I have done some very cute ballet numbers for ages 4,5 and 6 year old in the past but I was allowed to use lyrics in the music. For competition this year I was asked to create 4 groups of young children's ballet dances. The music has to be classical instrumental though.

I find that easier to create stories and perhaps I will end up doing a few demi character ballet pieces. But the SO would like this year to wow the crowds. I am finding it hard to listen to classical music and get new brilliant ideas for young ones that I haven't used before.

I would like to use a few props to have it more fun for the kids. I found a great CD called Girls Gotta Dance! It's all familiar ballet music and apparantly kids like to move to. I'm going to try it this week.

Do you think that doing demi character is better for this age group? Would using songs from famous ballets be good for distracting? What has worked well for you in the past? Thanks for your input!

I think using recognizable music from ballets is something that pulls the audience in more. If its a piece that they have never heard, or want to hear again, you can lose them quickly. I would definitely mix it up though. A demi-character piece for one of the groups would be great. Another could do a prop. Try to make them all different.