EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Our early Childhood Program is designed to meet the needs of children between the ages of three and six years. It introduces them to movement and dance providing a strong and structured foundation for future years.

The program teaches young dancers the basic elements of movement in a dance context. These elements include: space and how we relate to it both individually and as part of a group; the basic locomotor movements (walking, running, skipping etc.); rhythm through music and songs, clapping and the use of basic percussion instruments; directions in space; elementary positions of dance using ballet terminology. The intellectual concepts of body/health awareness, creative self-expression, imagination and team work are integral parts of this training.

Students learn the basics of classroom behaviour and manners which remain the same throughout their dancing years. Learning how to take turns, following another dancer or leading the way, waiting patiently, working with others and having a positive attitude are examples of the expected behaviours. All of these items, physical and intellectual are taught in a fun loving way. It is our aim to build self-confidence, poise and a love of dance while encouraging enjoyment and lasting friendships.

Training young children in the concepts of movement sequencing, patterning and spatial relationships lays a strong foundation for the later development of reading, mathematics and other educational skills.