Ballet class promotes healthy movement and confidence

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

On Tuesday, June 27, Let’s Dance Gila River concluded its 5-week youth ballet dance program in District 5.    Through the guidance of Let’s Dance Gila River instructors, 52 young ladies gracefully took to the floor to showcase all the movements and dance positions they learned over the five weeks. 

The ballet class was a new effort by Let’s Dance Gila River’s owner Nichole Roderick, District 5.    Throughout the past, Let’s Dance Gila River offers courses throughout the Community teaching salsa, hip-hop, and other dance styles.  

This summer, Roderick found a new dance style to explore and an instructor close to home to assist.  Roderick’s niece Anisa Jackson, District 4, is a seasoned dancer with experience in various styles and movements. She has been dancing since the age of four.    Both partnered to create a new program for the youth at District 5, utilizing Jackson’s experience to provide instruction in the ballet dance style.

“It was a remarkable experience to enable Anisa to assume a leadership role and to help younger participants develop greater self-belief and confidence,” said Roderick.  “We were heartened to observe the positive impact that our ballet classes had on the confidence of some of the young girls.”

The ballet program was the first time Jackson taught a class, and she found the experience gratifying.    She felt that allowing the youth to try something different would open their eyes to new possibilities.   Jackson said, “Dance is a fun and engaging activity that promotes physical activity and creativity, and it is important to teach youth as it encourages them to be active and expressive while also developing discipline and focus,” said Jackson.  “Overall, it was a rewarding experience to teach children, as I was able to connect with them and witness their progress, and the most rewarding was seeing their smiles when they finally understood the dance positions.”

Aleshia White, District 3, enrolled her two daughters in the dance class.  She appreciated the accessibility and positive impact it had on her daughters.  White said it was a great addition to the Community and saw how it instilled confidence in the younger girls that participated.

Similarly, Destiny Jackson’s daughter, from District 3, participated this summer.  Destiny appreciates Let’s  Dance Gila River’s initiative to offer additional activities for children living in the Community and introduce new activities.  

Recognizing the benefits and interest of the ballet class, Let’s Dance Gila River is eager to continue providing dance classes in the future.  “Our goal is to create a welcoming environment for participants of all ages and backgrounds, where they can engage in various forms of dance and find joy in movement,” said Roderick.

For more information on Let’s Dance Gila River and classes visit www.letsdancegilariver.com.