Classes » Preschool
Preschool classes
Since 2001, we've been inspiring a love of dance in local preschoolers through fun, engaging classes designed especially for young children. Our programmes nurture physical, social, emotional, creative, and cognitive development in a safe, supportive, and joyful environment. With over 20 years of experience teaching preschool dancers in Wānaka and 8 years in Cromwell, we offer 3 carefully designed programmes for little dancers from 18 months of age.
- Tiny Dancers & Caregivers (18mths - 4yrs)
- Sparkles (3 - 4yrs)
- Lil Stars Ballet (4yrs)
Tiny Dancer & Caregivers
Suited for 18 months to 4 years, these classes are structured for our tiniest dancers and their caregiver. This is a great way to bond with your child in a safe and positive atmosphere. Focusing on play, rhythm and interaction, this class will appeal to a child's sense of play, improving fine and and gross motor skills and communication through dance. Incorporating numerous props, characters and stories, both boys and girls alike will adore while bonding with you!
Additional preschoolers in your family are welcome to join in, or play/sleep in the studio. Strollers are welcome.
WHEN CAN WE START ? Classes run on Friday mornings in Wanaka.
Choose either a Single Drop In class, 5 Class Punch Card for flexibility, or Term of weekly classes for weekly attendance & extra savings. Register & enrol online here.
Sparkles
Suited for independent 3 to 4.5 year olds who love to dance. Sparkles is a carefully designed preschool programme that aims to build confidence and expose students to different styles of music and movement. This stimulating 30 minute weekly dance class incorporates foundation dance skills in an engaging, age appropriate, & fun way.
Your child will learn to :
- Develop confidence, coordination & body awareness
- Encourage enjoyment of dance & musicality
- Explore imaginative themes & be creative
- Learn foundation dance skills (eg learn to skip, hop, leap)
- Gain listening & group skills, and readiness for school
- Weekly classes provide continuity & progression
Typically classes commence with a welcome song, action dances, introductory technique, traveling skills, and concludes with a themed short dance for parents & bow/curtsey. Props and musical instruments are also incorporated into the class. Class ends with a stamp on a personalised sticker chart.
In Sparkles classes your child will dance with a group of other similarly aged children and a teacher. Parents can view the full class though large windows in the waiting room and invited in near the end of class.
WHEN CAN WE START ? Sparkles classes run Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday mornings in Wanaka, and on Saturdays in Cromwell.
WHAT TO WEAR : There is no set uniform, but clothing should allow the teacher to see children's arms & legs. Children can wear soft soled shoes (eg ballet shoes) or bare feet is fine. No socks-only please, as they may slip on the floor. Hair should be tied up & no jewellery please.
Sparkles dancers are invited to perform in 2 magical public performances at the Lake Wanaka Centre each year.
Choose a Single Trial or Term of weekly classes. For most classes you can join in immediately.
Lil Stars Ballet
Tiny Stars Ballet lessons is a carefully designed ballet class for 4 year olds. Suitable for preschoolers who have been attending Sparkles for 12mths & ready for more progression. The class includes an introduction to classical ballet through the use of lots of fun imaginative mime & stories, appreciation of classical music, and lots of fun props such as scarves, feathers, musical instruments & fairy wings. The prerequisite skills are hopping & skipping.
There is a set uniform that can be purchased from the studios. This includes a white ballerina tutu, pink socks & ballet shoes.
Dancers are invited to appear and perform in 2 magical public performances each year.
WHEN CAN WE START? Stars Ballet classes run on Friday & Saturday mornings in Wanaka.
WHAT TO WEAR : White ballerina tutu, pink socks & pink ballet flats, or white tee, black shorts & white ballet flats.
Choose a Single Trial or Term of weekly classes. You will be able to join in immediately.
TRIAL A CLASS - how it works >
Turning 5... the next step
From 5 years, dancers can choose to move up to one of the following classes
I need guidance before booking a trial >
Parent testimonials :
My daughter has been with Dance Wanaka since she was 4 years old, in that time she has developed from a child who had anxiety going to class into a confident dancer who loves to be on stage. She has picked up two more classes with Dance Wanaka and is absolutely thriving. Anna and her team provide outstanding support and development both in group classes and private lessons. The classes are fun, engaging and social. Anna puts the upmost care into fostering a love of dance from day one and I am so grateful for my daughter to be a part of such a positive community. - Hope P (Parent)
My 3 year old loves the Sparkles preschool dance classes. Everyday she wakes up asking - when can we go to dance? Thank you for your exciting and inspiring classes for my daughter. - K.W (parent)