by Diana Pasquini, San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center and Shari Brookler, Dance Instructor

Young dancers are invited to attend classes taught by dancer/movement specialist/choreographer Shari Brookler at the San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center.  “A dancer at heart, Shari began dancing as a young girl in her bedroom, grocery store aisles, and just about everywhere. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BFA in dance. In 1999 she formed Dreams in Motion, a dance company that created works for the stage and also worked with youth in pursuing their dreams through art, dance, dialogue, writing and game playing. Shari earned her MFA in choreography and performance from CSU Long Beach where she taught both Modern Dance and Pilates. Following the completion of her Masters degree, she danced and choreographed for the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company. Since moving to the Ridge in 2008 she has taught dance to both adults and children, choreographed several dances, and has had the pleasure of teaching dance at Art Camp.

Ever curious about the wonders of the human body, Shari continues to expand and deepen her knowledge through her dance, Pilates, and massage practice. She enjoys sharing what she knows and helping people discover a deeper sense of bodily awareness, self-expression, and joy through movement.”

Creative Dance & Movement for 3-5 year olds

3-3:30pm on Mondays - Feb 12 & 26 and March 5, 12 & 19

“Boys and girls 3-5 years old are invited to explore the realm of creative movement. This class provides opportunities for children to express their inherent creativity and imagination through movement. Children will be introduced to the various elements of movement learning how their bodies move within different spatial, time, and qualitative structures. The emphasis will be on both creative movement and fundamental movement skills.”

Dance Fun for 8-12 year olds

3:45-4:45pm on Mondays – Feb 12 & 26 and March 5, 12 & 19

“We will explore the realm of creative movement, learn fundamental dance technique and dance fun choreography. This class will provide opportunities for children to express themselves creatively and explore the world of movement while learning about the various elements of movement. Boys and girls will be introduced to concepts of formal dance basics and some terminology. We will also learn FUN choreography that stimulates the brain-body connection and helps students become more expressive dancers.”

All young dancers must be pre-enrolled to attend this class. A $5 donation per class ($25 per session) is requested when registering; and scholarships are available if needed. For more information, or to enroll your young dancer(s), please call 292-3174 or visit the San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center, 18847 Oak Tree Road.