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I’ve always loved dance—it was love at first sight! But when I first started teaching the toddler and preschooler age groups, I had no idea what I was doing. So I learned a lot. As I began teaching, I got my hands on every resource I could to help me become a better teacher. I went to workshops. I became certified. I taught a lot. Then I became a mama. Right now, my two boys are 2 and 4 years old. Since becoming a mama, I’ve realized something else—dance is one of the single most important gifts we can give young children in terms of their development. I went from wanting my toddler and preschool classes to be well-behaved and to prepare them for dance class later on, to ALSO wanting my classes to truly and positively impact my students’ development as a child.

Children are meant to move. They’re meant to climb and jump and balance. Movement directly relates to brain development. Yet so many children in the western world don’t get ample opportunity to move like they should. There’s more screen time and less physical play. So in a world where the arts are often placed last in order of funding and even importance, what you are doing, my friend—giving little ones the opportunity to move and explore through your dance classes—that is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

I hope these dance activities inspire you and your little dancers and ballerinas. Spark your students’ imaginations and encourage their joy, and you’ll be amazed at how far they’ll go!

XO,

Ashley Hartford
Founder and Owner
Once Upon A Ballet