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 ages 3-8 in three formats: multi-week sessions, school-year programs, and summer sessions. Dates, times, fees, and locations (in-person and virtual) are listed for each class below.
The Events page lists free family programs held at public libraries and other community spaces.
Dance & Yoga Storytime
Ages 3-5
A fun and creative introduction to dance. In a structured and playful learning environment, children practice movement skills derived from yoga, ballet, and various other dance forms. Story-telling with books, music, and creative movement enhances the development of self-expression and musicality. Rhythm instruments and handmade costume pieces and dance props are used
throughout the class.
Date/Time: TBA
Location: TBA
Dance Move Create
Ages 5-6
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 movement nurture self-expression, discovery, and making choices. Incorporating props and costume pieces, class members perform teacher/student-generated story dances together
Date/Time: TBA
Location: TBA
Build-a-Ballet
Ages 6-8
Creativity and technique are blended in a fun and challenging class that refines musicality, flexibility, balance, and control. Students study basic ballet technique through stories and music explorations, tapping into their creative expression. This class enhances children’s cognitive abilities as they learn and create dance combinations.
Date/Time: TBA
Location: TBA
Dance with Hoops & Loops
Ages 6-8
Students explore movement concepts and develop dance skills, strengthening their bodies and brains. Creativity is nurtured as we learn, create, and improvise choreography using handmade dance props called, Hoops & Loops. Collaboration is encouraged with partners or small groups, to create dances using fundamentals of choreography, as well as music and sound explorations.
Date/Time: TBA
Location: TBA