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Raising Creative Kids
Art in Motion
By Shel Franco
A child's first introduction to the world of dance will come from what he sees at home. Gilbert says that parents can establish a life-long love of dance in their children by dancing around the house to a wide variety of music.
"At least once a day, we are spinning around the living room," says Dee Groves, of Scranton, Penn. "If the song's fast, we fly around the house. If it's slow, we try to move very light and soft. The kids love it."
Many parents, together with their children, decide that formal dance class might be fun. Cities around the world have creative dance classes designed specifically for preschoolers. While the availability of classes in any given area is generally high, parents should observe classes and teachers before signing up.
"The most important thing is to have a teacher that understands correct alignment, child development and appropriate class management techniques," says Gilbert. "The teacher should be positive and inspiring while helping the dancers to develop their technical and creative skills."
Sometimes, the class isn't what a child had in mind, and there is quite a bit of resistance when it comes to attending those prepaid classes. Dawn Nowakoski, a seasoned dance class mom in Indianapolis, Ind., has found a solution that appeases both parties. "Unfortunately, we pay for class whether they are there or not, and it's not cheap," she says. "So I tell my children they must go and finish the month. And at that point if they want to drop, they can."
These classes aren't the only place outside of the home to come in contact with dance. The theater offers children another door into the world of creative movement.
"esearch suggests that early introduction of creative dramatics in young children adds significantly to their cognitive, social, and emotional development," says Steve Barberio, Producing Director of Stages Theatre Company, in Hopkins, Minn.