Sebby Elliot

There is a certain stigma surrounding boys and dance classes, even more so little boys attending ballet classes, luckily for my son Sebastian, who at time of writing is 21 months old, I have no qualms about him attending, and very very very much enjoying a toddler ballet class! If it was called a "Music Group" I'm sure it would not worry quite so many Dads, and a few Mums too, that it would be inappropriate for a boy to attend.

 I did say when I first started writing this blog last week, that there would be occasions on which the topics I would write about would be somewhat irrelevant to a lot of people, and this is one such post as it's only really of great significance to those with pre-school children in East Kent, however, for those particular people I hope this proves to be a valuable pile of words!

Sophie Court is a fully qualified dance teacher, and Mum to a son and daughter, and has been teaching various forms of dance to children and adults for over a decade. Her pre-school ballet classes, "Tiny Toes" for 18months to 3 years, and "Mini Movers" for 3-4 year olds, are held in Canterbury, Ashford, Faversham and Whitstable, and prove incredibly popular. I shall include a time table of current classes at the end of this post along with contact details for Sophie for those who'd be interested in letting their children have a go.

Lasting around 45 minutes, a class includes singing and participation in nursery rhymes and children’s songs, from The Grand Old Duke of York and Heads, Shoulders Knees and Toes, to new and exciting rhymes that incorporate flags, ribbons and even superheroes made form stripy socks! The classes encourage parent participation and this isn't a "drop and run" group, but for parents it's a great way to not only have fun with your child/ren but to meet other parents with children of a similar age. Children are taught basic ballet principles too (which differ slightly for boys and girls) and whilst children can wear as much ballet-specific clothing as they want (ballet shoes, ballet skirts etc.) Sebastian wears a pair of cotton trousers, T shirt and socks - and doesn't look out of place, although in his particular class he is the only little boy!

As well as being fun, ballet, dance and movement are great ways to not only encourage a healthier lifestyle for your preschool children, but to develop their coordination, rhythm, musicality and strength as well. I can certainly say that Seb and I look forward to our Thursday morning class so much all week, and miss it during the school holidays!

Sophie offers a 3-week no obligation trial so that parents and children can see what goes on in a class and to gage whether or not it's something they'd like to do regularly. A three week trial is just £10 - we did this and after our first lesson there was no doubt that we'd be staying on after the trial finished!

Usually classes are £4.50 and payable in advance each half term (so it works out at about £25.00 per half term depending on where the holidays fall).

Tiny Toes and Mini Movers are term time only classes.

To book a three week trial with Sophie, either for Tiny Toes (18m - 3y) or Mini Movers (3-4y) please email

justdance-sophie@hotmail.co.uk

You are welcome to let her know that you found out about the classes from Ashleigh & Sebastian!

Classes are at the following times and locations, however Sophie will be able to advise you on which classes have spaces at present:

Monday
Kennington Tiny Toes 10am
Mini Movers 10.45am
...
Tuesday
Faversham Tiny Toes 10am
Mini Movers 10.45am

Thanington Tiny Toes 1.15pm
Mini Movers 2pm

...

Thursday
Tyler Hill Tiny Toes 10am
Mini Movers 10.45am

Friday

Whitstable Tiny Toes 10.15am
Mini Movers 11am

Park Farm Tiny Toes 1pm
Mini Movers 1.45pm