Dannevirke: Dance helps to build confidence

Left, front to back: Flynn Weber, Taylor Baker, Briar Gibbard, Millar Bowie, Khloe Johnstone, Esme Sutton, Peyton McNaughton and Charlotte Foster. Right, front to back: Ruby Weber, Hayley Pinfold, Larisha Prasard, Isla Caswill, Gabriella Edwards, Keita Paewai and Ava Green. Photo / Christine McKay

Dance for youngsters is less about pirouettes and more about confidence building, Dannevirke dance mums say.

Little Gabriella Edwards, 4, is in the pre-school level 3 class at the Melissa Martin Academy of Dance and has been dancing since last year.

"She was very clingy when she first started but has grown into dancing in a big way," mum Robyn Edwards said. "Dancing has grown her confidence as well as her listening skills and she's also learning to follow instructions. Dance day is now one of her favourite days."

Heather Weber has three children taking dance lessons, 4-year-old twins Flynn and Ruby and their 6-year-old brother James.

"Dance has definitely helped their confidence, you could see that when they were on stage during the end-of-year production last year," she told the Dannevirke News.

"My children love performing at home and I've noticed the change in them since they began taking dance classes here at the studio. They love dressing up and dance is also good for their discipline and it also improves their listening skills."

Teacher Melissa Martin said the most rewarding part of her job is seeing children develop and grow.

"To see these little mites who have been shy and clinging to my legs when they first arrive, up on the stage at the end of the year just loving it is wonderful," she said.

"I've been inspired by a Helen Thomson [1943] quotation which I've adapted to reflect the reason why I teach dance. It says, 'The small child at dancing class may never become a professional dancer " but the courtesies and disciplines, as well as the joy in movement, will last them forever'."