With precision, focus, and even a smile, Nataniel Taylor works on his ballet technique.

The challenge is his favorite part.

“It’s strict and you have to be precise with what you do,” said the 13-year-old.

Ballet teaches the 7th grader more than he could ever learn in the classroom.

“It teaches me how to do things correctly, like posture and to eat healthy. Stuff like that,” Taylor said.

Luckily, there’s been a silver lining to the COVID-19 shutdown. Taylor, who spends up to nine hours a week in ballet lessons, started one-on-one training with Mr. Charles — his new role model.

“That he teaches me technique, that it’s not really about the dance, it’s about the technique,” said Taylor. “And that’s what he teaches me.”

Charles Haislah said ballet is much more diverse than when he was growing up. According to dance data project, girls outnumber boys 20-to-1 in ballet class. Taylor wishes he had male peers to compare himself to.

“I do like competition and here there’s not a lot of it,” said Taylor.

That’s coming. Together, the pair has elevated Nataniel’s dancing. This summer, he’s heading to the elite Boston Ballet School’s Summer Dance Program.

“Because they have a really good men’s program,” said Taylor. “There’s going to be a lot more competition. Health competition, of course, but competition.”

And that is one more move on the way to achieving his dream.

“To be a professional ballet dancer,” said Taylor.

Taylor’s twin sister inspired him to do ballet. He saw her dancing and thought he could do it better. So four years ago, he enrolled in ballet.