Susan paino
dancer ~ teacher ~ costume designer
Classes for Children
Participation in developmentally appropriate dance activities can help children grow physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Not only do children build skills, but they also discover the art of dance and movement through self-expression, imagination, exploration, and story-telling.
​
I lead classes for children starting at ages 3 years. Dates and locations are listed for each class below.
The Events page lists free family programs held at public libraries and other community spaces.
Spring 2025 Class Schedule and Descriptions
Fall schedule coming soon.
_JPG.jpg)
Ballet Classes with Susan Paino
Saturday: March 1-May. 18, 2025
​​
Ballet Play/Ballet (ages 3-5), Sat. 9:30-10:15
Ballet (ages 5-7), Sat. 10:30-11:30
Ballet (ages 8-11), Sat. 11:30-12:30
​
Registration: online with Apollinaire Play Lab at the Riseman Family Theatre at Chelsea Theatre Works
​
More Spring 2025 Classes with Apollinaire Play Lab include:
Acting, Art, and Play Production.
Ballet Play (3-4 years)
Students develop a strong understanding of basic dance concepts and vocabulary through developmentally appropriate exercises and games that emphasize body awareness. Explorations with imagery, music, and stories nurture self-expression, discovery, and making choices.
​
Date/Time: Saturday 9:30-10:15, March 1-May 18, 2025
Location: Registration: online with Apollinaire Play Lab at the Riseman Family Theatre at Chelsea Theatre Works
Ballet I & II (ages 5-6 years & 7-10 years)
Creativity and technique are blended in a fun and challenging class that refines musicality, flexibility, balance, and control. Students study foundational ballet skills through music and story explorations, tapping into their creative expression. This class enhances children’s cognitive abilities as they learn and create dance choreography.
​
Date/Time: TBA
Location: TBA
Story-Dance Time ~dance ~play ~imagine ~tell stories ~learn together
a family event held at public libraries for children along with their parent or caregiver
To librarians: click here to to fill out a Google Form for booking requests.​ And click here to print an informational flyer.
Children (along with their parents/caregivers) are invited to dance and use their imaginations to act out a story in this one-hour event led by teaching artist, Susan Paino. Story-Dance Time is interactive - at times, everyone will be up and moving. The program combines foundational dance skills, natural movement, story-telling with music, and activities to promote reading-readiness. The size of the group depends upon the size of the event space. Formal activities last 45 minutes plus 15 minutes of open play time when everyone is welcome to check out the musical instruments and hands-on materials.
See the Events page for upcoming Story-Dance Times at public libraries.​​