Your child is adjusting to the space. Movement is how young children self-regulate when they’re excited or overwhelmed. Their body needs to do before it can settle.

They’re Interrupting or Talking Over the Teacher

What’s really happening:

Toddlers and preschoolers are still learning impulse control. If they’ve never been in a structured class before, it will take time to learn how to wait and listen, and that’s okay.

They Won’t Let Go of You or Join the Group

What’s really happening:

This is a sign of healthy attachment. Your child is checking: Am I safe here? Can I explore while staying connected to you? At Tiny Tutus, we embrace this transition and let children ease in gently.

They Copy Other Children’s “Silly” Behaviours

What’s really happening:

Your child is experimenting socially. Mimicking others is actually a cognitive skill, not defiance. It’s how kids test belonging and learn social norms.

Our Teachers Are Trained to Understand This

Tiny Tutus teachers are trained not just in dance technique, but in early childhood development.

That means they know how to:

• Gently guide rather than shame
• Redirect with warmth
• Celebrate little wins
• Maintain structure while honouring emotion

We’re not looking for perfect dancers.

We’re creating a space where children can learn how to move through a class at their own pace, with curiosity, safety, and support.

What Parents Often Worry About (That We Don’t)

• “Everyone’s watching us.” → Nope. Everyone’s focusing on their own child, just like you.
• “They’re disrupting the class.” → They’re contributing to the group by being themselves.
• “They’re not learning anything.” → They are — but not in the way you expected.
• “Maybe they’re not ready for this.” → If they’re showing up, they’re ready. They just need time.

Letting Go of the “Perfect Ballet Student” Myth

We promise you:

No one expects your child to be still, silent, or flawless.

What we do hope for is that they:

• Show up
• Try
• Smile (eventually)
• Learn through doing, even if that “doing” is running in circles for a few weeks

Your child is not misbehaving.

They’re learning in the only way they know how.

And we’re here to support that with patience, structure, and a whole lot of kindness.

Let’s Learn Gently, Together

At Tiny Tutus, we were the first Australian preschool ballet school to offer fully open classes, where parents sit in the studio and experience every moment.

That’s because we believe:

• Children behave best when they feel safe
• Learning happens in many forms
• You deserve to see the process - not just the performance

We'd love to welcome you to Tiny Tutus! Book a Trial Class today or Learn More About Our Program here