(Editor’s Note: Creative Dance for Children is a sponsor of Chambanamoms.com. In the interest of full disclosure, my daughter has attended this class for three sessions — and loves it. – Laura)
Creative Dance for Children, the lab program of the University of Illinois Department of Dance, is for boys and girls ages 4-5, (6-7*) and 8-10. Saturday classes start Sept. 8. Directed by award-winning teaching artist Kate Kuper, this child-centered program focuses on learning and understanding dance concepts, developing social skills and creative expression, improvising and dance making, and promoting coordination and body awareness through basic modern dance and free movement.
Creative Movement classes at the University of Illinois are now enrolling for children 4 and 5 as well 8-10. Classes for 6- to 7-year-olds are currently full.
The 10-week Fall session runs Sept. 8 – Nov. 17 (No class Oct. 13). Cost is $110 per student. *NOTE: The 6-7 class is full. Please contact us to be added to the mailing list for Spring (January – May); email dance@illinois.edu.
For registration materials, visit the Creative Dance website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When do classes meet?
4-5s meet 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. There are two sections. 8-10s (and 6-7s) meet 10-11 a.m.
Where is the studio?
Dance Studio Building (905 W. Nevada, Urbana). Parents may pick up and drop off behind the studio in the Child Development Lab lot off Lincoln.
What do we do in class?
We begin with a developmentally appropriate warm up that wires our brains for concentration, social interaction and learning while getting our muscles ready for movement. We use songs and rhymes with younger students. Older students learn through modern and ballet basics. Next we learn the vocabulary and meaning one or more dance concepts of the week, such as shape, direction or rhythm, and explore those concepts through improvisation and invention.
We move across the floor, learning to travel in simple movement combinations. After constructive resting, we learn dances or create our own. At closure, we reflect on our learning. Every lesson gives students opportunities to relate to one another, repeat skills and reflect on their learning. Older students learn movement phrases using the concept(s), and build to dance making in small groups.
Creative dance classes for children are available Saturday mornings in the U of I Dance Studio. Spots are limited,
Can parents watch?
The last day of the semester is called “Informance.” This “informal performance” is an open house in which parents and family are invited to observe (and participate) as we share class favorites within the lesson format. Otherwise, class is closed and parents can enjoy some time at a local café while they wait.
To help with the transition, we’ll send you social story that shows the studio exterior and interior, and our teachers’ faces, so that first-timers know what to expect once they’ve enrolled.
Are boys welcomed?
Yes! The classes are gender-neutral and boys should feel right at home in our program.
Dress requirements?
Appropriate dress is hair off the face, loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and bare feet.
Are there different technical levels?
Unlike other studio programs, our classes emphasize creative expression over technical training and we group by age.
For more information and registration materials, visit the Creative Dance for Children website.
