Youth Dance Class Descriptions

MOMMY & ME (30 minutes) parent/child dance for ages 2/3

This class involves parent participation that makes the toddler's introduction to dance both a bonding experience and the best introduction to dance imaginable. Basic dance skills are introduced with props and partner dance activities and the focus of the class is to develop physical coordination and a sincere love for music and movement. As the students grow more comfortable in the dance classroom, they will be encouraged to try some exercises on their own with the parents serving as audience to foster independence.

MINI MOVEMENT (30 minutes) for age 3

Mini Movement is an introduction to basic dance skills through fun and innovative ways meant to instill a love for dance while expanding the child’s creative approach to movement. Basic coordination and gross motor skills are improved while exploring tempo, level and shape with the Children's Dance Center's special props and activities. Ballet etiquette and basics are introduced as we build a foundation for future learning, (class limit – 12)

CREATIVE DANCE (40 minutes) for age 4

Creative dance is an introduction to movement and musical skills for the pre‐kindergartner through basic ballet and exploratory and creative movement. Props such as scarves, musical instruments, visual aids, and elastics are used to develop coordination and explore the wonders of movement. Independent thinking, gross motor skills, and creative expression are focuses of the class. Each class includes at least one yoga exercise to reinforce a positive mindset and build a foundation for healthy acceptance of our body as well as a love for nature and other individuals. (Class limit 12)

KINDERCOMBO (55 minutes) for students in Kindergarten, 5/6 years

Kindercombo is your child’s first introduction to traditional dance through a combination class of basic ballet, creative movement, tumbling and yoga. Percussion instruments are used to teach rhythm and musical awareness and etiquette, posture and grace are accented while keeping dance a fun and creative experience. Specifically designed for kids entering kindergarten, this class evolves with the child's educational development, and a great deal is accomplished in the season as each child turns 6 and develops independence and problem solving skills through her first structured academic year. 10 to 15 minutes of each class is devoted to child appropriate yoga exercises to enhance physical flexibility and coordination, while also helping students embrace positive feelings about themselves and the world at large.

MINI TAP (30 Minutes) for students ages 4/5

Since including tap to the list of subjects introduced in our general dance introduction classes involves parents purchasing a separate pair of shoes for what is usually only 15 minutes of tap, the youth program now offers tap for young students as a separate class or add on subject. Each class concentrates on tap basics and building a strong foundation in music awareness.

DANCE COMBO FOR 1^ST AND 2^ND GRADERS

In dance combo, our highest recommendation for children of this age level, ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics are taught to give students a well‐rounded base and a chance to explore all dance forms. The coordination and attention span of school age children allows for a more concentrated dance class so dance technique and basic theory will start to be introduced, but the combo class still attempts to balance structured dance training with creative concepts so the class continues to be fun while also being educational. The combo class creates a solid foundation for learning for 1st and 2nd graders and is a perfect preliminary introduction for the more concentrated dance study that will be offered for students ages 8 and up. 10 to 15 minutes of each class is devoted to yoga to enhance physical flexibility and coordination,
while also helping students embrace positive feelings about themselves and the world at large.

MINI HIP HOP (45 minutes) for ages 6-8

For the young student who wants to concentrate specifically on jazz styles, we offer a mini hip‐hop class. (All material and music is age appropriate.) This is a perfect "extra" class for the student enrolled in combo, or for a child who has tried a combo class and been exposed to all dance forms only to discover they absolutely love jazz and contemporary movement and music.

MINI ACRO (45 Minutes) for ages 5-7

For students who love to tumble, we offer an introduction to acrobatics for the younger child. Students learn to roll, bend, and cartwheel as they develop balance, arm strength, and Flexibility. Creative exercises and props are used to teach tumbling with proper technique in a safe way. REFLEX youth acrobatics follows the syllabus (a nationally acclaimed acrobatics system for youth). A great class for kids with excess energy.

YOUTH YOGA (40 minutes) for ages 6-9

Children today live in a hurry‐up world of busy parents, school pressures, video games and competitive sports. The bustling pace of our children's lives can have a profound effect on their innate joy, and usually not for the better.

When children learn techniques for self‐health, relaxation, and inner fulfillment, they can navigate life's challenges with a little more ease. Yoga at an early age encourages self‐esteem and body awareness with a physical activity that's noncompetitive, fostering cooperation and compassion. Yoga for youth enhances Flexibility, strength, coordination and concentration, helping the child discover a sense of calmness and relaxation. In youth yoga classes, children exercise, play, and connect more deeply with their inner selves and the world around them, but a child has too much energy for their yoga class to be like an adults.

The youth yoga classes at ReFlex introduce creative exercises, asana poses, musical instruments, and storytelling for kinesthetic, visual, and aural learning. We balance spontaneity and structure so children learn to listen to themselves, and each other, and to express themselves creatively.