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Health & Fitness

Beyond Ballet: Dance Options for Kids Who Love to Move (Without the Tutu)

Have a dancer in your family who might not fit the ballerina mold? There are so many options available for kids now including Acro, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater dance!

Everyone knows that ballet training is the time-tested classic training that improves grace, flexibility, balance, strength, poise and coordination for children. Some kids, though are just not the ballerina type. For those kids who want something new or different, try new classes such as Hip Hop, Acro and Musical Theater. These classes offer all the benefits of dance training for children combined with the excitement of new styles.

Acro:  Short for "acrobatic," this style is floor gymnastics or tumbling and a great discipline for dancers, cheerleaders, or kids who want to learn flips and tricks. Interest in Acro is exploding on the heels of our medal-winning Olympic gymnastics team, members of which are inspiring a new generation of gymnasts. These gravity defying moves are also featured in  Broadway shows like "Newsies" and "Bring It On: The Musical" where dancers sing, dance, act, and flip and fly.  Of note: dancers who cannot perform a standing back tuck were asked to leave after the first round of auditions for "Bring It On: The Musical."

Competitive dancers love Acro training as its improved flexbility and strength while learning new elements to add to competitive dance routines.  Some acro moves include:
    •    Back tuck
    •    Back walkover
    •    Cartwheel
    •    Chest stand (chin stand)
    •    Elbow stand
    •    Front aerial
    •    Handspring
    •    Handstand
    •    Roundoff

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Hip Hop:  Kids love Hip Hop because of the fun, current music and fast learning curve.  Shows like "Shake It Up" and "A.N.T. Farm" highlight fun, age-appropriate Hip Hop styles that are easy for kids to learn.  Benefits of a Hip Hop class for young children includes confidence, coordination, strength, balance, and flexibility….just like traditional dance.  Hip Hop is great for energetic children as the class is usually fast paced and great exercise.

The classic Hip Hop move, "The Dougie," is a great example of a typical Hip Hop dance move that allows for versatility in style. To perform "The Dougie" you shimmy side to side while sliding your hand through or near your hair.  Children love doing "The Dougie" because it (like many other Hip Hop moves)  allows and encourages them to add their own style and flair, creating a signature presence.

Broadway Baby:  Musical Theater Dance dance emphasizes the character and story through dance. Using music from classic and modern musicals, dancers learn both traditional Theater Dance as well as current Jazz styles.  Musical Theater dance is perfect for kids who are looking for a part in their school musical, or who just love to act, sing, and dance.


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