About the Program
Engaging in movement and music activities is enjoyable but also an incredible way to develop a healthy body and a healthy brain! Our Early Childhood Program is designed to be an inviting setting for exploration and education in an a developmentally appropriate way. We offer both independent and caregiver/child classes to serve the educational and social needs of our families. We consider students ages birth months to 7 years old to be part of our Early Childhood Program. Ages are calculated by August 1st of 2023 for the 2023-2024 season.
Early Childhood Program
Classes for Babies & Toddlers
Baby/Toddler & Me (Birth-3 years)
This class enables families to learn songs and rhymes that nurture a sense of wonder and a love of music for a lifetime. At the beginning of each class is an optional 15 minute opportunity for child and parent to explore instruments, movement props, and to socialize. Community and music go hand in hand! Then, there is 30 minutes of structured activity for child-adult participation. Words for songs and rhymes are shared so the fun can continue at home.
WHO: Age birth through 3 years. Children are well-suited for this class if they have a willing adult (parent, caregiver, grandparent, etc) to participate with them. With enough enrollment, the Baby/Toddler class is split into two separate classes based on gross motor development.
WHAT: Activities and music are chosen and presented using proven, research-backed methods of early child development and music education pedagogy.
WEAR: comfortable clothing; no street shoes allowed; barefoot is best
Classes for Ages 3-6
Music & Movement Through the integration of the music and movement innate in all children, “M&M” classes provide a structured opportunity to explore various concepts without a caregiver present. Using research-backed practices, boys and girls alike will build motor skills and musical skills in a positive, encouraging environment. To celebrate the end of the spring semester, we present our annual Show & TellCase informance for families and friends.
WHO: Ages 3-6 years. Children are well suited for this class if they are comfortable being in a new environment with new people; however transitional nerves are to be expected. Caregivers are expected to be in the building during class should bathroom or emotional assistance be needed.
WHAT: We use the Discover Dance curriculum to develop the movement elements of Place, Level, Energy, Weight, Body Parts, Pathways, Lines, Size, Directions, Speed, Body Shapes, and Relationships. We use the Orff and Feierabend approaches to develop the musical elements of steady beat, rhythm, vocalization, form, expression, and composition.
WEAR: activewear; bare feet or non-slip socks; traditional dance attire is allowed but footed tights and ballet shoes are not encouraged.
Classes for Ages 5-6
Green Tap - This class provides an introduction to tap for our youngest students. Dancers will learn introductory tap steps, whole body balance and coordination, and learning to isolate toes and heels. Concurrent enrollment in M&M or Foundations is highly recommended. To celebrate the end of the spring semester, we present our annual Show & TellCase informance for families and friends.
WHO: Ages 5-6
WHAT: Dancers will learn and practice introductory tap steps such as shuffles, flaps, ball changes, marching, and walking toe-heel and heel-toe patterns. Rhythm patterns will be echoed and explored with multiple levels of body percussion. Using kid-friendly music, students will experience short choreography sequences.
WEAR: athleticwear and tap shoe
By Placement Only
Foundations
Students in this class will strengthen and sharpen their music and movement skills with focus and intentionality.
WHO: Typically around age 6. Placement in this class is by teacher recommendation only. Children are well suited for this class when they can demonstrate competence in the music and movement skills taught in M&M. Children have the most success in this class when they are confident in their right vs. left, demonstrate cross lateral ability, can snap their fingers, are eager to concentrate, listen to and follow directions.
WHAT: Half of class time will use the Progressing Ballet Technique curriculum to develop three concepts which are vital to all styles of dance: 1. Core stability 2. Weight placement 3. Alignment. Introductory ballet positions and steps will also be learned. Using Orff and Eurythmics methodologies, the other half of class time will focus on connecting body movements to music. Folk Dances and singing games from various cultures will also be utilized. To celebrate the end of the spring semester, we present our annual Show & TellCase informance for families and friends.
WEAR: activewear; bare feet are best; traditional dance attire is allowed but not encouraged.