In ballet class, the kids move with focus and joy, imitating animals, spinning like flowers in the wind, jumping as if they were trying to reach the clouds…. Teacher Mima de Freitas guides the movements, gently guiding each child’s expression. Playfulness permeates her guidance and words of encouragement: “That’s it! Pick your head up. “You’re a sunflower seeking the sunlight!” In this space, technique shares the stage with poetry and play, and ballet is transformed into games and stories that are created bit by bit.  

The classes – which take place weekly for be.Living’s kindergarten children, as part of the extracurricular activities schedule – go far beyond a time for honing skills. They become an experience full of discovery, creativity and non-verbal expression. The teacher, who has extensive experience in dance, understands that teaching ballet to young children calls for a nuanced approach that respects the timing and context of each student. “We’re not developing professional dancers here, but human beings who learn to listen to their own bodies, express themselves with confidence and work as a team,” she explained.

It all starts in a playful manner. For younger students, ballet is introduced through games that stimulate, among other things, body awareness and motor coordination. Stretching, which is essential for flexibility, becomes a moment for fun. “I often say that we’re making pizzas with our legs or helping a butterfly wash its feet, because this gets them involved in the exercise without realizing that they’re developing important skills,” she said. Each simple movement – be it a plié, a relevé or a small jump, is presented as part of a story. They become princesses or princes in a castle, animals running through imaginary forests or even dancing astronauts exploring space. 

As well as stimulating the imagination, the classes have clearly defined educational objectives. During the meetings, the children learn to recognize and use their own bodies, work on their posture and balance, and develop fine and gross motor skills. “But the most beautiful thing is to see how they gain self-confidence. Dance has this power to show them that they are capable, that they have a strong body full of possibilities,” she said. The classes also encourage the development of musicality and a sense of rhythm, which are essential not only for dance, but for various areas of life. 

In the space where the classes take place, music is more than an accompaniment. It is the soul that inspires and guides their movements. Children learn to hear and feel the rhythm, to perceive the nuances of a melody and to respond to it with their bodies. “Music is like a conversation, and our bodies respond to it with gestures, jumps and turns. This teaches children to be present, to connect with the moment,” she explained. Through this interaction, they develop active listening skills and the sensitivity to recognize different emotions and moods conveyed by the music. In addition, well-known songs and classical compositions create a safe and enchanting environment in which they can experiment and express themselves freely.  

This process, although it seems magical, is built through the patience, care and watchful eye of Teacher Mima. Throughout the year, she observes each girl and boy individually, recognizing their singularities and respecting their learning times. “I like to say that every move they make is unique, because it reflects who they are. There is no right or wrong, only what is true for each person,” he says. And in this respect for particularities, ballet classes become a welcoming space where each child feels valued for their essence. This careful approach creates a solid foundation for the development of self-esteem, showing that dance is more about experience than perfection.  

Mima says that socialization is a fundamental point of this work. Although ballet is an individual expression, it also teaches about collectivity. In class, children learn to respect each other’s space, wait their turn and work together to create something bigger. “Ballet is a metaphor for life in society. When we rehearse together, we’re showing them that for something to work well, we need patience, respect and collaboration,” she explained.  

The work done throughout the year culminates in a very special moment: the big presentation. This show, eagerly awaited by children and families, is not just a dance show, but a celebration of the learning process, individual and collective achievements and the enchantment that art provides. The theme chosen for this year, “A fruta Amarela” (The Yellow Fruit) – inspired by the short story by Ricardo Azevedo, is a story full of adventure and imagination, involving a conflict between animals and a mischievous witch. “The central theme of the story involves the importance of empathy and sharing. From dance to dance, the plot develops in an enchanting way until the end brings dialog and compassion as solutions for harmonious coexistence,” Mima explained. 

Preparing for the show involves much more than routine rehearsals. It’s a time when the children experience the discipline and commitment needed to be on stage, but always in a light and fun way. “I tell them that the stage is a magical place, where everything we do with love shines even brighter. It doesn’t matter if the step isn’t perfect, what matters is the joy they transmit while dancing,” Mima said. 

On show nights, the theater is always filled with laughter, applause and watchful eyes. For the children, it is an opportunity to show the world what they have built together, to feel the transformative power of dance and to experience the thrill of being in the spotlight. For families, it’s a moment of wonder and enchantment, an open window to the colorful and creative universe of children. “The show is a summary of the whole year. Not just the movements we learn, but the stories we tell, the friendships we build and the colors we discover together,” she concluded. And so ballet becomes more than just an activity. It becomes an unforgettable memory, full of meaning, one of those that remain alive forever in someone’s life.