[CCastellanos]

I so badly wish I could of started at a younger age! I grew up with flamenco, my grandmother was a dance in her youth, it was a dream of mine to also dance. Unfortunately my parents saw no real use for it so they never nurtured it. I was well into my mid 20s and I decided to give it a shot. My grandmother had become invalid due to stroke and I realized how precious of a gift it was to dance. My daughter who is now 6 has been dancing for 3 years herself and really, she wants nothing to do with lessons but just wants to dance. Sometimes it's hard to explain to a child that small and free spirited the lessons behind the dance, but hey in her own time I suppose. She loves it, she just lacks the attention span.
My point is, never feel it's too late.

[CaVa]

i'm 31 and planning on starting next month, when i become 32

[Evalorca]

I specialize in teachign children to dance. I have classes running for ages 5-18 (usually when they head off to college). I have had some 4 year olds in my classes but it is choreography that separates them at that age. Under 5 and they have a harder time remembering steps or having the ability to execute the steps but they are good students and enjoy themselves. I have even done classes at a Montessori school with kids as young as 2 1/2. Everyone get something out of the lesson and they have fun even if they do not know they are learning flamenco.

[Alverita]

I have two kids 6 year old boy and an 8 year old girl. My daughter has been taking flamenco since she was 5 my son just started and I don't want her to know this but in just a few months he has surpassed her....the point....just depends on the child and how fast they pick it up. Some just are naturals...4 years I think is too young to really remember any steps at that age it's more about getting their ear use to the music and compas. Gook luck!

[kenjo138]

Whatever you do don't force your kids to take something they are not interested in. Don't waist your money unless they express an interest first. From then on it's your job to motivate them.

As far as starting at an older age, it's fine to take it up as a hobby, but never quit your job and dedicate your life to it. I have never seen a very good flamenco dancer start at an age of 20 or greater. I have seen way too many people give up a good career to dance at restaurants and bars. Most if not all are not so good. What's so funny about them is that they all think they have what it takes. The human brain works in funny ways.

[CCastellanos]

Originally Posted by kenjo138

Whatever you do don't force your kids to take something they are not interested in. Don't waist your money unless they express an interest first. From then on it's your job to motivate them.

As far as starting at an older age, it's fine to take it up as a hobby, but never quit your job and dedicate your life to it. I have never seen a very good flamenco dancer start at an age of 20 or greater. I have seen way too many people give up a good career to dance at restaurants and bars. Most if not all are not so good. What's so funny about them is that they all think they have what it takes. The human brain works in funny ways.

Realistically, how many small children really have much of an interest for anything at a very small age? If the teacher makes it fun for them, then they develop the interest. Eventually in time they develop skill. Unfortunately (as I have seen this happen) children will often pretend to like something just to please their parents. I've some children great choreography wise but they dance like robots and it never changes.

As far as the rest of your comment goes, right now there are teachers reading this hoping no prospective students are reading it. Very discouraging. However, I'm not sure of your location, I've never personally seen anyone quit their job for flamenco, how ever I am in the US.
Dancing is very personal, no one wants to feel foolish doing something so personal publicly, your post is very discouraging for those that do.