Little Hoppers
For ages 3 – 9
Little Hoppers will no longer be holding module-based courses in 2023. Our courses will be replaced by seasonal holiday dance programmes. Join our mailing list to receive updates on our activities!
OUR DANCE TRAINERS
Distinct Creative Arts (DCA) is a social enterprise that uses dance as a powerful tool to educate, engage, and empower – every week, we reach out to thousands of youths, including many who are marginalised or at-risk. Beyond coaching them in dance fundamentals in school, we also provide them with a platform to train and perform together with the DCA team. Through this platform, we personally mentor and groom the next generation, giving our dancers the opportunity to carve a career for themselves out of their dance education. At DCA, we are all about Making Lives Count.
DCA OBJECTIVES
- To use dance as a medium to instil values and develop character in our students. DCA upholds discipline, teamwork, respect, humility, and tenacity.
- To connect with and empower youths-at-risk. We strive to nurture a strong sense of purpose and belonging, in a place of good influence.
- To further expose our students through yearly events such as dance camps, competitions, and external performances.
- To provide opportunities for instructors and mentors to extend the aesthetic and educational values of the arts to our students.
DCA CORE VALUES
DCA firmly believes in and prioritises character development. Nurturing talent goes hand-in-hand with instilling values in our students. It is not about how far one can go with his dance ability, but rather how far one’s character can take him. Most of all, DCA values the shaping of lives through dance.
Our Vision is to see our students grow from the values and life experiences we share with them into successful individuals who contribute to society.
Why does Gateway believe in dance?
Dance Grooms Leaders.
Physical Health Benefits of Dance for Young Children
Dance is indeed a great option for exercise, but there are other educational and social benefits too.
Engaging in dance at an early age allows children to attain a greater range of movement and coordination. Through repeated dance and movement, children develop their kinaesthetic memory which will help them in their studies and every day activities. Dance also improves strength and endurance from an early age, which is necessary for a child’s physical development and level of fitness.
- Improved condition of heart and lungs
- Increased muscular strength, endurance and aerobic fitness
- Better coordination
- Better agility
- Better flexibility
- Healthy blood pressure
- Improved overall balance
- Improved spatial awareness
- Constructive use of excess energy
Social, Interpersonal and Educational Benefits of Dance for Young Children
The benefits of dance extend to social and educational benefits too. They include bettering you child’s social interactions, improved imagination, ability to explore and express emotions through the storytelling of dance as well as learning to be vulnerable and overcoming fears. As dance is conducted in big groups children learn how to adapt and communicate with people of different cultures and backgrounds. Relationships are formed and the ability to trust is imparted. Understanding the dynamics of teamwork is impressed upon children at a young age. They must learn to listen, take instructions, be patient and practice cooperation.
- Increased overall physical confidence
- Improved general and psychological wellbeing
- Greater self-confidence
- Greater self-esteem
- Greater self-motivation
- Mentally “braver”
- Improved mental dexterity
- Better social skills
- Perseverance
- Teaches discipline
Confidence – Studies have proven that self-confidence in children who study dance can improve up to 80% through prolonged training. Confidence and bravery is a life-skill that directly improves through dance.
Body Language – It’s important for young children to understand that communication happens both verbally and non-verbally. Interpretation is a way of life. Dance will teach a child how to express physically more complex emotions and how to read and react when someone else is physically emoting.
Becoming a dancer – Some children have a natural flair for dance. Dance classes will identify their skill and progress their talent. Dancing is a lucrative career for many!
