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OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, August 26, 2009 · 28 Kids ballroom dancing being put on the map in Oakville Have your kids ever seen the hit TV shows `So You Think You Can Dance' or `Dancing with the Stars' and completely light up? Well here is your opportunity to make their dreams come true. Blueheel Dance Studio in Downtown Oakville is introducing a new Kids Ballroom program to residents this fall. It is a program for kids aged eight to 12 who have an interest in ballroom and Latin dance. Lessons are crafted to introduce the forms and concepts of partner dancing ­ swing, cha cha, merengue, tango and waltz, etc. "This is something new in Oakville. There is nothing like this offered in Oakville or in the west end for children," President and Founder Caroline Augustin says of the new program. "It's a youthful, vibrant approach to partner dancing." The class although new to Oakville is not new to Blueheel. The studio's Mississauga location first started the Kids Ballroom class two years ago and has been pleasantly surprised by the response to such a unique class. Currently, two Juniors from the Mississauga location are participating in the Salsa Competition this August 22, at the Hansa Huas in Mississauga. This is a two-semester program, Part 1 running from September through November focuses on the Latin Syllabus (Bronze I and II), and Part 2 running from January through March focuses on the Bronze I and II Smooth Syllabus. "Our syllabus and structure is based on the internationally recognized DVIVA (Dance Vision International Dance Association) Syllabus," Caroline says. Lessons are held weekly with additional open practice sessions on Saturdays. Kids will be exposed to different rhythms and tempos of the dances they learn. They will also learn the history of the dance and how they relate to one another. During the two semesters, kids get to learn a variety of dances in a fun, engaging way, and then perform them at a series of quarterly showcases and competitions for proud parents, grandparents, family and friends to celebrate their accomplishments. "Kids are curious people, who want to explore something different," Caroline says. "They see first hand from dance challenges on TV that dance can be fast and furious, energetic and a challenge. They are being exposed to the more exciting aspects of partner dancing ­ cool choreography, stunning lifts and moves, beautiful costumes ­ and they want to be a part of the new cool." Over the last six years, Blueheel has established a reputation for excellent dance instruction and an unparalleled energy and passion for ballroom dance. The studio welcomes drop-ins on Saturday afternoons for a free dance experience. For more information on the Kids Ballroom program contact Blueheel Dance Studio at 905849-0008, visit their website www.blueheel.ca or email Caroline at caroline@blueheel.ca Ballet · Jazz · Tap · Hip Hop · Acro · Musical Theatre Director ­ Laura Dacyshyn, actra,equity,c.d.t.a. Former dancer with The National Ballet of Canada · · · · · · New 5000 sq.ft. facility with 3 oversized studios Wall to wall mirrors & sprung Harlequin floors Large change room & waiting area with viewing windows to all studios Highly qualified teachers Limited class sizes Competitive & recreational dance REGISTRATION Aug. 29 & Sept. 5 (10am -2pm) Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9,10 (2pm - 8pm) Please call for more information or to register Allegro School of Dance 2210 Speers Road, Oakville 905-815-9239 · www.allegrodance.ca Irish Dance Lessons with the Kids sign up for activity tracker (NC)--When the Virtual School Society (VSS) quietly launched its daily physical activity tracker in fall 2009 it had no idea what the response would be. A few months later with 9,000 students signed up, the small not-for-profit organization seems to have a success on its hands. In September 2008, as a means of promoting healthy, active lifestyles in school-aged children, the British Columbia government introduced daily physical activity (DPA) as a requirement for all students. Schools must provide 30 minutes of activity up to Grade 9. Students in Grades 10 to 12 have to do 150 minutes of activity per week as part of graduation requirement. The VSS promotes online education through its portal LearnNowBC to BC students with a commitment to providing access to all of the province's K-12 online courses as well as tutoring, academic and career advising and library services. As VSS' project director Lynne Masse-Danes puts it, "While we recognize technology is an incredibly powerful tool in opening up options for children in education and in life, it's also important for them to be physically fit. The DPA tracker is a way to support children and schools in the effort to increase healthy physical activity. It's perfect for all children ­ whether they're in a classroom or taking courses online and we're happy to make it available at no cost." GOGGIN-CARROLL SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE Recreational or Competitive Programs For Children ages 5 and up Accepting Dancers for our Beginner Fall Programs Classes Starting Now For More Information, call (905) 844-0333 or email barb@goggin-carroll.com or visit us on the web at www.goggin-carroll.com