It’s back to school time for the Newberry Ballet Guild.

Enrollment is ongoing for the dancers and future dancers at the Griffin School of Dance.

The guild’s artistic director Kendyl Griffith, points out that etiquette is an overlooked aspect of dance and that dancers tend to wear many hats including: performer, observer, choreographer, leaders and critic.

Griffith says that children who learn dance are taught self-control, self-discipline, self-awareness, motivation and dependability.

“It is imperative for beginner students of dance to start with the two fundamental dance forms, ballet and tap,” says Griffith, “These types of dance lay the foundation for all other dance forms such as jazz, clogging and contemporary. Many studios offer ballet and tap as a convenient combination class for younger dancers; however, dance students of all ages are strongly encouraged to continue their study of these crucial dance forms.

She points out that ballet is the root of dance and while dancers may veer off into other forms, ballet teaches controlled movement, refined technique, balance and coordination.

Ballet is not just for girls either, she adds.

Boys may gain agility, endurance and flexibility for use in other sports.

Dance and other positive aspects

There are many qualities that dance training offers beside grace and poise.

Griffith mentions that dance is often a first introduction for foreign languages and many dancers excel academically, musically or in other visual arts areas.

This is because dance forces children to use right and left sides of their brain all the while utilizing short and long-term memory.

Besides the emphasis on kinesthetic learning, there’s self esteem promotion and self expression.

Attire

Proper dance attire consists of a solid color leotard and pink tights.

This allows for teachers to easily spot misalignment of the body and form and technique corrections will help prevent injuries.

The proper clothing also allows dancers to move easily and more free which is not easily done in jeans or baggy clothes.

As for hair, it helps to have it secured and away from the face and jewelry is definitely a don’t, according to Griffith.

Then there are the shoes.

Griffith suggests buying shoes that fit snugly as opposed to a bit bigger. The shoes will stretch, she says.

Last word

Griffith says that the benefits of dancing are immeasurable even if it pursued as recreation or seriously.

“I have taught many dancers who went on to do great things and most of them attribute their success to the art of dance and the intangible lessons of the studio,” says Griffith, “Dance is an old, dear friend of mine; a shoulder to cry on, a little boost of confidence, a guaranteed fun time.”