Dance fever: youngsters learn new steps

  • Published
  • By Airman Samantha S. DeVries
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  March 2007 marked a new beginning. A new movement. A new opportunity.

It brought scarves, bubbles and maracas.

It brought All That Dance!

After seeing a need for a children's dance instructor here, Jessica Spuhler gladly volunteered to fill it as head instructor along with Kathi Miller as assistant instructor. Together they created new dance and creative movement classes geared toward newborns, toddlers and other youngsters here.

"I moved here last October and was visiting the youth center for classes for my daughter when I noticed they needed instructors for creative movement [dance]," Mrs. Spuhler said. "I did a nonprofit program like this for two years at Elmendorf [Air Force Base, Alaska] for a local playgroup I organized."

The youth center program first offered classes for toddlers and preschool-aged children and now includes boys and girls ranging in age from newborns to 10 years.

Infants participate with parents in the "Belly Dancers" class until they begin crawling. They are then eligible to begin the "Twinkle Toes" class to begin exploring and using their feet until they turn 12 months old. Parents must participate during each class.

Props such as egg shakers, scarves, bubbles, maracas and a parachute are used to encourage creative movement.

Because of the unpredictability of an infant's schedule, classes cost $5 per session, according to Mrs. Spuhler.

"Both of these classes are held on a padded floor with professional tumbling mats to ensure the safety of the babies," she added.

The toddler class for one- and two-year-olds teaches children basic dance terms for ballet and tap while encouraging creative movement with props. A parent is also required for this class.

Boys and girls ages 3 to 5 participate in a creative movement and introduction to dance in the preschool class. They learn basic ballet, tap and hip hop along with a choreographed dance for the quarterly recitals.

Youth classes also include ballet, tap and hip hop with a choreographed routine at a more advanced level for boys and girls ages 6 to 10.

The three different classes each cost $35 a month, which includes four, one-hour classes.

"These classes develop creativity, coordination and confidence through dance activities, improvisation and story dances," said the head instructor. "Classes mix language arts with fine arts, thus creating a unique type of movement."

While children enjoy the classes, parents are thankful for the program.

"We are so grateful to be part of what we consider to be the best children's dance program in Mountain Home," said Lisa Turnure.

With recitals every two months, children get a better opportunity to participate.

"Coming from a military background, I realize that these kids may be moving at any time and would not be able to participate in a recital if they were in a dance program elsewhere," Mrs. Spuhler added. "Most dance studios have their recitals once a year. By having a recital every two months this will ensure that most of our students will receive the basic skills I provide for them and be able to show them off."

For more information on the program call the youth center at 828-2501 or visit www.allthatdance.squarespace.com.

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