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After
graduating from university with a BA-Dance and armed with an immense
passion for contemporary movement, I found myself ironically placed
as principal of the Coffs Harbour Dance Studio; a conventional
dance school teaching ballet, jazz and modern to over 200
students.
Whilst being a lot of fun, I was compromising my creative dance
philosophies by focussing on the end product. The younger members
of the school were the greatest delight and I quickly realised
that this age group in general is too often overlooked, missing
out on creative class plans and attention from their teachers
in favour of the more accomplished students.
After I had my two children I embarked on extensive research into
early childhood development, questioned my teaching methods (which
were too ‘old school’ for the era we currently live
in) and analysed what I could give to the younger students of
dance. I wrote two programs; Rainbow Ballet and Dance Magic, and
in 2004 Big Steps Little Feet was born.
the
growth
The enrolments rocketed from 20 -150 in the first year. I introduced
an Australian first - the officially licensed 'Get active with
Hi-5 Dance Classes'. In 2006 I furthered my studies in early
childhood movement with the very inspiring Christine Roberts in
Seattle USA, quickly introducing creative dance for babies, waddlers
and toddlers, promoting healthy development and strong bonds between
parent and child.
the
results
Many happy, creative, stimulated and content children who continue
to challenge and excite me with their ideas and enthusiasm! In
return I keep assessing my practices, creating better classes
to best meet the children’s' needs. In particular
Rainbow Ballet the program most in demand at Big Steps Little
Feet.
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for
2009
It’s all about Rainbow Ballet which
has grown beyond expectation. The other programs were successful
but seemed to miss the magic and appeal of Rainbow Ballet. Our
annual concert is a delight to experience and this year will see
further creative development of this fantastic class.
what
some mums have said
‘I just wanted to write to say
a massive thank you for Freya's ballet classes this year. She
has absolutely loved every minute - and wakes up every day hoping
that it is Tuesday! And I think I have loved it almost as much
as her!!
The concert today was wonderful. My husband and I both shed tears
of pride watching Freya. And all the girls were so gorgeous. It
is an amazing thing you do - you truly make these girls all feel
so special.
It is a huge undertaking to organise such an event, let alone
the wonderful classes you do every week.’
Jody (mum of 3yr old Freya)
'Initially I chose Big Steps Little
Feet for the philosophy it advertised and I am very pleased the
classes have maintained that value. I love my daughter having
the freedom to express herself with little rigid instruction.'
Natasha (mum of 4yr old Aramea)
'My daughter, Chloe, loves your program, because it enables
her to use her imagination. One week, she's pretending to be a
tropical fish, the next, a mermaid and then a clown. Like all
little girls, she adores dressing up and pretending. Your dance
class is like stepping into the pages of her favourite fairy books.'
Caroline (mum of 5yr old Chloe)
Regards,
Kate
Barber
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