Our "Mommy and Me" dance class is for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years.  One parent or guardian per dancer is required to participate in the class. 

 

This class focuses on several key developmental and learning elements that are beneficial for both the child and the caregiver. Here are some important aspects:

 

1. Physical Development

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Gross Motor Skills: Toddlers learn to control their bodies by walking, jumping, balancing, and spinning. Basic dance movements help strengthen muscles and coordination.
Balance and Coordination: Simple exercises like tiptoeing, marching, or hopping improve balance and overall coordination.
Body Awareness: The class introduces spatial concepts like moving forward, backward, or side-to-side, and understanding how the body moves in relation to the space around them.

2. Social Skills

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Interaction with Peers: Participating with other children fosters social interaction, teaching toddlers how to share space and play cooperatively.
Following Instructions: Simple, structured activities teach children how to listen to directions and follow them, building discipline and focus.
Turn-Taking: Learning to wait for a turn during activities helps toddlers develop patience and respect for others.

3. Cognitive Development

Listening Skills: Songs and movement-based activities enhance a child's ability to listen to and process instructions.
Pattern Recognition: Repetitive movements and sequences help children recognize patterns and sequences, which is foundational for cognitive development.
Creativity and Imagination: Using props (scarves, ribbon rings, etc.) or creative movement exercises allows toddlers to explore their imagination through dance.

4. Emotional Bonding

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Connection with Parent or Guardian: The interactive nature of the class strengthens the bond between the child and caregiver through physical closeness, eye contact, and shared activities.
Confidence and Independence: Gradually, toddlers feel more confident as they begin to explore movement on their own, helping to develop a sense of independence.

5. Music and Rhythm Awareness

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Musicality: Exposure to different tempos, beats, and music styles helps toddlers develop an awareness of rhythm, tempo, and timing.
Clapping, Stomping, and Moving to Music: Engaging in rhythmic activities helps toddlers synchronize their movements with music, improving timing and coordination.

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6. Sensory Exploration

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Tactile Learning: Props like scarves, balls, or ribbons introduce different textures and sensations, enhancing sensory experiences.
Movement to Music: Moving to various tempos, speeds, and intensities helps children understand how their bodies can express and react to different sounds.

These elements form the foundation for further dance education while promoting physical, cognitive, and social growth.