What are the Benefits of Dance for your Child?

Photo by: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

Now is the time to choose dance...the benefits are endless and let's face it...dancing is FUN!

Benefits of Dance:

Physical Health Benefits - Dancing is highly physical; meaning your child will increase their stamina, flexibility, and strength. Not to mention, improving their balance and coordination while building good posture. Studies also show "children who exercise benefit from a deeper and more restful sleep and improved appetite".

Academic Benefits - Both sides of the brain are used simultaneously while you dance; one half is controlling the artistic and creative expression, the other controlling the physicality and movement. This means your child will improve their memory, spatial awareness, and listening ability. Another benefit? Studies show children who dance have higher scores in mathematics and science.

Social Benefits - If you have a shy child, dance can be a good way of allowing her/him to interact with other children and improve her social confidence. Building and enhancing self-esteem is another key outcome from dancing. Above all, through hard work and performances, children can feel a strong sense of achievement, learn about responsibility, and prepare themselves for a successful career; regardless if it involves dance or not.

Want to experience these benefits with small class sizes and individualized attention? We invite you to join us for the 2013/14 school year at the Central Florida Ballet Academy. Our world-class faculty provides Vaganova (Russian method) ballet training, which has proven to create the strongest and most versatile dancer. Students may enroll from age 3-18 and the Academy also offers open adult classes. Save $25 by registering by June 8 for the 2013/14 school year and receive a guaranteed spot in all of your level's classes. Please call 407.849.9942 for more information and/or to set up a trial class. You can also find information on our official website at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com 

Central Florida Ballet presents ‘The Fairy Doll’ from its Children’s Ballet Series

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 (Orlando, FL, USA) - The Central Florida Ballet’s Studio Company will be performing “The Fairy Doll” as part of its Children’s Ballet Series this Sunday, April 28 at 2pm. Held at the Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, this family friendly performance is geared towards young audiences and will be just under an hour to keep children's interest at its peak.

The Fairy Doll is the story of a Can Can doll who lives in a Toy Shop with other magical toys who come to life at night. The magical toys are heartbroken when one day, the Shop Keeper sells the beloved Fairy Doll to one family while her Cavalier is sold to another. The toys try to prevent the two Can Can dolls from being separated by causing chaos in the Top Shop.

“The Fairy Doll” performed by the Central Florida Ballet’s Studio Company 

Photo By: Virginia Trudeau & Deedee Sherman

A bake sale will be held before the performance to raise funds for the Central Florida Ballet’s Studio Company. All proceeds will benefit the Central Florida Ballet, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, and all donations $25 and above are tax-deductible.

All attendees will enjoy FREE parking for the performance. You can also save buy purchasing in advance; Advance tickets are only $5 (Children 12 & Under) and $8 Adults.  Tickets are available by calling 407.849.9948.

For those purchasing tickets at the door, tickets will be $8 (Children 12 & Under) and $10 Adults. Cash only is accepted at the theater on the day of the performance.

For more information, visit http://www.CentralFloridaBallet.com or please call 407.849.9948.

You Might be a Ballet Student if...

Ballet is not just an art form or exercise, it's a way of life. Scroll down to see tell-tale signs you are a part of the ballet world!

1. You drop something on the floor and you do an arabesque to pick it up.

2. Rosin is your BFF.

3. Getting your driver's license is almost as cool as getting a new Yumiko leotard.

4. January/February you spend your weekends auditioning for Summer Intensives.

5. Whenever you hear a song, your mind thinks of choreography for a solo or a group number.

6. You bruise yourself from running into things trying to dance around your house- pirouettes and leg kicks just need happen!

7. A new pair of tights makes your day.

8. You spend hours watching videos on YouTube of ballet variations and videos.

9. The Nutcracker is your Christmas holiday tradition.

10. You'd rather be dancing on Spring Break, and Christmas Break, and the break before school begins.

11. You trip everywhere, except the dance studio.

Have some more to add? Leave a comment, we look forward to hearing your own.

Must See Top 5 Dance Videos

We're bringing the heat with our TOP 5 MUST SEE VIDEOS! From the best of classical ballet to irresistible modern day dance moves, you are sure to enjoy them! Enjoy the show...err...videos!

VIDEO #1: Because it's simply Baryshnikov...from his high-flying leaps to his undeniable stage presence, he shows what real ballet is! No more explanation needed.

VIDEO #2: Dancing with the Stars got it right with this ballet dancer! Patricia Zhou trained at the prestigious Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. before moving on to The Royal Ballet (one of the largest companies in the world). Now Patricia is delighting audiences with the Staatsballett Berlin.

VIDEO #3: It's surreal to see raw talent built. For any of you familiar with the name, Hannah Bettes, you know what I am talking about. Here is a video of Hannah at just age 11, right before she switched her focus to ballet!

VIDEO #4: Young vs Old? Nah, this is just a timeless dance scene from a VERY famous movie! Watch and see two generations strutting their finest moves...

VIDEO #5: Because dancing is irresistible! Yes, especially this dance....

Want to start dance today? For information on classes with the Central Florida Ballet, call 407.849.9948 or check us out for seasonal performances at http://www.centralfloridaballet.com.