by Toni Martin
Furthering their commitment to children’s experience and expression of the art of dance, Dance 411 is introducing a comprehensive Early Childhood Development program. The “My First Steps” program fosters cognitive learning through dance, creative movement and educational playtime. For little ones eighteen months to 4 years old, this collection of three specialized classes includes developmentally-appropriate activities designed to guide children in early social and motor skills.
A staff of highly-trained instructors will facilitate experiential learning through interactive song, dance, tumbling techniques, story books and more. Beginning June 2, Early Movement (18 to 24 months) will be offered Tuesdays at 10:00am, Early Movement (ages 2 and 3) will be offered Tuesdays at 11:00am, and Fairy Tale Ballet (ages 2 and 3) will be offered Thursday at 11:00am.
“So many parents ask us how early they can enroll their children,” said Justin R. Draper, Director of Marketing & Client Services at Dance 411. “We wanted to add age-appropriate classes that introduce the toddlers to creative movement, but with just the right balance of play and instruction that takes into account where they are developmentally.”
For the 18-24 month age group, the focus is on imagination and imagery, helping children develop fine and gross motor skills. Music is used in class to help children engage in the activities while learning how to stand in line, sequence events, spatial awareness, balance, coordination, social skills, discipline and overall confidence.
For the 2-3 year old group, the emphasis is more challenging with choreographed movement. Children will refine their balance, dance, tumbling and agility skills which help children develop a love of physical activity and a sense of pride as they cross new milestones.
Fairytale Ballet introduces the fundamentals of traditional ballet against a backdrop of magic and wonder. The children will do creative movement, sing-alongs, read stories and dance them out in character using ballet techniques. Blending children’s love of story time, fairy tales and dance, this is the perfect introduction to the building blocks of dance that is taught with the child in mind.
Parents have been enrolling children in record numbers, resulting in the expansion of Dance 411’s day-camp offerings too. The 10-week Summer Dance & Acting Camp features Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet and Theatre instruction for children 5-13 years old and begins June 1. For more information on the “My First Steps” early childhood development program or Summer Dance & Acting Camp, visit www.KidsDance411.com or call 404- 419-6999.
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