Expansion of the Mind through Dance

Expansion is the theme at Dance Extreme these days. Expanding the premises and facilities, expanding the list of class offerings, expanding the minds and enhancing bodies through the discipline of dance.

“Children loving dance as an art form,” is one of the important goals of all this expansion for artistic director Rebecca Brettingham.

Children’s classes at Dance Extreme are available for tiny tots from the age of two and a half. “We teach them the fundamentals…about movement… They love it,” says Rebecca.

Adults benefit from the mind-expanding powers of dance at Dance Extreme, also. Brettingham is instituting a new form of adult class – eight-week introduction classes for those who want to try hip-hop jazz or tap.

Since seniors are getting younger and more hip all the time, Dance Extreme will be offering movement and exercise classes for older dancers in the fall.

Two trendy forms of dance that are being offered at Dance Extreme: break dancing and musical theatre. Popularized by movies and television reality shows, Rebecca anticipates that these two classes will be well attended.

Much of what is learned at Dance Extreme is recreational dance – art for art’s sake. Dance helps children, adults and seniors learn rhythm and confidence, build an awareness of the human body, increase flexibility and strength.

For adults – it’s often a nice break from the gym. For kids, it’s an outlet for energy in a very constructive environment.

While 85 or 90 percent of students at Dance Extreme are there for recreational purposes, the remainder take part in the competitive programs.

Rebecca is pleased that her studio offers both options for dancers. There is another level for dancers to reach for when they desire to go beyond a casual interest at the competitive level.

With 20 certified instructors and a wide variety of classes offered (jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet and hip-hop), Brettingham is confident that London is ready for the mind expanding powers of Dance Extreme.