Hearts leap as tiny dancers take to stage
DARWIN staged its very own version of Toddlers & Tiaras yesterday as a room of very excited, tutu-wearing little girls performed their first ever ballet recital.
About 20 nervous ballerinas — aged from about 16 months to five years — got up on stage at the Charles Darwin University Theatre to show the room of proud mums, dads and grandparents the results of the past month of intensive work.
Tiny Tutus is a beginner ballet program for ballerinas, teaching them the basic concepts of classical ballet, movement, music appreciation, rhythm and poise.
Founder Simone Cadell said all children naturally wanted to move to music and such movement and dance should be encouraged as it nurtured creativity, selfexpression and confidence.
‘‘As our tiny dancers’ natural aptitude for music blossoms, learning to dance becomes as natural as learning to walk and talk,’’ she said.
‘‘Creative movement and imagination are encouraged by Tiny Tutus through selfexpression and interpretation by using props to emphasise different styles of music.
‘‘It is a safe family environment where the littlest of ballerinas can freely participate at their own level.’’
Darwin co-ordinator Bianca Wilson said this was the first time on stage for many of the little girls, adding: ‘‘They’ve only had about one month’s practice but they are very excited.’’