For as long as the Department of Parks and Recreation has been in existence, one of its core offerings has been dance in one form or another. Whether ballet, tap, creative movement, jazz, hip hop or interpretive, dance has always had a home in recreation. This winter, the department is pleased to announce the continuation of its long-standing dance classes under new direction.
Sommer Bayard joins the instructional staff at the Department of Parks and Recreation. Bayard graduated from Stockton College with a bachelor’s in public relations and a minor in performing arts. She has experience in a wide range of disciplines and a lengthy resume which includes ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. Sommer has performed in New York City and Disney World, and was a dancer for Jazz Unlimited. Additionally, she is an instructor at the Virtua Health and Wellness Center in Moorestown. She brings her years of experience and love of dance to the Department of Parks and Recreation in three primary programs.
For the youngest dancers the department offers Pre-School Dance Class for ages 3 and 4. Classes will meet once a week for 45 minutes and will include fun songs and activities for gross motor skill development.Various props are utilized, such as crowns, wands, parachutes, bean bags, ribbons and more. An introduction to Pre-Ballet is presented. Focus is on listening, following directions, rhythm, musicality, movement and fun. The classes will run 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday mornings from Jan. 23 to March 12 on the Third Floor of the Church Street Recreation Center.
For the next age group, Creative Dance offers 5- and 6-year-olds 45 minutes each Saturday to enjoy fun songs and activities for gross motor skill development. Various props are utilized, such as wands, parachutes, ribbons and more. An introduction to Pre-Ballet, Pre Jazz and Pre-Tap are presented. The focus of this program is on listening, following directions, rhythm and musicality, movement and fun. This class from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 23 to March 12 also on the Third Floor of the Church Street Recreation Center.
Finally, for the Elementary Set, grades third through sixth, Hip Hop is always a favorite. This high-energy class will get everyone moving and will help children learn the latest hip-hop and street funk steps. Students will warm-up and learn contemporary techniques and combinations to current pop, hip-hop and R&B music. This is a great class for beginner and intermediate level dancers looking to increase their repertoire on the stage and dance floor alike. This class is available from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings from Jan. 21 to March 10.
Visit the department’s website at www.moorestown.nj.us/363/Winter-Youth-Programs to learn more about these spectacular programs. Registration is OPEN! What better way to shake the winter blahs than by shaking your tutus?
