earning to swim at 2 or even younger? Taking up chess or the piano at 4, cooking at 2, learning to trip the light fantastic as a toddler, “Parlez-vous Français?” for tots — and more. It seems the younger, the better, these days! Indeed, the opportunities for the youngest among us to participate in activities of almost every kind abound, and more and more often, kids are taking part in an ever-widening range of popular pastimes. Of course, options increase once the children enter school, but the number of choices available for preschoolers continues to expand. No Exception The Princeton area is no exception, with opportunities in all areas for kids of all ages. For girls and boys who like to dance, The Dance Corner in West Windsor offers a variety of dance, from ballet to tap and hip hop, as well as tumbling.
“ We h av e T i n y To t s (Mommy and Me) programs for children as young as 18 months to 2½ years,” says Director Amy DeCesare. At 3 and 4, they can also participate in Kindersteps and Creative Movement for boys and girls, and from ages 3 to 5, in Tiny Tumblers. I n add it ion to le ar n ing specific new dance or tumbling skills, The Dance Corner programs offer many other benefits, points out DeCesare. “The children learn to share, to take turns, to take instruction from another adult, and dance increases their motor skills and coordination.” Par ticipating in the classes and learning to dance has long-range consequences, she adds. “Our teachers and staff influence our students’ future far beyond just what we will observe in our classrooms and in our public performances. We must strive to assure that while we are building a passion for dance, we are also
building self-esteem and confidence in all of our dancers. That is our primary objective. Whatever the aspiration of the student, we strive to teach in a positive and nurturing environment.” Shared Experiences In addition, she points out the opportunities for making new friends. “The Dance Corner community c ro s s e s m u n i cip a l a n d school district borders, allowing our dancers to build lasting friendships with like-minded peers. Through these shared experiences with others, our students develop confidence, maturity, and independence.” Each June, an annual recital is held with optional student participation. “This is a very low key, positive, fun-fllled experience for the dancers,” says D eCes are. “Ins t r uc tors Miss Roni, Miss Amy, and the teaching staff are on stage to help guide younger students through their routines, if needed.”
In addition, The Dance Corner offers birthday parties for the children and a summer program. Being part of the community is an important part of their concept points out DeCesare. The students often per for m at f u ndraising events and share their talents at senior centers and nursing homes. In its 17 years of operation, The Dance Corner has introduced the pleasures of dance to thousands of students, from the ver y youngest to mature adults. Many of the students have prog res s ed f rom “Tiny Tots” to become accomplished dancers. Both students and their parents are enthusiastic about The Dance Corner. “Knowing nothing about dance, I walked into The Dance Corner seven years ago with twin 3-year-olds and a toddler,” notes an area parent. “Today, we are proud members of The Dance Corner Family — from set moving and backstage fun during the shows to the waiting room full of parents who have become friends. “Moreover, the small shy
in Princeton Co-Op Nursery School Co-Op Nursery School Fall Openings: Register Now! 2 through 5½ year-olds Register Now! 2, Fall 3, 4 Openings: & 5 year-old in Princeton Co-Op Nursery School in Princeton Co-Op Nursery School 2 through 5½ year-olds (609) 921-0489 in Princeton Register Now! Register Now! 2, 3, 4classes & 5 year-old Register Now! 609-921-0489 in Princeton Co-Op Nursery School Register Now! (609) 921-0489 Register Now! 2, 3, 4 & 5 year-old Fall Openings: (609) 921-0489 in Princeton Register Now! 609-921-0489 (609) 921-0489 classes • Afternoon Programs •NEW! Mommy & Me 2,609-921-0489 3,class 4 Enrichment & 5 year-old Register Now! Fall Openings: (609) 921-0489 Fall Openings: classes • Playground Extended Day Options Available •State-of-the-Art classes Fall Openings: (609) 921-0489 • Afternoon Enrichment Programs •NEW! Mommy & Me class 2, 3, 4 & 5 year-old 2, 3, 4 & 5 year-old • Bright and Spacious Classrooms Fall Openings: •NEW! & MePrograms class Extended Day Available Afternoon Enrichment •NEW! Mommy &•• Playground Me class 2, 3, 4Mommy & 5Options year-old •Enrichment Program •State-of-the-Art classes Huge playground and nature classes Fall Openings: •State-of-the-Art Playground 2, 3, 4Mommy & 5Options year-old • Bright and Spacious Classrooms Extended Day Available •NEW! & Me class •State-of-the-Art Playground classes preserve for outdoor exploration •Enrichment Program •Music and Fitness Class •NEW! Mommy & Me class •Enrichment Program 2, 3, 4 & 5 year-old • Bright Huge playground and nature classes andMommy Spacious Classrooms •State-of-the-Art Playground •Music and Fitness Class •NEW! & Me class •State-of-the-Art Playground •Enrichment Program preserve for outdoor exploration •Enrichment Program •Music and Fitness Class •NEW! Mommy & Me class • Huge playground and nature •State-of-the-Art Playground Serving the communityServing since 1958 •Enrichment Program theclasses community since 1958 •Music and Fitness Class •State-of-the-Art Playground preserve for outdoor exploration •Enrichment Program and Fitness Class •Music and Fitness •Music Class •NEW! Mommy & Me class Serving the communityServing since 1958 •Enrichment Program theand community since 1958 •Music Fitness Class •State-of-the-Art Playground Serving the community since 1958 •Music and Fitness Class Serving the communityServing since 1958 •Enrichment Program the community since 1958 Serving theand community since 1958 •Music Fitness Class
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