These 90-minute classes typically consist of:
Introduction: Name games and short discussions to put participants at ease.
Warming up: Exercises for stretching, limbering, strength, co-ordination, alignment and articulation. Special attention is given to lower back and abdominals, shoulders and neck.
Movement studies: Exploring physical ideas that engage the imagination with a kinaesthetically playful attitude. Approaches through image or intention rather than demonstration…breath, soft feet, loose bones, suspension and release, etc.
Technique: Standing, with or without babies in arms, exercises enhancing foot , leg and hip articulation, postural alignment, core support, full body co-ordination and releasing unnecessary tension to find fluidity.
Dancing with babies in arms to enhance tactile connection and sensation. Awareness is on weight distribution, holding and carrying techniques to enable kinaesthetic sensations of flying and floating, inversions, descending, buoyancy, imagery, etc. This is done in line dances, circle dances, waltzing, tangoing and free form dancing around the room or in place, to Classical, and world music.
Pause: To allow social time. Sharing, feeding, changing, water, breather.
Dancing with Babies in Body Carriers:
Rhythm: Drawing from multi-cultural dance forms such as Gigue, Flamenco, Tap, Latin, East Indian, North American first people, and African, fun is had with fancy footwork.
Choreography: Learning choreographed sequences practiced together, in unison and in groups for potential performance. A performance or special event at the end of each session provides an opportunity to invite the rest of the family.
Calming techniques: Massage techniques, lullabies and moments of “just being”, to give presence and effortless availability and infuse the spirit with peace and joy.
Montreal Class Locations
Our Studios
"FAQ"
Are Montreal classes bilingual?
Yes. You are encouraged to come no matter what language you speak. Verbal language is not so significant. We focus on the body and moving.
"FAQ"
What do I need to bring?
A bottle that you can refill with water. A throw/blanket to place on the floor beneath your baby (if your baby is not locomotive), and for cleaning up various fluids if necessary. A baby carrier, for dancing with your arms free and your baby securely supported by your body. Please do not bring toys. (Except a soother, if necessary, or a chewy thing if your baby is teething). If you do not have a baby carrier or need information on baby carriers you can inquire with a babywearing consultant. We recommend: http://www.porterlavie.com/
"FAQ"
Can I take photos or videos?
We understand the desire to capture a moment and share with other loved ones. Your own cameras, or phones are not permitted in class. We engage a professional photographer during the session and you may purchase the photos at a very reasonable price. You can see some of our photos in our gallery.
"FAQ"
How old should my baby be?
Generally, this activity is ideal for you and your baby of between 4 and 12 months old. However, every dyad is different.
"FAQ"
My baby is 2 months (or less). Can I still take the class?
Yes, you can. Though, it tends to be more difficult and your participation will be limited. Each dyad is very different, so I allow for you to gauge this yourself. Often times, attendance is less regular with very young babies, so I permit you to complete a whole class series over the span of two seasons. If you register for this class and then decide, by experience, that your baby is too young or you are not ready, you can always join the next group.
"FAQ"
My child is 12 months, which class should I take?
Often, once your child has begun moving autonomously and before they are able to communicate verbally, the challenge becomes about providing a safe and encouraging environment to guiding them toward and allowing them to follow their own curiosity and process of discovery. This is a challenging phase in a group class setting. I recommend that you try both the Mom and Baby and the Parent and Child classes and decide which suits you and your child best. Every child is unique.
"FAQ"
Do we use a baby carrier?
Yes. We dance with our babies in a baby carrier for the last half of the class, unless your baby is very young (under 2 months), in which case you might use a carrier during the whole class.
"FAQ"
Do I have to have experience in dance?
No. The movements we do are geared to be easy and fluid, stimulating and enriching, regardless of level of experience. There is always a wide range of experience level from none to lots in each class.
"FAQ"
Can fathers participate?
Yes. This activity is not exclusive to mothers and fathers are most welcome too.
"FAQ"
Can I breastfeed in the class?
Yes. Those who feed on demand are welcome to do so. You can sit at the side of the room, in the middle of the room or you can breastfeed while dancing. There is a break during the class also, at which time you can feed your baby.
"FAQ"
I have had a caesarean section. Can I still do Mama dances?
Please ask your doctor about unique medical conditions. Please wait until you are certain that your healing is complete. Four months is usually recommended.
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