How much is TOO much?

Today marks the beginning of a busy fall season. Aside from the already full days of work and school, my kids and I, once again, will be spending a lot of time at Longmont Dance Theatre. I will be working in the office there 3 times a week to help with tuition, and the girls have basically sold their souls to dance, taking multiple classes a week.

Before this year I have never allowed Mikayla (9) to take more than 2 required classes at a time.  The level of ballet she has been placed in requires her to participate in 2 ballet classes a week plus a modern class to maintain status in the pre-professional ballet program. She also wants to try some other styles of dance, including tap, jazz, and hip hop. This semester she is attempting to take 5 classes a week plus Nutcracker rehearsals almost every weekend.  Too much?!?!

Let's make something clear: I do not expect her to make a career out of dance, nor do I push her to remain in the pre-professional program.  I have left it up to her, and this is what she wants to do with her spare time.   I keep going back and forth between thinking that perhaps this is too much for her. I've always frowned upon loading kids up to their ears with extra stuff, especially during the school year when their education should be the primary focus.

But here's the thing:  I believe that all kids should be involved in something that they love to do, be it sports, music, academics, dance...Given the appropriate surroundings, I believe it strengthens their mind, their body, and even their soul.  It lends them something to pour their efforts into and doesn't let them have time to be bored or finicky.  It helps them develop a positive outlook on life and builds their character.  It keeps them fit.  Some might even call it a healthy addiction.

I for one am thrilled that my daughters, and even my son, have inherited the same love for dance that I possess.  It benefits me as well, since by being fortunate enough to be able to work to pay their tuition, I also get to see them blossom in their skill and be present as they do it.  And as long as they are happy and not suffering in other areas, I've come to the conclusion that I don't mind if they want to fill their time with dance.

Thoughts?