Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. Dance Central donated to the Gabi Rocks Neuroblastoma Party last year. All opinions expressed are my own.
When (A) was born I was neurotic (more than I am even now believe it or not). He needed to be signed up for all sorts of classes; music, gym, art, you name it. I had always intended to do the same for (E), but as we all know, we can’t plan everything. (E) had a few small health hiccups and needed lots of different types of care. This made me afraid to sign her up for too many classes… Now that she is 2 and has overcome the majority of her issues I decided it was time to start getting her into some activities.
I was looking for a great active class for her and stumbled upon Dance Central’s Mommy and Me Dance Class for 6m-2y. We figured this was the perfect time to try it because as a teacher I am off for the summer and can do the class with her. Additionally, I have been watching their programs having decided to take (E) there for dance after they donated a year of classes to (A)’s schoolmate Gabi a year ago (see post). I have said since then that I wanted to be associated with a dance school who cared for children this much.
The class is run by Ms. Melissa who is fantastic with the kids. She has found ways to reach the kids and get them to remember how to do many of the different activities that we do in class.
The class requires parents or caregivers to be active participants so it is important that the accompanying adult be able to lift and tumble around a bit. That’s how the class begins, with us tumbling around together a bit (E) loves to do this (even more if we turn so she can see herself in the mirror). This is followed by a few music numbers with hand motions (classics like wheels on the bus etc.). Aware that this age group doesn’t sit well for long we follow up with some “races” of different kinds that are geared towards strengthening the participants and helping with coordination.
The students then get to move on to an adorable little obstacle course, that ends with an individual trampoline (turned toward the mirror to (E)’s pleasure). To wrap up the class Ms. Melissa brings out some cool props to play with and everyone earns stickers when they sit quietly and wait patiently.
This is a great first class for (E). We even had two of our friends sign up and come along. The class is about 45 minutes, and in that time even attending just once a week (E) is already learning the routines and knows what to do if I say “hands in glue”. I no longer have to hold her on the balance beam (but still have difficulty tearing her away from that trampoline or mirror for that matter).
We liked our first class so much that I had (E) try the class that is the next level up (2.5-4y) to see if she could handle it (No). They allowed her to try the class for free, and then afterward Ms. Melissa called me personally to talk to me about how she had done in the class, explaining the skills that (E) needed to acquire prior to enrolling.
I found Dance Central to be organized and accommodating, offering days for make-up classes should you go away on vacation for a bit. Even better is the cost of their programs. As many of you know, children’s classes can be VERY costly running an average of $20 a session. These sessions were less, so I wasn’t worried when we signed up, thinking that it was a fabulous bargain and an experience no matter what. We really had nothing to lose.
I am so very glad we went. We had a real blast. I cannot believe that the class is almost over! I am currently looking into the options for continuing this fall (there is mommy and me on Mondays and Saturdays). I love the feel of this place, it’s so friendly and family oriented, and the class was super fun too!!
For more information on Dance Central and all that it has to offer check out their website: http://www.dancecentralpa.com or give them a call at: (845) 627-0595 Now is a great time to inquire, although there is no registration fee for the Mommy and Me class, there is for their more advanced classes and the fee is half off until tomorrow 8/21/2015.
Dance Central’s Fall Schedule
Sidenote:
Make a day of it! The quaint town of Pearl River has so much to offer, one day after class (E) and her two friends (and mommies) decided to go grab a cup of coffee somewhere local. We walked over to Jane Café where the girls had juice boxes and cookies, while the mommies had cappuccino. We had such a blast that this became a weekly ritual.
Photo Credit: Kate Garland of Kennedy Grace Photography took these beauties… She happens to be the talented mommy of one of our gals. ;o) She happens to have some back to school and fall farm minis coming up take a look!!! http://www.kennedygracephotography.com/
