Summer Camp - Dance Center of Spokane

by Tessa Schilter & r & & r & & lt;span class= "dropcap " & B & lt;/span & allroom dancing -- it's sweeping the nation, thanks to television reality shows such as ABC's Dancing With the Stars, and now your child can give it a whirl at summer camps offered by the Dance Center of Spokane.


New classes introduced this summer include ballroom and Latin dance, such as waltz, foxtrot, tango, salsa and more. There are classes for all skill levels, from beginner to professional, age 6 and older. Even the uncoordinated can master dance, according to Shari Davis, director, owner and ballet teacher at the center who says, "I like the challenge of working with someone who isn't a natural and turning them into a good dancer anyway."


Although each of the classes has a main focus, instructors make sure to mix in a little bit of everything in order to give the students a well-rounded experience and comprehensive education. For example, the ballet-intensive class also includes elements of jazz and hip-hop. The center added new classes in response to growing interest, and they've added new teachers as well. Guest teachers from Los Angeles and Utah will be assisting with dance camps this summer. "We have a diverse program," said Davis.


In addition to ballroom dancing, the center also offers classes for ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and gymnastics, for age 3 and older. The center's teachers, many of whom are certified by the Royal Academy of Dance or the Imperial Society of Tap, have worked as professional dancers with organizations such as Ballet Spokane.


As Davis points out, the classes aren't just about dancing. Students learn respect for their teachers and other students, as well as developing body awareness and improving overall tone and poise. Dancing is a great way to stay active and it develops coordination that's useful for other sports as well. With so many different styles, this could be something that involves the whole family. After all, it does take two to tango.





Dance Center of Spokane * 1407 E. 57th Ave. * June 19-Aug. 24 * Age 3 and older * Cost: $40-$240 * Visit www.dancecenterofspokane.com * Call: 448-2464