Youth Center offers classes for children to 'dance the day away'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman S.I. Fielder
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody's Youth Center gives children the opportunity to develop their "moves on the dance floor." 

A variety of dance classes are currently offered at the center's gymnasium for Team Moody members older than the age of 3. 

"These classes teach children a new set of skills and discipline in a fun atmosphere," said Beth Rybin, Youth Center program assistant. 

The Youth Center offers a beginning dancers class for 3 and 4 year olds that teaches the basic styles of dance. 

"This class allows children to develop themselves socially, physically and emotionally in a fun atmosphere while teaching them the basics of a variety of dance styles," said Ms. Rybin. 

For older children interested in learning how to dance or who want to sharpen their skills, several different classes are offered weekly at the Youth Center. No matter what style the dance class covers, all the instructors try to maintain a fun atmosphere for learning. 

"If the children are not having fun, then they may not want to attend the class," said Chanel Muse, class instructor who has more than 15 years of ballet experience. "Most of the girls in my class, however, come because they just want to be ballerinas." 

While these aspiring ballerinas learn the basics, they also get the chance to make new friends. 

"My daughter Destiny was always very shy, so I signed her up for the class to bring her out of the shyness," said Emma Phillips, wife of Staff Sgt. Damian Phillips. "My daughter has so much fun at the class with all the other children." 

No matter what class interests the child, it provides a safe environment to make new friends and show off their talents, said Ms. Rybin. 

"These classes are great to teach children all different types of dance moves," said Ms. Rybin. "It doesn't matter what age the child is, the classes will challenge every level of dancer to become better. 

Children are allowed to try the classes one time for free to see if they like it before paying the course fee, she continued.

- The Pre-Dance class, for children who are 3 and 4, costs $20 per month and is held Mondays from 5-5:30 p.m., or Saturday from 10-10:30 a.m. 

- For aspiring ballerinas who are 5 and 6, a ballet class is scheduled from 10:45-11:45 a.m. Saturdays. The cost is $35 per month. 

- A Ballet/Tap Class is held from 5:45-7:15 p.m. Mondays for children 7 to 9. It teaches children the basics of ballet and tap, and costs $45 per month. 

- The Dance Combo class is scheduled from noon -1:30 p.m. Saturdays and teaches children over the age of 6 to become better dancers. It costs $45 per month. For more information, call 257-3067.