The Social Benefits of Ballet Class: How Friendships Blossom at Tutu School

Beyond the Twirl: Dance Classes can lead to Social Skill Development

At Tutu School, we believe in the magic of ballet — What it does for little bodies and big imaginations. However that magic extends far beyond the graceful movements and captivating stories. It’s woven into the connections formed, the friendships that blossom, and the supportive community that grows within our Raleigh ballet studio.

One such lifelong friendship — sparked through a meeting in a ballet class — is the one between our owner, Lara O’Brien and Tutu School’s Founder, Genevieve Custer Weeks.

A Friendship Forged from Ballet: Lara & Genevieve’s Story

Both Lara and Genevieve began their own adventures in ballet as young children in the midwest. They serendipitously came together as young teens in the inaugural class of the School of Ballet Chicago in 1995. A shared love of dancing sparked a connection and from that very first meeting, they’d both say they bonded as forever friends.

Along with their few classmates, Lara & Genevieve became founding members of the Ballet Chicago Studio Company. Over the next several formative years of honing their craft in the studio, performing together on stages, and making memories off the dance floor too, their friendship and shared dreams grew.

In pursuit of their professional ballet careers, Lara went east to New York City, and Genevieve west to San Fransisco. Carolina Ballet brought Lara to North Carolina, however despite being on opposite coasts Lara and Genevieve stayed connected. That bond created through a shared passion was set.

Over the years, Lara watched as Genevieve launch Tutu School in 2008 and visited the very first location within a few months of its opening. Genevieve traveled to to see Lara’s career with Carolina Ballet unfold and visit the Tutu Schools that she began to open in North Carolina in 2015 (Raleigh, 2015; Cary, 2017; Wilmington, 2022).

In a full Circle moment earlier this month, Lara and Genevieve came together to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Ballet Chicago which is only one of the many milestones they’ve shared in their 3 decade friendship built from the foundation of ballet. Their story is a testament to the power of shared passions to create lasting bonds. This same power is at work in every Tutu School ballet class.

More Than Just Steps: The Social Benefits of Ballet Class

Ballet class isn’t just about learning pliés and pirouettes; it’s a unique environment that naturally fosters social development and friendships in young children. Here’s how:

Encouragement & Support:

In a supportive ballet class such as Tutu School’s, children learn to encourage and uplift one another. They practice being an audience for each other, respecting each dancer’s space, trying their best, celebrating their classmates’ successes, offering a helping hand, and building each other’s confidence. In our Baby and Toddler divisions we also foster the connection of caregivers in this unique phase of parenting.

Building Confidence Together:

At Tutu School we meet children where they are and allow them space to embrace ballet classes at their own perfect pace. After only a few weeks, we often see children who start as mere observers, blossom in the safe space that our ballet school provides. As children progress in their ballet journey, they gain confidence not only in their abilities but also in their social interactions. They learn to express themselves, connect with others, and build meaningful relationships.

Communication & Collaboration:

Ballet often involves partner work and group choreography. In Tutu School classes, children in various divisions practice moving together in pairs or groups learning to work together effectively and communicate with each other verbally and non-verbally. In Bravo Bash choreography practice, dancers collaborate to perform together and share their twirling together on stage.

Shared Joy & Laughter:

At Tutu School, we make space in children’s lives for the pure joy that comes from movement and music. That joy — the creativity of moving like animals, the discovery of dancing out feelings, the thrill of mastering a new step — and the laughter shared in class create positive associations and strong bonds between children.

Shared Goals & Teamwork:

As children reach our more advanced Tutu School Divisions, they begin to focus on specific Steps of the Month and engage in more complex curriculum objectives creating shared goals in mastering new concepts and fundamentals. This shared journey creates a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, essential ingredients for friendship.

The Tutu School Difference: Fostering Friendship & Community in Raleigh

Beyond ballet class, we are a gathering space for young children and families, fostering friendship & community.

At Tutu School Raleigh, we’re committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where friendships can flourish. Our children’s ballet classes are designed to encourage interaction, collaboration, and support among our young dancers. We believe that the social benefits of ballet are just as important as the physical ones, and we strive to create a community where every child feels welcome, valued, and connected. We also regularly host Tutu School special events, from enchanting parties to performance opportunities and family gatherings, providing even more chances for Raleigh kids to connect and build lasting bonds outside of regular classes.

Just like Lara and Genevieve’s friendship blossomed from a shared love of ballet, your child can find lasting friendships and a supportive community at Tutu School. We invite you to join our Raleigh ballet family and discover the magic that happens both on and off the dance floor!