Philosophy
Our Young Dancers Program is a thoughtfully designed curriculum that offers developmentally appropriate, concept-based education, ensuring that young dancers build a robust foundation for all forms of dance. By integrating the principles of braindance, this program not only nurtures physical skills but also fosters cognitive development, creativity, and emotional expression. This holistic approach empowers young artists to explore their potential, igniting their passion for dance while equipping them with essential tools for lifelong learning and artistic growth. Through this program, we inspire the next generation of dancers to embrace their unique journey and cultivate a deep love for the art of movement!
Dance With Me
This class is for children ages walking through 4 years who are not quite ready to enter the classroom independently. Caregivers actively participate in the class, providing an added sense of safety and security for their preschoolers. They explore their creativity and the foundations of basic dance technique while building self-confidence.
Dance Imagination 1 & 2
Our priority is to inspire each student to experience the joy of dance. By learning the basics of dance, children will develop good alignment, coordination, elongation, and strength in their torso and limbs. Dance vocabulary and locomotor skills are introduced through exploration of directions, patterns, and movement shapes. The class also allows for unstructured free dance to explore individual movement. Students learn to control and use different energies in dance, including high energy and soothing, relaxing energy. Through dance, young people develop body awareness, agility, musicality, creative thinking, analytical skills, and self-confidence.
Pre-Ballet, Pre-Modern, Hippity Hop, and Combo Classes
These classes are designed for children who are ready for a more structured dance experience. Generally, students are ready for the next step when enrolled in kindergarten or first grade. Pre-Ballet, Hippity Hop, and Combo classes require a certain level of mental concentration, physical coordination, and a more disciplined classroom environment.
Performance
We offer “peek weeks” twice per year. This allows the dancers to share their experiences and is conducted as a regular class. All of our semester or year-long classes will have the opportunity to perform in the studio’s annual Spring Concert, created especially for our younger dancers. The performance is short, family-friendly, and the dancers sit in the auditorium to watch the other performers while not on stage. We traditionally hold this concert at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center.