For classes September 2019- May 2020

A GYD Creative Dance class is a child-centered practice where children are viewed as active participants who are strong and capable and can contribute based on their own experiences. The child learns to respect themselves and all they are capable of while interacting with others in a respectful and supportive way.  This is a place to build strong friendships and where every child is celebrated for their unique way of being in the world.

A Creative Dance class is often the first time a child takes a class independent of their parents.  This class fosters growing independence by having the child take responsibility for themselves.  They come into the class on their own and are asked for ideas and then they are given the space and room to explore these ideas.

Each class is meticulously planned with a purpose and to integrate past experiences. The class follows a similar structure each week and then provides freedom within the structure to be interpreted and explored in the child’s own way.

As the young child learns body awareness, they also learn to develop awareness of dance classroom etiquette and what it means to focus.  This will be required in the more technical classes that they may progress to as they get older.

Class Structure:

Opening Circle– Purpose- coming together as a group and getting to know each other. Practicing listening and responding through a variety of rhythm exercises.  Setting up the class to both listen to the teacher while also listening to themselves.

Locomotor Warm-up-Purpose- getting the heart rate going and the body warm, discovering various ways to travel through the space, learning to travel throughout the room while respecting the space of others (peripheral vision, changing directions, connecting to breath)

Stretching warm-up- Purpose- Stretching various body parts, often using rhyming games to provide imagery, rhythm and fun.

Moving Across the Floor–

Purpose- locomotor exercises to practice listening and following instruction while practising gross motor skills such as walking, running and stopping, skipping, galloping, turning, and developing movement patterns (i.e. walk for 4 and then turn for 4, etc..).  After following the teachers instructions, dancers have the opportunity to give their ideas to the group.

Water break and then Relaxation- Purpose– connecting deeply to themselves and to their breath, recharging and an opportunity for their bodies to integrate the work that we have done thus far. This helps focus the group so they move more deeply connected to themselves for the following parts of the class.

Improvisation-Purpose- exploring movement concepts such as: levels, body parts, space, qualities of movement, speed, dynamics, etc.. This is the time when the child has the biggest opportunity to explore ideas both on their own and with other members of the class.

Showings:- Purpose-  A chance to be moving in front of others and for sharing ideas and reflecting on what you discovered so we can all learn from each other.

Closing Circle-Purpose- a quick coming together as a group to say thank you for sharing with each other before going home!

We are now offering a Parent and Tot (18 months-2.5 years) and a Parent and Child Class (2.5-5 years) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Parent and Tot (18 months-2.5 years) taught by Heather van den Broek

Tuesdays 10:30-11:15 am  REGISTER

Parent and Child (2.5- 4 years). Taught by Catrina von Radecki

Thursdays 10:30-11:30 am REGISTER

These classes will provide a multi-sensory environment where parents/caregivers and children will leap, run, twist, gallop, bend and stretch together using a variety of props and music in a creative and trusting atmosphere.  An incredible opportunity to move and bond with your child.

These classes will use the BrainDance Methodology developed by Anne Green Gilbert, Creative Dance Centre, Seattle, WA.

“The BrainDance is an excellent full body-brain exercise based on developmental movement patterns that healthy human beings naturally move through in the first year of life. These movements (Breath, Tactile, Core-Distal, Head-Tail, Upper-Lower, Body-Side, Cross-Lateral, Vestibular, Eye-Tracking) integrate the primary reflexes that are the foundation for healthy brain development. The movements develop our whole brain (brain stem, mid-brain/limbic system, and cortex). As babies, we did these brain-developing movements on the floor. As children and adults, we continue to review these patterns in a variety of ways to keep our brains and bodies strong. The BrainDance lays the foundation for sensory-motor development and cognitive, physical, and social/emotional health.” Anne Green Gilbert

We are excited to now offer classes inspired by this methodology right here at the Guelph Youth Dance Training Program!

It has been many years of people asking us about where to purchase dance wear.  Our favourite spot with the biggest selection is Dance Inspirations in Kitchener.  We know that this is far to drive for some, or that delivery charges can be more than the cost of some items.

We have therefore decided to have a small selection of tights available for purchase at the studio (cash only).

In addition, in August and November only, we will be accepting online orders of  body suits and tights and will have these available for the first week of classes.

An opportunity to check out some sample bodysuits for size and fabric choices.

Friday August 23, 5-7 pm and Saturday August 24, 12-2 pm  at the studio.

Some children’s sizes 4-13 will be available for immediate purchase.

To place an order:  See links below for selections available.

E-mail Kelly at guelphyouthstudios@gmail.com with the title of the email PURCHASE.

List company and product name, size, product code and colour code  if applicable.

Payment must be made at time of order through etransfer to guelphyouthstudios@gmail.com. The password needs to be: dancewear

All orders for the 1st order period are due by August Sunday August 25th and are expected to be ready for pick up by the first week of classes. The 2nd order period will be in November.

To minimize hassle and return charges, we ask that exchanges/refunds be requested only if absolutely necessary and as soon as possible. Please select your purchase very carefully!

Products must have any tags/labels still attached, must not have been worn ( other than to try it on) or damaged in any way in order to qualify for return or exchange.

GYD Merchandize Child and Tween

GYD Merchandize Adult

GYD Merchandize Men’s and Boys

Product Sizing Guide for Capezio Bodywear

Product Sizing Guides for Mondor and So Danca Tights

So Danca Sizing Chart

Product Sizing Guide for Mondor Men