At Flame Dance Studios, we believe in the power of storytelling to ignite creativity and inspire our young dancers. This term in all of our Hwyl a Sbri classes (for children aged 18 months to 6 years old), our focus has been on "Magic and Imagination," where our students have embarked on adventures that not only engage their imaginations but also foster their physical and social development. In this blog post, we’d like to share the wonderful skills our little dancers have been mastering this term and the profound benefits their lessons have provided.
Galloping into Coordination
One of the first skills we’ve introduced this term is galloping. Through playful exercises, our students have been practicing their galloping techniques, which are essential for developing coordination and rhythm. As they move through the space, they learn to control their bodies and become more aware of their movements. This foundational skill enhances their ability to transition into other dance styles as they grow and also introduces them to an accented eighth-note rhythm.
Example: In our Ti a Fi class, the children enjoyed learning to gallop, utilising our scarves as reigns, with a helping hand from their parents who they pulled along through the magical enchanted forest.
Jumping to New Heights
Jumping has also been a key focus in our classes. We’ve explored various jumping exercises that enhance both strength and agility, allowing our dancers to build confidence in their movements. Jumping not only promotes physical fitness but also contributes to improved balance and body control, which are vital as they progress in their dance education.
Example: In the Hwyl a Sbri Ballet classes, children practiced jumping in first and second position to help the Fairy Godmother find Cinderella's carriage.
Building Foot Flexibility and Strength
This term, we placed special emphasis on foot flexibility and strength, especially in our Hwyl a Sbri Ballet and Hwyl a Sbri Modern Theatre & Tap classes. These elements are crucial for all types of dance, providing a strong foundation for our students. However, they are integral for these styles as they provide foundational support for technique, enhance balance and stability, improve performance quality, and reduce the risk of injury. Flexible feet allow dancers to execute movements with greater ease and elegance, while strong feet enhance their overall stability. By focusing on these aspects, we’re preparing our young dancers for success in the future.
Example: During our Hwyl a Sbri Modern Theatre & Tap classes, dancers practiced flexing and pointing their feet while trying to squash the pea found under the princess's bed!
Listening to the Beat
This term, especially in our Hwyl a Sbri Commercial Hip Hop classes, we have placed special emphasis on listening and responding to the beat of the music. Learning to recognise and respond to musical beats is crucial for developing musicality, a foundational skill in dance. It helps students stay in sync with their movements, ensuring that their dance is both rhythmic and harmonious.
Example: During our Mini Mi classes, dancers practiced clapping and moving to the beat, gradually incorporating dance steps that align with the music to enhance their rhythmic understanding.
The Importance of Following Instructions
The storytelling approach of the Magic and Imagination themed classes has significantly aided in honing the children's ability to follow instructions. As they immerse themselves in the narratives of our classes, they practice listening skills and direction-following, both of which are vital for their overall learning experience. This not only supports their dance education but also encourages discipline and focus—qualities that are beneficial in all areas of life.
Getting Comfortable with Improvisation
Our young dancers have also been encouraged to get comfortable with improvisation through imaginative storytelling. By allowing children to explore their own movements in response to different scenarios in the story, we promote creativity and self-expression. This practice fosters confidence, as they learn to trust their instincts and make choices about how to move. Improv also enhances their ability to adapt to new situations, an essential life skill.
Example: In our Hwyl a Sbri Ballet classes, children were given scarves to represent the wind and were asked to improvise movements that matched the feeling of dancing in the breeze, fostering their ability to express emotions through movement.
Fostering Leadership Skills
Leadership is a valuable life skill, and this term, we've made a concerted effort to encourage our students to take on leadership roles during activities. Whether it’s leading a group exercise or making decisions in a dance routine, these experiences help foster confidence and teamwork. Young dancers learn to express themselves and support their peers, building a sense of community in the classroom.
Example: In one of our Hwyl a Sbri Commercial Hip Hop sessions, children took turns leading their peers in a traveling step exercise over the bridge to the castle, fostering confidence and teamwork as they shared their ideas for movements.
Speaking Confidently in Front of Peers
We believe that speaking in front of peers is a crucial skill that builds self-esteem. Throughout the term, our students have had opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas on storylines, practicing public speaking in a supportive environment. This experience empowers them to express themselves confidently, both in dance and in everyday life.
Perfecting Posture
Finally, we have focused on posture during pliés, which are fundamental in ballet and modern dance forms. By teaching proper alignment and form, we’re ensuring our young dancers develop good habits early on.
Example: In our Mini Me and Ballet Hwyl a Sbri classes, children practiced pliés while wearing crowns, which not only emphasised good posture but also added a fun royal twist to the lesson!
The Journey Ahead
As we wrap up this magical term, we are incredibly proud of the progress our young dancers have made. Each story shared in class not only sparks their imagination but also supports their growth as individuals and dancers. For our current parents, we hope this insight into our lessons helps you gain a little insight into our pedagogy and all of the valuable skills your children are developing.
Our next term is Winter Wonderland themed. This term is full of exciting, Winter inspired, stories and dance activities. It is also a busy term for our over 3 students as they also finish learning their show routines ready for our February show!
If you don't currently dance with us and would like to find out more, or join our dance family, please get in touch or book a free trial via the link.
We can’t wait to share more magical moments in the weeks to come. If you’d like to see our Mini Me dancers in action, be sure to check out the reel we created on Instagram, showcasing their adventures this term!
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