Lissa Alexander
Special to The NEWS
Do you have a child in grade 1, 2 or 3 who is interested in taking a dance class but the cost is out of reach for your family? SOS can help.
A free dance class for low-income families is starting up again at SOS on May 12. It’s called Move & Groove and teaches young children in grades 1-3 a mixture of jazz, ballet and hip hop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for the class.
The first class ran earlier this year at SOS in Parksville. SOS Child, Youth & Family Centre Manager Paulette Harcourt said it was wonderful to witness.
“As soon as they got their coats and boots off, they started dancing and they were so bright and happy, and you could see they wanted to be there,” she said.
The class is taught by volunteer Melanie Peake, who has a deep-rooted passion for dance. Peake said she is excited to offer a second class that is fun and also accessible for local families.
Dance is a great way to get physically active, increase balance and coordination, and help with social skills, confidence and self-esteem, Peake explained.
No formal attire is required. Students can wear comfortable clothes to dance in, bare feet or runners. Parents can drop their children off for the class. There is a small room for parents to wait with other siblings, if they wish to stay.
To pre-register for the class, call 248-2093 ext 242. For more information email cyfcmanager@sosd69.com. Visit www.sosd69.com for more information about SOS, and find SOS on Facebook at facebook.com/sosd69.