Dance Classes Designed for Youth
Time to twirl, spin and move those feet as the St. Charles Park District invites children to dip their little toes into the dance world exploring movement and creativity as well as begin understanding ballet terminology in its seasonal dance sessions.
These programs are perfect as first-time exposure to exploring the world of dance, and they easily fit in the calendar between other class interests and sport seasons.
For some children, these may be the first dance classes with options available starting at age 1 1/2, explained Kristin Balsamo, dance coordinator for the St. Charles Park District. Balsamo’s experience also includes being a choreographer and instructor with the St. Charles Dance Academy’s Competition Team.
“No previous dance experience is required for these seasonal classes,” Balsamo said. “They serve as an introduction to dance, creativity, movement and developing a love for dance.”
The Spring seasonal dance program runs March 9 to April 25, while the summer program will begin in early June. Classes do fill quickly. The seasonal dance classes welcome children of all genders.
Dance with Me provides children ages 1 ½ to 3 along with a caregiver to enjoy an introduction to dance together as they slide, hop and stretch. The class gives participants a chance to connect music and rhythm in a fun class.
“We encourage participation between the parent and child in the class. Our adults will see it’s a great outlet too,” Balsamo said.
For children ages 3 to 5 who are ready for an independent class there’s Leap into Dance, an upbeat class featuring music and movement.
“There’s creativity and movement, with freeze dances and even ribbons to encourage movement,” Balsamo said.
For Leap into Dance, participants can wear dance attire, such as a leotard or athletic wear, and use ballet, jazz or clean gym shoes. Balsamo said the Leap into Dance connects to jazz, hip hop dance with its energy and movement.
Children ages 3 to 5 are introduced to the classical form of dance in the class A Little Ballet. Instructors begin to use ballet dance terminology in a manner to help young participants understand, such as saying “first position, with feet like a duck,” Balsamo explained. Participants are encouraged to wear a leotard, tights or fitted athletic wear.
“For some, the seasonal dance program is a steppingstone to the academy’s dance recital program, which includes an on-stage performance and costumes,” Balsamo said.
Dance instructors Allison Cole and Stefani Paladino can trace their dance journey to the St. Charles Park District classes before joining the St. Charles Dance Academy’s competitive dance program.
This spring the park district will bring back its popular Acro/Tumbling classes taught by Kris Callahan, which introduces participants to using acrobatics and tumbling skills in dance routines, For the mini acro class, children will work on skills like summersaults while building strength and flexibility.
In addition to the seasonal dance classes, the St. Charles Park District will offer Mini Camps during Spring Break, including a single-day mini acro/tumbling class for ages 4-6, a single day acro/tumbling class for ages 7-10, and the popular fairy princess dance classes for ages 3-7. Participants will enjoy time to learn a dance, along with creative crafts and games before concluding with a small performance for families.