DAC Expands Dance Classes, Ongoing Enrollment for Preschool Classes, Martial Arts

Enrollment is still open for at the Darien Arts Center for Martial Arts classes and dance classes for preschoolers, including Dance Beginnings and Pre-Ballet. DAC Dance director Bonnie Gombos is a firm believer in the benefits of dance for the young set. “Because dance helps develop so many attributes of a growing child, there are many advantages to enrolling children at a young age,” said Gombos. “Dance helps children mature physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. It also increases flexibility, agility, coordination, and spatial awareness. Martial arts is also great for kids since it helps teach self-discipline and socialization skills.”

Dance Beginnings, for 3 and 4 year olds, is a class especially designed for preschoolers to learn about dance and the joy of movement through body awareness and creativity. Pre-ballet, for 4 and 5 year olds, is a fun introduction to ballet using imaginative techniques to learn the primary elements of classical ballet. Time during each class is devoted to creativity, providing children with an opportunity to apply ballet technique to their own dances. Dance Beginnings and Pre-Ballet are offered several times a week. Martial Arts classes are divided by age and are designed to refine motor and organizational skills, teach self-defense and awareness, improve self-discipline and teach proper behavior through respect and self-control while having fun. Beginner Martial Arts meets on Tuesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Also new at the DAC, is a modern technique dance class for high schoolers starting on November 6 that will take place on Thursdays at 2:45 p.m. This new class will reflect the dance styles of Martha Graham and Limon. To register for classes at the DAC, go to darienarts.org or call the Darien Arts Center for more information at (203) 655-8683. The Darien Arts Center is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind Darien Town Hall.

Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community. The DAC offers educational programs in Dance, Visual Arts, Music & Theatre, & special events & live theatre performances by DAC Stage. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the DAC, which is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For further information, call (203) 655-8683 or visit darienarts.org.