Give your aspiring dancer an outlet this winter with several St. Charles Park District seasonal dance programs to choose from at Pottawatomie Community Center or virtually, if needed. From six-week sessions to a hip hop dance camp, and even a dance fitness program for kids, your child will not only learn dance, but build life-long social and developmental skills.
For children ages 18 months to 8 years old, the seasonal dance program includes ballet, hip hop and creative movement, as well as a parent-child class, Dance with Me. Each session meets weekly for 30-45 minutes for six weeks.
“Seasonal dance classes are the perfect way to introduce your child to different styles of dance without the commitment of the year-long recital program, also offered by the park district,” said Samantha Newman, dance coordinator.
In addition to learning dance moves and technique, they will experience a structured classroom environment; learn social skills; and the importance of physical fitness.
And for many, it’s the child’s first experience away from their parents.
“Children are learning to trust another adult and make friends, but with all the fun they are having through dancing, playing games and interacting, it’s not hard to accomplish,” Newman said.
Bring your own beat to a drop-in meet. The park district will also offer a hip hop mini dance camp on Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon in Pottawatomie. There will be two sessions: one for ages 5-6 and the other for ages 7-9. Camp consists of watching kid-friendly hip hop dance videos, listening to clean rap songs, making a craft and learning new dance moves.
In January, ages 5-10 can get their bodies moving and grooving to Dance Fitness. In this fast-paced program, kids will get exercise, enjoy fun music, learn dance basics and more. Held on Wednesdays on Jan. 13 to Feb. 17 from 2:30-3:15 p.m., this activity is perfect for homeschoolers or those children who are home in the afternoon.
For fees and to register, visit www.stcparks.org or call Samantha Newman at 630-513-4394.
All activities are subject to COVID-19 restrictions.