NEVER TOO EARLY FOR BALLET
Tiny dancers raise the barre
At one Calgary school, it’s never too early to raise the barre.
Now in its second year, Webber Academy’s Division One Ballet Club instructs the school’s youngest students in the intricacies of dance.
Between 40 and 60 students participate each year in this program which is well-received by parents and students alike, says Chloe Koshman, an elementary teacher at Webber who leads the dance classes. The club also presents two performances each year in December and in the spring under Koshman’s direction.
“I pick a different theme for every performance,” she says.
“Last December, we performed a Nutcracker piece, and in the spring, we performed a piece about pirates. There was even a giant pirate ship the boys popped out from. The students that I am teaching right now will be performing in our version of Swan Lake with a modern twist this December.”
Ballet training benefits students physically by improving muscle strength, flexibility and range of motion, she says. The jumping and leaping improve endurance and overall cardiovascular health while increasing body awareness and physical self-control.
“Emotionally, this program gives students a sense of pride and accomplishment, which boosts self esteem,” says Koshman.
“Students work toward presenting the performance, so skills such as communication, trust and cooperation are developed as well.
“Students are also surrounded by new friends which is great for their social skills. I think that dance training is a great way to relax and use excess energy productively after school.”