Each week classes start with stretching exercises. Stretching before exercising is emphasized and the children are taught proper stretches for all the major muscle groups.
Dancing
There are two basic lesson plans for the dancing portion of the class each month. One plan is done the 1st and 3rd week of the month and the other is done the 2nd and 4th week of the month. The children are taught dances that teach them the basics of dance as well as work on the skills (balance, stretching, turning, hopping, jumping, etc) needed for their age group. They are also taught dances that use a variety of props, such as maracas, tambourines, castanetes and bells. Those dances emphasize rhythm and coordination.
Tumbling
The tumbling portion of the class is used to continue to work on skills that are important for young children. They will learn some basic tumbling, such as forward rolls and strattle rolls. They will also work on skills that require coordination and balance such as crab walks, bear runs and log rolls.
Confidence
Our goal with class each week is to give the children something to look forward to, enjoy, and feel good about. Through dance, we build their confidence in their physical abilities which will carry them through sports as well as a future in dance. Our teachers are upbeat, give the children a sense of pride for what they are accomplishing and encourage them to accomplish more.
Performance
Ultimately, the dances and tumbing learned and the confidence gained, is shared with parents at our performance in May. Each school has their own, separate, performance during which parents can watch them perform several dances and their tumbling skills.
Class schedule
Classes are held weekly for 45 minutes. Classes start in September and run through May (with breaks for holidays). There is also an 8-week program during the summer at some schools.
Tuition
Tuition is $35.00 a month. A 20% discount is given towards the tuition of additional children in the family. Tuition is paid directly to ABCDance, not the school.