Y We Dance
The YMCA is leading the way in providing and empowering the language of DANCE to the youth of New Zealand. Through dance and music the YMCA provides a platform from which we can reach the hearts and minds of students encouraging them to not only be brave, proud and independent, but to also feel self pride and satisfaction. The Wanganui YMCA continually strives to:
- be a leader in providing dance awareness to the Wanganui and National community,
- to give the youth of Wanganui the chance to enhance their confidence, teamwork, respect and enjoyment of Life, and
- spread the message that “To dance is a privilege, never a burden nor a chore, but a gift.”
The Y we Dance programme of the YMCA Wanganui’s mission is to utilize the power of music and dance to create unity and togetherness providing fun and enjoyment for all. In alignment with the YMCA’s mission and purpose Y we Dance operates from the foundation that dance has no barriers, no limits, no set rules or structure, dance is … FREEDOM, self expression, self interpretation. Dance only has the limits that you, me or we put on it. Dance energises the imagination. Music and Dance provides a positive outlet that filters and enhances skills that link to our everyday routine and facets in life, such as health, sport, fitness, body movement, driving, agility, control, timing, co-ordination and more. You can dance on the inside as much as the physical outside, dancing is achieved as much with your eyes and personality as with your body.
The Y We Dance Programme is provided in schools as part of curriculum activities and after school in a dedicated YMCA Dance Facility. During the school holidays, Dance Camps give students the opportunity to take part in a programme that is exciting, challenging and innovative. The programme teaches many extra skills such as cultural appreciation, communication and teambuilding. Dance is a tool that centres on body movement, control, balance, timing and co-ordination, health and fitness. Dance supports all these facets not only on the dance floor but in all situations in life.
The Y we Dance target group is 5 to 17 year olds male & females. Starting from school age the children can progressively move from beginners through to the advanced class. The Y we Dance programme encourages and promotes a positive attitude toward performing in front of younger students, other children, teachers, parents, and the wider community. This will reward them with an incredible sense of achievement and pride. We currently have three classes running for juniors 5 to 8yr, beginners 9 to13yrs, and advance 9 to 13yrs.
Children are offered the opportunity to attend Dance Camps held during the school holidays. Here the children spend a week learning to work together as a group performing their dances plus experiencing other recreation activities i.e.: Movies, Park or Beach visits etc.
The YMCA is also available for other workshops such as:
- Junior DANCE-FUN workshop (a fun introduction to dance, great for small kids)
- School disco (helps to run school discos).
- Staff Dance Team building workshop, a lot of fun and a good ole Boogie
- Dance workshops can be flexible and personalised to suit your needs