The ADD dancer

[Guest jm4364]

My 12 y/o dd has ADD and has treated for the past 4 years, and has danced at her current academy for 3. Just last year she developed her passion for ballet. She has always been a bit of a "late bloomer" and it seems that it takes her longer at times to "get" combinations. She isn't the strongest musicality-wise. I believe her strength lies in her work ethic and character. Any with similar experiences? Will alot of what's not clicking right now click for her later?

[Clara 76]

Absolutely, JM4364! My son is 15.5 and ADHD, and he's always been a bit behind too. He was born 7 weeks preemie, and it seemed like he was perpetually behind others his age- until this year. It's just been clicking for him.

 

However, he does have to work at it, sometimes twice as hard as others. He practices at home both mentally and physically. His desire has compensated for his lagging. I feel certain that you will experience something similar!

 

Clara 76

[Gremlin]

My son 13, has been on meds for ADHD since age 6....ballet at age 8. He sometimes has difficulty with combinations, but I think it is more a language barrier problem than ADHD problem.

[Guest jm4364]

Thank you Gremlin and Clara76. It's always nice to hear from others with similar situations. It is sometimes a long row to how. By the way, Clara, our children go to the same Wonderful academy!

[manageitall]

My daughter is 17.5 with ADD. Yes, she is a "late bloomer" and has difficulty focusing during combinations. It does take her longer for things to "click." She only started medication this school year because she is at a residency for her senior year. She has been accepted to top summer programs over the years. It is possible to get to a high level in ballet with the disorder with hard work and struggle. She is, however, not quite as advanced as others her age and is not company ready this year. Her teachers feel one more year should do it. So, jm, if ballet is what your daughter really wants, and she is totally dedicated, ADD will not necessarily prevent her from "getting" everything.

[Clara 76]

Actually, for ADD people, any career like ballet is perfectly suited to them, because of the movement. Their part of the brain that misfires can actually be aided by movement. Many firefighters are ADD too.

 

I am glad that others experience what my family does- having an ADD kid can be a challenge at times, but they're such interesting kids too...so full of life and energy and love!

 

How wonderful that our kids are at the same place jm4364!!

 

Gremlin-

you will see improvement as he ages. My son had difficulties at 13 too. It's really been this year that things have clicked for him. Another thing to try is tap. Tap really cues into ADD kids. It's funny because for me, tap was like a foreign language, but for my son, it is second nature.

 

manageitall is correct-ADD will not prevent kids from getting it!

 

Clara 76

[Gremlin]

Gremlin-

you will see improvement as he ages. My son had difficulties at 13 too. It's really been this year that things have clicked for him. Another thing to try is tap. Tap really cues into ADD kids. It's funny because for me, tap was like a foreign language, but for my son, it is second nature.

 

manageitall is correct-ADD will not prevent kids from getting it!

 

Clara 76

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My son hates tap. It annoys him. My son tried other sports, but found ballet to be his calling because he is the center of everything. He is not in the outfield waiting his turn. He is not sitting on the bench ...waiting. He is always active...always moving and things are always changing in ballet.

[Clara 76]

I'm glad your son has found his niche- for my son, tap was his savior...it lead him to ballet and playing the drums.

 

Clara 76