Dance like no one is watching

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Soulsby
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As the dance students fill into the room, there is twirling and giggling as they get into position.  Once the instructor begins class, all of the students quiet down and intently watch, concentrating on how to move their body in the same way as the instructor.  Parents and siblings peer in through a windowed door snapping photos while watching their dancers bud into graceful ballerinas.   

More than 60 children, ages 18 months to 12 years old, are taking advantage of dance classes now offered at the Grizzly Bend. Classes are available through December to children up to 18 years old interested in learning to dance. Sign-ups are still going on and the club will add classes as interest increases. 

"With (the Grizzly Bend) being a community center, we try to offer as many different programs as we can," said Shari Hagen, Grizzly Bend food and beverage manager.  "We've had dance classes in here since we opened three years ago and we always have a great turn out."

Five classes are offered including a mommy (or daddy) and me class, in addition to beginner and intermediate jazz and ballet. Classes are held on Mondays throughout the day starting at 8 a.m. with the last class beginning at 5 p.m.  A dance recital in December will complete the session.  

Debra Glenn, mother of 4 year old Katelyn, said that she put her daughter into dance for the socialization and the learning experiences gained from the class. 

"I think one of the big things that I want (my daughter) to get that I didn't get when I was a kid is to have her learn to enjoy being in her own body, how it feels so she's not focused on how it looks," Glenn said.   "She's more focused on what her body can do for her and how to express herself in a creative way when she's free enough to not have the censor of feeling like everybody's watching."

Glenn also looked into downtown options but was pleased with the convenience and value provided here at Malmstrom. 

"It's so convenient to take my daughter to the class here on base," she said.  "This goes seamlessly into our lives and it's also nice that there are people that you know from around base involved."

Instructor Heather Dayton brings a vast knowledge of dancing and instructing.  She has been dancing since she was 2 years old, and has 16 years of experience as a student in the forms of ballet, jazz and tap.  In college, she minored in ballroom dancing and instructed ballroom dancing at the college level. Dayton also has taught all ages at a private dance studio. 

"Heather is a wonderful instructor," said Hagen.  "The feedback we get from parents is just how much fun their children are having (in the class) and how much they enjoy it."

Dayton has hand crafted props for each girl to swing and twirl while executing particular dance steps.  While the girls are having fun, discipline is a big part of it; she keeps them on track by counting aloud and only giving a prop after they have earned them.  She hopes that they not only learn dance techniques, but to also make friends and build their self-worth while having fun.

Energized after class, one of the young dancers ran to her mother to share her experience.  When asked why she dances, she replied "I want to," and added that her favorite part of dance class is leaping.

For more information on the classes or to sign-up, contact the Grizzly Bend at 731-3359.