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 Ballroom Kids  /  Cotillion

 

Dancing Changes Lives

Dancing is at the forefront of the entertainment industry, inspiring adults and kids alike to bring the passion of dance to life!  Not only does dancing improve movement and grace; the health, social, and emotional benefits of dancing are astounding.  Any form of dance provides substantial exercise, builds coordination, balance, rhythm, musicality, and much more.  Partnership dancing encompasses these benefits yet includes social interaction, etiquette, teamwork, and self-worth.

Ambiant Dance offers several types of youth instruction in a variety of dance styles ranging from Ballroom and Latin to Swing and Country. 

 

Ballroom Kids-

What makes Ballroom Kids Different?

 Pre-teens and Elementary students are at a time in their lives where interacting with their peers can be awkward and many lack good social and communication skills.  Social dancing can help break down barriers, offering common interests, goals, and a sense of pride as they learn and grow in a common activity.  Ballroom Kids offers a program that not only teaches “American Style Ballroom” and social dancing, it teaches manners, social behavior, dance history, and etiquette in formal settings. Never before has there been a program that integrates the educational and social perspectives of dance in addition to steps, choreography, practice and performance.  Kids are learning grace and poise, while at the same time practicing etiquette and excelling in teamwork in a safe environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle. 

 

Ballroom Kids Benefits

The benefits of learning to dance for young students include, but are not limited to:

·        Builds Self-Confidence

·        Develops Social Skills

·        Improves Balance

·        Improves Coordination

·        Improves Flexibility

·        It lasts a lifetime

 

Dance Program

Our program consists of 10-week sessions.  Each class is 50 minutes long.  Class meets 1 time per week. 

Class 1 – Tango – Swing – Hip Hop

             Weeks 1-3:  Tango

             Weeks 4-6:  Swing

             Weeks 7-8:  Hip Hop

             Weeks 9-10 Routine Rehearsal

Students will learn the etiquette, timing, basic patterns, and variations of each dance.  The last two-weeks will be dedicated to a fun performance routine to be performed at their graduation (from our program) dance.

Class 2 – Waltz-Cha Cha-Social

             Weeks 1-3: Waltz

             Weeks 4-6: Cha Cha

             Weeks 7-8: Social

             Weeks 9-10 Routine Rehearsal

Students will learn the etiquette, timing, basic patterns, and variations of each dance.  The last two-weeks will be dedicated to a fun performance routine to be performed at their graduation (from our program) dance.

 

Dress Code

Girls:  Slacks, knee length skirts, or dresses.  Shoes: thin soled shoes slip on or straps. (We prefer dance shoes.)  No flip flops, tennis shoes, mules, slides or anything a heel can slip out of.

Boys:  Slacks, long sleeved shirts, ties (preferred but optional), and dress shoes. (We prefer dance shoes.)

 For Hip Hop classes: Tennis shoes, no dress code.

 By third class of each session, dress code will be strictly enforced.  For performance, formal dresses and dress coats required.

Cost:

$150.00 per student, per 10-week session

 

Program Development

Ballroom Kids was developed with the expertise of a classroom teacher with her Masters Degree in Education teamed with two World Title Professional Dancers, resulting in a program with sound learning methods and perfect Ballroom technique!

Kim Levin, a UC Berkeley alumni, holds her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree in Educational Technology.  Teaching elementary school and dance has been a passion of hers for twelve years.  Currently competing with her students in Country and West Coast Swing, and a Division II Country Dancer, her love of dance carries over to her love for working with children.

Yvonne Benavidez has been dancing for 18 years and teaching for 16.  She is trained in Ballroom, Latin, Salsa, Swing, and Country.  She is still a current competitor in Ballroom Pro-Am, Swing, and Country Professional Open.  While earning many titles of her own, choreographing, teaching, and coaching are her true passions.  Stars Ballroom has it’s own division of Classes called Swing Kids and Ballroom Kids.  She has also developed a Scholarship Program to allow underprivileged kids take dance lessons and help with their competition costs. 

A few of Yvonne’s accomplishments:

·        1993 UCWDC World Champion

·        1998 TNN Invitational Champion

·        1999 Coach/Choreographer 1st Place UCWDC Cabaret Team World Champions

·        2000 Feather Award Top Female Instructor

·        2005 Coach UCWDC Diamond Advanced World Champions

·        2006 Coach/Choreographer of 4th Place Junior U.S. Open winners

·        2006 Cabaret Champion, Mountain Magic Dance Competition

 

Jason Wayne has been dancing for 17 years and teaching for 8.  He is trained in Bronze American Ballroom, Country, and specializes in Hip-Hop and all forms of Swing.  He began dancing at the ripe old age of 10 and knows better than anyone how much dancing can enhance your life.  His gentle style of teaching resonates well will all ages.  Men relate well with him, as he makes them realize just how masculine dancing really is.

A few of Jason’s accomplishments:

·        2003 1st Place Advanced Division, Capital Swing

·        2006 1st Place Champions Division, Mountain Magic Dance Competition

·        2006 Cabaret Champion, Mountain Magic Dance Competition

·        2006 Coach/Choreographer of 4th Place Junior U.S. Open winners

·        2007 1st Place Champions Division, Fresno Dance Classic

 

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