Toddler road test: Blueberries
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Looking for an alternative to parks and indoor play centres? We check out Dance Central’s parent and toddler dance program Blueberries.
As the parent of a busy toddler, I’m always on the lookout for different ways for her to burn off energy.
After all, there are only so many times you can go to the park or playground, particularly as the weather cools down in Canberra.
So when I was told about Blueberries, a parent and toddler dance program designed for children aged 21 months to five years, I was all ears.
Run by dance school Dance Central, the program is a unique blend of modern dance tuition, music and drama. Launched more than 12 years ago, and running in Belconnen and Phillip, it’s designed to develop skills in rhythm, coordination, strength, and flexibility in movement.
As soon as my two-year-old daughter and I entered the light and bright Phillip studio, it was a welcoming space. We were immediately greeted by our friendly instructor, Kate, who invited us to join the group. The session kicked off with some music and “freestyle” dancing to warm up.
My toddler is usually quite reserved when meeting strangers so I was shocked when she immediately ran off and began dancing in circles with the rest of the class, giggling. Something about the music and space brought her out of her shell almost instantly.
The children in the class ranged from two to five years, with many getting into the spirit by wearing adorable tutus.
The environment was relaxed and the class was small enough that it wasn’t overwhelming, with a clear focus on nurturing and strengthening each child’s confidence and self-esteem.
Throughout the 50 minute class, Kate gently took us through a mix of jazz, ballet, funk and yoga-lates (a combination of yoga and Pilates specially designed for children.) Each exercise was short and interactive—perfect for young minds which haven’t quite grasped the concept of patience.
The children were engaged and spirited, with parents joining in on the moves. I was surprised at how quickly the kids could pick up each move, from pointing their toes outwards to shaking their hips from side to side.
Towards the end of the class, children were encouraged to use musical instruments and sing; encouraging self-expression and rhythm.
As the youngest child in the class, my daughter admittedly spent most of it “freestyle” dancing—that is, running around excitedly in the background—but by the end of the class she was sitting beautifully with the rest of the group playing her musical instrument, listening intently to everything that was going on. Either way, she burned energy, got to do something she doesn’t do every day and I honestly hadn’t seen her giggle that much in such a short amount of time.
Behind the program is Director of Dance Central Julie Scheer, who has had an extensive background in teaching dance through the British Ballet Organisation. She says it was through her experiences that she became inspired to design a new program for parents and toddlers.
“Pre-school aged children require many forms of stimulation,” Julie says.
“This concept is what differentiates a Blueberries class from an ordinary dance class.”
At the end of the class, we were told we could take a tutu home (a cute gift for those who join a 10-week term) and my tiny dancer spent most of the car journey with a big smile on her face. For that smile alone, we’ll definitely be back.
There are Blueberries classes every day from Monday to Saturday at both Phillip and Belconnen locations. You can found out more at dance-central.com.au.
SPECIAL HERCANBERRA READER OFFER
Want to give Blueberries a try?
Dance Central is giving HerCanberra readers who are new to Blueberries a special reduced price PLUS a super cute gift.
Pay just $66 for five weeks for lessons commencing week starting Monday 4 March (plus $10 insurance levy) and receive a free tutu for your little dancer!
You can register for this special offer online—it’s simple:
- Visit the online portal
- Sign in/up
- Choose ‘Add Classes’
- Select ‘Events and Promotions’ (not ‘General Classes’) to receive the reduced price.
the essentials
What: Blueberries dance class
Where: Dance Central, 13-15 Altree Court, Phillip, or Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen
When: Term One runs until Saturday 13 April. Term Two: Monday 29 April– Saturday 6 July. Term Three Monday 22 July – Saturday 28 September. Term Four Monday 14 October – Saturday 21 December
How much: $149 for a 10-week term
Web: dance-central.com.au
This is a sponsored post but all opinions are the author’s own. For more information about our sponsored post policy click here.
Photos: Supplied
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