P.C. students reach out to children through creative dance

For 14 years, the Providence College Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film has offered dance classes for children on Saturday mornings, most recently in the Smith Center for the Arts. Each class is instructed by students of Providence College who not only share an enthusiastic love for children, but a background in dance.

Wendy Oliver, professor of Dance and Women's Studies and chair of the Theatre, Dance and Film Department, oversees the children’s dance classes. She explained that participating in dance helps the children in their physical, mental and social development.

“I think dance is a wonderful art-form for kids to participate in,” Oliver said. “For little kids it gives them a chance to learn about their bodies and express their creativity. I think that the kids really enjoy it.”

Classes are limited to 20 students and held in both the fall and spring for 10 weeks, offering instruction for children ages 4-5 and 6-8 in Creative Dance, and ages 9-10 in Jazz and Hip Hop. Creative Dance teaches movement fundamentals while encouraging boys and girls to use their imagination while they dance.

Providence resident Gilda Manieri’s daughter Jessica, 6, is in her first year at the Providence College dance class.?She explained that her daughter has benefited from the instruction.

“She really enjoys dance,” said Manieri. “I think this is something she is going to stick with. There’s a lot of freedom with the kids.”

With two children, ages 5 and 6, participating in the class, Richard Shea of Providence said that the class provides a great opportunity for fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

“They have a lot of fun,” said Shea. “They don’t push them like regular commercial classes. Plus, it’s in the morning and they get to burn off a lot of energy.”

Carissa Carey is a Providence College senior and has been teaching the children's dance class for three semesters. Majoring in elementary special education and dancing since she was a child, she explained that she enjoys seeing the kids’ interpretation of movement.

"It lets them be creative," said Carey. "It's their mind and their imagination. Movement helps children learn. They are developing and learning about how their bodies move and this builds a concept of self. I love seeing their smiles."

Shannon Hoey, a Providence College junior majoring in social science with a dance minor has been dancing since she was 4 years old. She explained that she loves being able to introduce the children to dance.

"I love getting to introduce the kids to do new things," said Hoey. "It's a new experience that they might not get otherwise. Creative movement is not specific technique. We take it from everyday things. It's a great way to introduce them to dance."

The cost for the 10 week session is $35 with scholarships available to families with a demonstrated need.

“We are able to offer the classes at a very reasonable cost,” said Oliver. “It’s mutually beneficial to both students and the children and a chance to offer something to the community.”

At the end of each session, the children present a short, free informal performance in the dance studio that does not require the purchase of costumes.

“It’s a compilation of some of the things they have been doing throughout the classes,” said Oliver. “They really connect with the teachers and are very enthusiastic about everything they do, especially at a young age.