Benefits of dancing

Learning to dance is not a mere
recreational pursuit. It is much more - a legitimate form of exercise
and an educational quest which promotes the joy of self-expression. And
that is only the beginning.

"Not only is dance a great form of cardio-vascular exercise," says
Dance Extreme's artistic director, Rebecca Brettingham, "it is also
known to heighten self-confidence and self-esteem. It enhances posture
and tones and strengthens the body."

In terms of continuing education, dance is a learning experience on
many levels. Students are educated about specific terminology, history,
and there is even a mathematical component "rhythm and tempo have to be
accounted for and the steps and movements have to be incorporated
skillfully in conjunction with music."

There are also many skills learned in dance which are required for success in everyday life.

Self-motivation, leadership, teamwork, communication and time management are only a few.

Brettingham is an enthusiastic proponent of these benefits. Dance
Extreme offers many innovative dance programs for children and adults,
with disciplines, which include Cecchetti ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern,
Highland, Lyrical/Musical Theatre, Cardio Funk, Creative Movement, Acro
(the floor component of gymnastics), Hip Hop, Stretch/Floor Barre as
well as boys only and daily adult classes.

Classes are offered in an environment where high quality, award-winning
instruction and choreography is viewed as a priority, as witnessed by
the success of Dance Extreme's competitive Dance Troupes year after
year.

A warm family environment facilitates the success of each student.
Parental involvement in the dance programs and schedules are taken
seriously.

The growing popularity of the business has also led to expansion in
2000 there is now an additional studio, a new kitchen is in the
development stages and new change rooms will accommodate ever growing
enrollment.

In addition, a new day program for children ages two and a half to five will be offered in the fall.

This program will provide a friendly introduction to dance, acquainting
youngsters in their early years with many joys of this pursuit.

Written by Abby Gardiner, freelance writer 
London Free Press August 2000