They jumped, they twirled, they stood on their heads. A hop here, a leap there, a display of acrobatics in between.
Footworks Dance Academy had eager dancers bending over backwards, literally, with a smile during their summer Fun in Dance camp last week.
This year the three-day camp had almost 100 dancers. Though they were successful last year as well with about 70, a total of 96 campers came out this time around.
“It was amazing. We had an awesome year for dance camp,” said Footworks owner and director Irene Widdup. “It was nice to see the numbers, and that interest in the community.”
The dancers were separated into six groups, depending on age. The 2-3 year olds, 4-5 year olds, and 6-8 year olds danced in the morning, with the 9-11 year olds, 12-13 year olds, and 14-17 year olds in the afternoon.
The camp works to expose participants to all different types and forms of dance. Widdup said this is an opportunity for them to try a little bit of everything, so they can see what they enjoy. It also allows for creativity, exercise and of course, fun.
Dancers aged 2-3 had shorter, themed sessions. The 2-3 year olds were themed “Jungle Fever” while the 4-5 year olds had a “Safari Adventures” theme. Older groups however had much longer camp days that were split into different styles.
The days began with stretching and core conditioning. Once everyone was warmed up and ready to go, the real fun began. Dancers learned about jazz and acrobatics, ballet and lyrical, hip hop, and musical theatre and tap.
The 12-14 year olds also had a contemporary dance session, which Widdup said is very different and artistic.
The camp is particularly proud of their acrobatics program, which they were certified for about two years ago. Widdup said it has really opened up a whole other dynamic to the studio.
“When they’re working towards their walkovers, it’s like a cool trick they can do. I think that’s why they like it,” added another instructor, Dehla Huff. “Because they have something of their own that they worked for.”
Widdup said many of the children had never danced before, and the instructors were all impressed with their ability to learn and keep up with the students who had dancing experience.
For those with experience, especially from other studios, this was a chance for them to be exposed to a different dancing environment, and new styles, teachers, choreography, and surroundings.
The groups had the opportunity to showcase their routines to an audience of proud parents on the final camp day. Moms, dads and siblings packed into the studio for front row seats.
Cheers and applause erupted as the dancers strutted their stuff during the hip hop routine, and moved their feet swiftly to a tap dance. The studio was silent as the audience watched the contemporary performance, where dancers traveled their own artistic journey with sheer white scarves.
Although learning and improving dancing skills is important, Widdup said it isn’t the only focus of the camp. The instructors also focus on making sure the dancers build a fellowship amongst each other in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.
Instructors wanted each camper walked away from the camp with more confidence in themselves, and the feeling they can accomplish anything if they set their minds to it.
Widdup said she hopes all her dancers left with new material, a good feeling about themselves, and a love for dance.
“We are devoted to building friendships, confidence and self esteem,” said Widdup. “I’ve always strived to teach the kids that they’re not just learning to dance here, they’re learning to become people. They have to learn to get along, they’re working as a team, they have to be positive.”
