Designed to teach the joy of dance and movement to children, Simple Gifts Dance offers classes in Ballet and Creative Movement in the Upper Sandusky, Ohio area.

 

Simple Gifts Dance is a licensed Leap  'N Learn studio. The Leap 'N Learn program is designed to be an effective, safe, progressive, and developmentally appropriate way for 3- to 12-year-old students to learn dance.

Designed by master teacher Beverly Spell and expert child psychologist Dr. Annie Spell, the

syllabus combines the healthiest practices for teaching children ballet technique, while

simultaneously encouraging pretend play among the youngest students to maintain a positive and fun environment.

 

Capitalizing on the naturally occurring cognitive and neural development of children, this

syllabus provides the tools and knowledge necessary for the creation of a successful learning environment. http://leapnlearn.com/for-parents/

 

Jill Blackburn owns and instructs each class and welcomes the opportunity to visit local Preschools to introduce the young students to dance and movement.

  

Dance classes offered:

 Dance With Me (movement for the littlest feet) Ages 18 months- 3years with a caregiver

A class to introduce the youngest dancer to dance class, music and movement.  Age appropriate activities and fun props are all enjoyed with a mommy, daddy, grandma or caregiver close by. 6 week sessions. (no registration fee)

  

Preschool Ballet (basic ballet + creative movement ) ages 3-6 years

A class to introduce the young dancer to music, movement and basic ballet (positions, basic steps and terminology is introduced)  The focus is on fun, while learning to follow directions, stand in line and take turns. 

  

Traditional Ballet: Ballet classes are 1 hour long $35/month

Dancers will wear Black leotards, with or without black skirts and ballet pink tights. 

 

7 Year old Ballet for age 7

The beginning level of learning ballet.   Dancers are introduced to barre work and correct ballet technique. Dancers learn more ballet terminology, more ways to move across the floor, introduced to creating their own dance and choreography, all while continuing to express themselves through movement. 

 

Ballet 2 traditional ballet for 8 & up

 

Advanced Beginner ballet: ballet classes for those who completed Ballet 2

Intermediate Ballet: ballet for those who completed Ballet 3 (or advanced beginner)

Advanced Ballet w/pre-pointe:  ballet for students who completed ballet 4 or Intermediate ballet

*dancers are encouraged in this level to attend 2 classes a week.  Flex schedule $45/month

 

Adult/Teen  Ballet:  An hour long class designed to introduce the adult dancer (novice or experienced) to experience the art, tradition and benefits of classical ballet. This Ballet class will strengthen your entire body, improves flexibility, balance and posture, reduces stress, all while teaching you to move gracefully to beautiful music. ($35/month)

 

Fees: Registration fee: $20 due at time of registration

(not applicable for Dance With Me or Adult classes)

 

Preschool (age 3-6) $30/month: due at the first class of each month

Ballet 1,Advanced Beginner, Intermediate:  $35/month

Advanced Ballet: 2 classes a week $50/month

$15 fee for returned checks

 

Dress Code: Dance Attire:

Age 3-6 Pink Leotards and Pink Tights, and/or pink skirt 

Age 7-teen Black Leotards and pink tights, and/or black skirt

boys:  white shirt/black pants or shorts

Adults:  no dress code

 

Dance attire is available to purchase at the studio

Ballet shoes or barefoot!

*no socks!*

 

Pull long hair back off of faces, in pony tail, braid or bun

 

Parents wait quietly in waiting area or drop off during class.

 

End of the Year Recital participation is encouraged to celebrate all that was learned through the year. (not mandatory)

Dance classes at Simple Gifts Dance are designed to be fun, affordable and to introduce children to dance and movement in a positive environment. But it's so much more! 

 

Dance teaches preschoolers to follow directions, learn new vocabulary, gain rhythmic skills, and much more. Additional Benefits of Dance:: 

• Enhances social skills
• Promotes physical fitness
• Improves attention span
• Encourages participation and group interaction
• Provides opportunities to lead, share and respond to others 
• Creates a positive self image
• Teaches arts appreciation
• Enhances poise and grace 
• Improves balance, coordination, and agility