A group of 25 young dancers have completed summer dance camps at The Dancer’s Extension in Saluda. Two separate weeks of camps were held.  Preschool ages attended the first week, with elementary ages attending the second week.

Each week, students learned basic dance positions and steps, were introduced to famous people and places in dance history, made crafts related to dance activities and created their own dance stories.

The preschool camp’s story was entitled “Fly Over the Rainbow,” with characters such as princesses, butterflies, kittens and the colors of the rainbow.  The elementary camp’s story was entitled, “Springtime Fun and Friends,” with characters such as kittens, puppies, swans, fairies and even a butterfly and a crab.

Students were instructed on collaborating to write their dance story, improvising the dance steps and creating stage props for their stories.  Of course, dancing every morning required a healthy snack break, too. Parents and friends were welcomed into the studio for an impromptu performance of the students’ work each Friday.

Miss Willow Arkell assisted with the preschool camp, earning points towards her induction in the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, a program for middle and high school ages, sponsored by the National Dance Education Organization.

The Dancer’s Extension encourages healthy and balanced lifestyles through the art of dance.
Classes are offered in ballet/ creative movement, ballet, pointe, contemporary and jazz for ages three through adult. Classes for the 2013-2014 Dance Season begin Sept. 3.

For more information, contact The Dancer’s Extension at 828-749-9398 or visit their website at www.thedancers-ext.com.

– article submitted by Sonya Monts