The 4-6 year old class was the biggest yet, with 11 girls dancing together. Hannah, one of my older dancers, helped out, along with two others when she couldn't make it - I couldn't have taught all of the little ones without them! Despite the craziness at times, all of the little girls were very sweet.
The class of 6 girls ages 9 to 15
The overlays over white shirts and their regular leotards and skirts worked really well as a pretty, inexpensive costume!
There were 6 summer students ages 7-9 (one girl wasn't here for the picture)
The simplicity of the colored sashes over white shirts was lovely!
The little girls wore pink or purple shirts - so cute!
There was a lot of organizing to do, especially with lining up the little ones and making sure they were in their correct square.
We started with the youngest class demonstrating the 5 basic ballet positions.
*Smiles for Mama*
Third position...
Varying angles of arms. =)
Sweet little ballerina
Next, the oldest two classes demonstrated a warmup exercise of plies and cambres.
Working on oval-shaped arms
Stretching to the side, developing flexibility
The oldest class shared their dance, "Come into His Presence"
"Give Glory, and Honor, and Power onto Him - Jesus, the Name above all names!"
They danced well, remembering the moves to this fast and energetic song
Circles are a lot of fun, especially when you chasse quickly! =)
Looking fluttery while executing flying sautes
Bourrees together...
...into one line
Praise to Jesus!
The next class danced to the song "Beautiful One." They worked really hard to learn the choreography by heart!
We incorporated flags part-way through to add to the beauty
"Powerful, so powerful, Your glory fills the sky"
"Beautiful One, I love, Beautiful One, I adore!"
Swirling flags of many colors
They enjoyed waving them!
The youngest class danced to "My life is in You, Lord," following after Miss Anna and Miss Hannah
The little ones certainly love to twirl! :)
"My life is in You Lord"
"My strength is in You Lord"
Keeping everyone together in a circle can be a challenge when there's so many little ones
But they certainly enjoy it, with squeals of delight!
"My hope is in You, Lord. In You, it's in You!"
They always like to jump!
Jumping up and down for joy!
Learning to praise God with their whole body!
Then, each girl had the opportunity to demonstrate her favorite move from ballet class across the floor. Chasses were by far the favorite of the younger dancers!
Bourree
Chaines turns
With their own choice of arm movements
A flying leap!
Pretty swirls for the turns
Learning to stay balanced and tall
At the end, we did a reverence to the song "Heart of Worship." We truly want our dancing to be all about Jesus.
It was a joy to teach 22 students over three summer weeks!
