ROCKWALL, TX (June 24, 2014) After two weeks of practice, the girls in the JER Chilton YMCA summer ballet classes had a chance to perform for their families in a recital last Saturday.
The little ballerinas twirled in tune to “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Love is an Open Door” from the hit movie Frozen. Cardboard cutouts of the characters Anna, Elsa, and Olaf and a variety of Christmas trees set the stage for frosty fun.
YMCA Dance Instructor ShaRee Harris said she chose a Frozen theme because her own family loves the movie.
“I have 2 daughters, and I love how the movie talks about true love between siblings instead of finding love and self worth in a Prince Charming,” she said.
Harris said the girls had six dance classes to learn the routines: three classes for the first routine and three for the second routine. The girls were put into categories by age, with 2-4-year-olds in one class and 5-9-year-olds in the other.
Valeska Wanke said two of her three daughters, Heidi and Irene, participated in this session of ballet and loved it. She said if more classes became available, she would definitely sign her girls up again, this time with their younger sister as well.
“Heidi used to go to a ballet academy in Richardson, but it was too far for us since we live in Rowlett,” Wanke said. “The YMCA classes offered her the opportunity to keep practicing her ballet skills and introduce Irene to this beautiful art. If they open more sessions during summer, I would definitely sign them up.”
Harris said this was her first time to teach dance at the YMCA, but she has been involved there since she was 15. She said the most rewarding part of the experience has been working with the young girls.
“They are all so sweet, and they love when an adult shows interest in things they love,” she said. “I also love working for the Y, where Christian values are upheld. The Y is great about the way they teach activities to young kids; they want the kids to learn proper technique and gain new skills, but the classes are for everyone no matter what your level of talent may be. It’s a place where everyone gets a chance to shine.”
By Julie Anne White, Blue Ribbon News staff writer/reporter.
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