Taking the first steps to nurturing a love of dance.
While it’s common knowledge that physical activity is crucial for keeping children healthy, narrowing down the options can be easier said than done. Enrolling in dance classes is one way to encourage movement, but it also provides so much more.
“Dancing is so important for children — even if they only attend for a year,” said Lisa Heltsley, director at Dance Beatz in Akron, formerly known as Sharon Rae Dance School. “Dancing improves gross motor skills and builds confidence.”
“In dance, you’re working the physical aspect of the body; you also learn terminology, work with music and gain an understanding of basic physics,” says Courtney Laves-Mearini, director of Cleveland City Dance, located on Shaker Square. She added there’s also a social aspect, as dance studios provide a place to meet others who have the same passion.
Christine Jones-Meneer, director of the Christine Jones-Meneer School of Dance in Munroe Falls, said children who are exposed to dance lessons generally have self-confidence, a stronger body physique and improved thinking skills.
Class Considerations
“Ballet is the base for all of these, so the dancers who really excel in all of the (dance) industries are those who have strong ballet training,” Laves-Mearini says, adding most dance students start basic ballet training between ages 3 and 5.
“The contemporary or lyrical — a fusion of ballet training with modern and jazz set to music with words — is the most popular.”
And while ballet is still an admired form of
dance, there are many others to ponder.
Heltsley said Dance Beatz’s most popular classes include Tiny Tots, a combination class with tap, ballet and tumbling for ages 3-4, along with hip hop and ballet for older children. She adds most dancers start between ages 3 and 8.
Keeping Confident
When children reach a certain age, self-confidence and body image might be causes for concern. This can be amplified with dancers and athletes because of the importance of how their bodies must perform.
“It is important to encourage children to take care of their body and exercise regularly,” Jones-Meneer says. “When trained properly, body image should not be a problem.”
Heltsley said Dance Beatz dancers follow a dress code to address this issue. “While there are many body types, the dress code ensures dancers are all outfitted the same. We offer a very positive atmosphere and want all children to feel comfortable.”
“The best thing parents can do is not harp on a child’s eating habits; as long as kids are physically active and eating well most of the time, there isn’t a reason to say anything,” Laves-Mearini says. “If they say something negative about their body or about someone else’s body, those are flags that a discussion is needed. A child who is having an issue should talk to a professional counselor.”
A Graceful Future
While it’s well known that areas like New York City attract an array of opportunities, it’s not often talked about how dancers in this region can still have a career at home.
“Our program is unique because we allow children to train alongside professional dancers,” Jones-Meneer says. “Our productions are complete with top-notch sets and costumes.”
Cleveland City Dance runs a non-profit youth ballet company for which local students can audition. Also, dancers can try out for performances at Playhouse Square, for example, through traveling dance and ballet companies. “Also, there are some organizations that help bring in master class teachers to the area,” Laves-Mearini says. Students can take these classes that would normally be too costly to attend out of town.
“Our dancers perform annually at E.J. Thomas Hall and also participate in local parades,” Heltsley said, adding Dance Beatz recently began additional performance opportunities at retirement homes, sports venues and Summit Mall. She said students will even travel to Indianapolis in May to perform at the opening ceremonies of the Indianapolis 500.
“As with any activity, it’s important to remember balance,” Jones-Meneer says. “Parents are anxious to start their children in activities as soon as possible, but it is not necessary to flood them with activities. Downtime is just as important and should be scheduled into a child’s routine.”
