Shining the spotlight on Amy
“...Amy has learnt how to express herself through storytelling and also uses her imagination to create stories. Every time she dances, she creates a full story with a beginning, middle and end.”
CASE STUDY - AMY 4.5YRS
Amy’s parents, Charlie and Magdalena, first had an inkling that their daughter would love ballet when they noticed her watching classical ballet on TV and staring at the dancers, trying to imitate their complex moves.
“This is when we decided to send Amy to ballet school,” says Charlie. “As this was to be her first structured class (outside of day care), we were looking for a class that would be enjoyable for a child from an early age, as Amy was just 3 years old at the time.”
Charlie and Magdalena were attracted to Big Steps Little Feet because they felt Amy would have fun and also learn the techniques of ballet and creativity.
Since commencing, Amy now watches the ballet on TV and can see the technique she has been learning used in the concerts she watches.
“She spends at least 30-60 minutes four nights a week dancing to classical music, telling her own stories with says Charlie. “She also practices the ballet moves she learns Big Steps Little Feet, such as the ballet positions, pointe and ballet skip, and does her stretches.”
As a parent, Charlie says he enjoys watching Amy dancing and seeing how she integrates technique with acting, storytelling and creativity.
“At the classes, I have been quite impressed watching Kate with the kids, using a lot of storytelling scenarios to teach the technique and making learning fun,” he says. “I have been able to pick a few tricks and use these myself when spending time with Amy.”
Charlie says that Amy has learnt how to express herself through storytelling and also uses her imagination to create stories. “Every time she dances, she creates a full story with a beginning, middle and end,” he says.
Amy says she loves the dancing, music and dressing up in her ballet class. “It makes us very happy to see her dance, and doing something she loves,” says Charlie.
Charlie and Magdalena also wanted Amy to understand the structure of lessons and programs on a regular basis. Since taking part in Big Steps Little Feet, it has now become much easier to schedule Amy to take part in other regular structured activities such as weekly swimming class.
“The results we have seen since Amy has commenced at Big Steps Little Feet have been amazing,” says Charlie.
“We are very impressed with her progress, especially given she is only 4.5 years old. The staff are very dedicated, passionate, diligent and reliable, and Amy looks forward to every session.”
