Dance is an ideal activity for children to gain strength, improve flexibility and stay fit. Dance also combines an inspiring mix of commitment, discipline and artistic expression. It improves balances, relieves stress and adds grace and fluidity to your child’s movements.
By learning dance children will be also mentally challenged in different ways, as they learn to put steps into a sequence and remember routines. It also teaches them coordination and how to identify the left and right hand side of the body.
Interacting with other children in dance class will help develop their social skills and greatly improve their confidence. As they learn to hold themselves gracefully and move with purpose, their whole countenance will begin to change. This is particularly noticeable in children who are shy or timid.
Dance can be also an excellent activity for hyperactive children as it channels their energy in a positive way and teaches them to focus and co-operate with others.
Creative Dance / Pre-Ballet (4-6 years old)
Creative dance / pre-ballet gives children an opportunity to explore their own creativity and imagination through dance. The building blocks of dance will be introduced through storytelling, improvisation, and simple exercises. Each class will spend time focusing on beginning dance technique with focus on body awareness, coordination, and FUN! The fundamentals of ballet and modern dance will be introduced with a focus on musicality and basic technique (positions of arms and feet, simple steps and jumps, etc). Every class will review skills and then build upon them.
Ballet for Children (ages 7 and up)
Classical ballet is a unique synthesis of artistry and technique, of self-expression and discipline. It's challenging and great fun and it provides the basis for all of dance. Ballet strengthens the entire body and it substantially increases flexibility. Besides the obvious workout for the legs, it helps develop muscle tone in the abdominal, arms, back and hips. As proper body alignment is essential to successful dance, your child will wind up with better posture. The children's syllabus (pre-ballet) includes classical ballet, conditioning and creative movement, designed specifically for this age group.
Jazz for Children (ages 8 and up)
In children's jazz dance classes I use age appropriate material based on natural movements: walking, running, jumping and skipping, as well as isolations and rhythm. The class is designed to encourage an imaginative and rapid response to music and to promote an appreciation and enjoyment of jazz. Classes will include traditional and up-to-date jazz movements, which improve coordination, balance, strength, flexibility, and rhythmic awareness.
Contemporary Dance for Children (ages 8 and up)
Contemporary dance is a rich, diverse, and unique movement form that supports individual expression while developing a solid technical base. Children’s contemporary dance classes focus on body awareness, coordination, and musicality, encouraging freedom of movement, confidence and inner creativity. Basic aspects of dance (space, time, shape, and dynamics) are explored through both structured technical exercises as well as through improvisation and creative movement.
