I was teaching class tonight and it was a challenging class. Lots of various needs amongst the students from a little one with a troubled home, to another who was struggling to fit in socially and the rest well they were just tired and ratty. I had pulled out all my tools of the trade to get through, from using fun aids like therabands & yoga blocks, making games of steps, lots of imagery, and a couple of my daggy jokes. I was exhausted and glad to get to improvisation, our favourite time at the end of class. I love it and often join in, we flit, float, leap, bourree, pose and just plain old dance like no one is watching. This particular class I did not join in, I sat and watched. I watched as my little treasures told their own story, expressed their own desires and sparkled in their own way. I caught the eye of one of my little dancers, one who had been particularly struggling earlier in the class. Her eyes twinkled, she was free. She smiled, I smiled. She knows what I know. Dance is freedom, an escape from the world. Even if it is fleeting it is a recharge, a reset and a chance to reconnect with yourself, mind, body & spirit. Better than any therapy.

PSD is a dynamic little dance studio and peninsula business with successful community and business connections. Learn more about us at www.peninsuladance.com.au

A celebration of a boutique dance school’s family friendly community. Miss Melanie shares her passion, skill and knowledge in nurturing young dancers as they express themselves through the joy of dance. Offering tips, how-to’s, a dance teachers reflections and connections with the on-line dance community. Peninsula School of Dance is located on Australia’s Mornington Peninsula.

Melanie Gard is a respected Licentiate with Cecchetti Ballet, an affiliate of the Australian Teachers of Dance and the Director of the Peninsula School of Dance. www.peninsuladance.com.au