If you've ever had the privilege of watching a ballet or other professional dance performance, you know that you've genuinely witnessed "poetry in motion" - something otherworldly that could hardly be put into words.. Some of the greatest artists of modern times did manage to capture that poetry in paintings, including Renoir, Chagall and most notably Edgar Degas, whose depictions of Parisian ballerinas remain his signature, and most lauded works.

Of course, to become a professional dancer, one needs to start training in earnest at a very early age, generally accepted to be between seven and ten years old. Though taking classes doesn't necessarily have to indicate a career path - as the benefits of such rigorous but exhilarating training can develop skills that will be of immense value in so many other facets of life.

Once again this summer New York's venerable Lincoln Center is offering a wealth of opportunities for kids to test the waters, and at no cost to the families. First there's The New York City Ballet, founded in 1948, which has been integrating children into its live stage shows since 1954. On July 28 a free workshop allows kids the chance to "stretch, twirl and leap" with the company's professional dancers, followed by a performance for accompanying friends and family.

Next up (July 29), it's the Ballet Hispánico, the beloved company founded by Mexican-American dancer-choreographer Tina Ramirez in 1970. Their 'Los Pasitos Early Childhood Program' (ages 2-5) is renowned for introducing little ones to the electrifying cultures of salsa, merengue, bachata, etc. Their free class, under the direction of virtuoso instructors, promises infections rhythms and lots of smiles.

The following evening, July 30, the American Ballet Theatre will conduct an interactive workshop that will introduce 4-12 year olds to the storytelling magic of classical ballet, featuring notable ABT talent. Then it's West African dance steps with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, accompanied by live drummers on the 31st, and on August 1 a ballet workshop with the revered Dance Theater of Harlem.

All workshops will be taking place at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, and begin at 5pm sharp.

For grownup dance lovers: From July 28 - August 1, the above-mentioned companies will all be participating in the sixth annual edition of the BAAND Together Dance Festival at Lincoln Center, presented by CHANEL. Highlights will include Dance Theatre of Harlem's 'Passage of Being' by Jodie Gates (above image); Ballet Hispánico's 'Trança (Braid)' by Cassi Abranches; and New York City Ballet's 'Each In Their Own Time pas de deux' by choreography legend Lar Lubovitch. Each is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a unique creative curatorial collaboration.

Parents: For inspiration at home, kids can check out these stunningly filmed videos: a short clip from Ballet Hispánico's recent production of the iconic Bizet opera 'Carmen', and a preview clip of Dance Theatre of Harlem's lavish 2026 production of renowned Russian composer Igor Stravinsky's classic 'Firebird'.

'